Dr. Deb Bialeschki
After twenty years as a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, lifelong camper Deb Bialeschki, Ph.D., joined the ACA national staff as a senior researcher. She has been an active member of ACA for over twenty-eight years and served on the National Board of Directors, chaired the Standards Commission, and served in various research roles.

Linda Ebner Erceg, RN, MS, PHN
Linda first headed off to camp in 1969 and hasn’t stop since. She currently works as a year-round camp professional with two organizations; she’s the Associate Director of Health & Risk Management for Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, MN, and the Executive Director of the Association of Camp Nurses. Linda’s research interests include studying trends in camp injuries and illnesses, developing programs that address camp risk areas, and promoting camp as an environment that builds wellness resiliency in both campers and staff.

Dr. Barry Garst
Barry A. Garst, Ph.D., is the Director of Research Application on ACA's national staff. Before joining ACA, Barry was an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in 4-H youth development at Virginia Tech. Barry has worked in residential camp settings in administrative and programmatic positions, and is currently active in the ACA Virginias Section as a Standards Visitor and Instructor. Barry's research interests include the multiple meanings of nature-based experiences and the youth development outcomes of the camp experience.

Dr. Karla Henderson
Volunteer (through spring 2008)
Karla Henderson, Ph.D., is the Chair of CARE and is professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. As a member of ACA for almost thirty years, she has served on numerous section committees as well as on the ACA Publications and Education Committees.

Dr. Jeff Jacobs
Volunteer (through spring 2010; second term)
Jeff Jacobs, Ph.D., is as an assistant professor at Cal Poly State University. His research and teaching focus has been outdoor and camp leadership, adventure travel, and sense of community. Jeff has served as a summer camp director for the past thirteen summers, continues to lead adventure trips, and is often the biggest kid at camp.

Dr. Jon Malinowski
Volunteer (through spring 2009; second term)
Jon Malinowski, Ph.D., is associate professor of geography at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York. A camp consultant, photographer, and staff trainer, he is co-author (with Chris Thurber) of The Summer Camp Handbook and has conducted research on children's environmental preferences in camp settings.

Dr. Christopher Thurber
Volunteer (through spring 2010)
Christopher Thurber, Ph.D., is the school psychologist at Phillips Exeter Academy, a coeducational boarding school in New Hampshire. Last summer was his twenty eight at the camp where he grew up and now serves as waterfront director. Chris is a professional staff trainer and the creator of numerous online video training modules. His research interests include homesickness and children's adjustment to separation.