Austin Sunshine Camps

Jenny Stucky, Executive Director

She relocated to Austin from Anchorage Alaska and worked in Youth Development programs for 13 years; most recently with Campfire USA.  She brings with her extensive knowledge in the design, development, management and oversight of after school programs, camps and the Summer Food Program.  She also led two after school programs through the national after school association accreditation processes.

Carol Thomas, Development Director

A social entrepreneure with over 20 years experience in the non profit arena, Carols fundraising expertise covers a wide range of social service organizations.  From early childhood and higher education to the cultural arts, to emergency food and shelter. As a fundraiser, Carol believes that the main goal of a socially oriented organization is to further public service goals which in many ways makes it comparable to private enterprise and its revenue generating efforts.

Margaret Marucci, Program Director:

I have been working with Austin Sunshine Camps for more than 20 years and I still love the relationships we are able to develop with the year round program participants.  I fell in love with the impact we can have on the lives of the kids we work with.  I still enjoy the variety of work and diversity of the people with whom I come in contact.  I am still able to grow and learn from the kids as well as teach them important life lessons.  My reward is being here to see them develop into successful, productive members of society with a desire to give back.

Margaret has a BA in Human Science with a teaching certificate from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Constance Hill, Sunrise Challenge Manager:

As a kid I watched my older brothers and sister go off to camp every year. I had to wait seven years for my turn and finally the opportunity arrived! I was hooked from the beginning and became a summer regular. From there, I entered the Leadership program and worked as a Junior Counselor. After graduating high school, I again was filled with excitement about becoming a counselor. I have always had a passion for kids and felt obligated to give back to our community, therfore; I never left. As the Challenge Manager, I have watched the program evolve over the years.  We have experimented with different activities to kep the students engaged.  These activities include education, the environment and social skills all wrapped in a ball of fun.  As we've improved the program, our participation has also improved.  The smiles I see and laughter I hear from the kids still feeds my love for this job.  I am currently trasnferring to a four year University for a degree in Education.  I'm a strong believer in this program and love watching it grow!

Ramey Hees, Operations Manager

I began my work with the Austin Sunshine Camps in Septmeber 2010. Prior to this I held several positions within the field of Parks and Recreation. I have always enjoyed working with children and I am excited about the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of the children in Austin.

Ramey has a BS in Recreation Administration from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Old Dominion University in Virginia

Michelle Porst, Development Manager:

I have always believed that non profits do societies most important work.  And that committing myself to the work of non profits is how I will make my difference in this world.  Children aren’t given a choice before they begin life.  Therefore, it feels like our social responsibility to make sure that all children have an opportunity to be the best that they can be.  I look forward to working with Austin Sunshine Camps to show kids that dreams can become a reality.  I’m honored to be a part of this team!

Michelle graduated from the Univeristy of Texas with a B.s in Public Relations.  Before coming to Austin Sunshine Camps she worked with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and CASA of Travis County.

Julie Otsuki, Financial Manager

I spent the first ten years of my career working for CPA firms which provided me with great experience but it didn't feed my soul.  That's when I realized that working for non profits gave me the opportunity to do the job I'm good at while advancing a cause I believe in.  Our youth are this country's greatest assest and I feel fortunate to be a part of an organization that has been assisting youth in becoming productive citizens for more than 100 years.

Derek Alvarado, Program Assistant

I am originally from California and I received my Bachelor’s degree in Economics at California State University, Pomona. During my studies I focused primarily on labor economics and the economics of inequality. Shortly after graduation, I joined a traveling circus of political campaigns that took me across the country several times, helping candidates get elected to various positions. I became very experienced in program execution and volunteer management. I decided to dedicate myself to non profits after volunteering to help build homes for impoverished communities in Argentina.  I'm happy to know that I go to work everyday in a place where we are making a difference in the lives of youth.