Meet the Camp JCC Team
Kate-Lynn Cipolla
Director of Camp JCC
Kate-Lynn has been a dedicated part of the camp team since 2017, growing through the ranks to her current role as Camp JCC Director. Her leadership journey at the Simon Family JCC includes stepping up as a Unit Head in 2021, serving as Assistant Camp Director in 2025, and earning her promotion as Camp Director in 2026. Her educational background heavily supports her leadership in youth development.
She graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Leadership and a minor in Psychology, balancing her studies alongside five years of working as a special education teacher assistant for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She is currently continuing her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs.
Outside of work, Kate-Lynn loves finding inspiration on Pinterest and taking walks on the beach. For her, both the beach and camp are places of great joy, with her absolute favorite part of the job being the magic of planning special events and watching the campers' excitement when those plans come to life. Some of her most cherished camp memories include the incredible energy of the Camp JCC Gala and the annual Lip Sync performances from this past summer in 2026.
Contact Kate-Lynn: 757-321-2306, klcipolla@ujft.org
Christine Carnahan
Camp JCC Manager
Christine joined the Simon Family JCC in April 2026, bringing an extensive background in management and community engagement to her role as Day Camp Manager. Originally from Virginia Beach, she most recently managed the Book Exchange Red Mill, where she spent years cultivating a deep connection with the local community. During her time there, she was instrumental in developing outreach initiatives and literacy programs in collaboration with local schools. This experience translates directly into her work with our youth programming and curriculum development at the JCC.
Her professional background in retail management provided her with a strong foundation in logistics and leadership, ensuring that our day camp operations run smoothly and effectively. Christine’s ability to bridge the gap between organizational structure and community-focused service is a significant asset to our leadership team.
In her free time, Christine finds inspiration through her hobbies, which align closely with the creative and active spirit of camp. She is an avid crafter who enjoys the process of bringing new projects to life and spends her weekends exploring local trails on hikes. A lifelong reader, she continues to find joy in discovering new stories. Christine’s favorite part of being the Day Camp Manager is the opportunity to see the campers engage with new activities, finding great fulfillment in witnessing their growth and excitement throughout the summer.
Contact Christine: 757-452-3182, ccarnahan@ujft.org
2027 SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 16, 2026!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP JCC
Contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Director of Camp JCC, at KLCipolla@UJFT.org or (757)321-2306 or Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC Manager, at ccarnahan@ujft.org or 757-452-3182.