Staff Spotlight 2025
Camp Fire Alaska’s Staff Spotlight 2025 recognizes employees who demonstrate alignment with our mission, key values, and ideals.
McKinley Sibbett | Senior Site Director
October 24, 2025
Our next Staff Spotlight shines on McKinley Sibbett, a valued member of our site leadership team!
McKinley’s nominator praised his teamwork and proactive approach, saying:
“McKinley has been the most attentive and organized Senior Site Director that I have had the pleasure of working with. Every day, McKinley has all the snacks and activities ready for us when we suggest them. He also works very well with the kids and consistently puts their needs first.”
McKinley shares about his time with us:
“I started at Camp Fire over two years ago to make progress in the education field- it’s been an exciting time. My time here has been most significantly shaped by the connections I’ve formed with families. These connections have changed the way I work. Open communication with families leads to a better sense of community.
That shift towards community has been both rewarding and uplifting. It’s made my work more meaningful than ever. Memorable moments for me are when kids are excited about the activities and being able to spend time with friends they don’t see as often. Hearing other people’s stories and positive memories is the best part of my day.”
We’re proud to have McKinley representing our organization and making Camp Fire a bright spot in children’s lives. Thank you, McKinley, for your supportive leadership that makes our team stronger.
John Brooks | Senior Site Director
September 5, 2025
Our next Staff Spotlight is featuring Senior Site Director John Brooks! Here’s what his nominator had to say:
“John’s focus on relationships is apparent to anyone that meets him! He genuinely loves working with kids, families, and school staff. Families routinely email or share in surveys how John is a strong and consistent role model for kids. His passion for what he does is infectious and inspires others. We are so lucky to have John at Camp Fire— he has such strong impacts on kids and families in our community!”
Others frequently notice that John goes the extra mile to genuinely engage with and care for the youth and families at his site. This past winter, a parent enthusiastically remarked on how John even walked each child to their parents’ car on a particularly icy day, ensuring they wouldn’t slip!
Greatly appreciating his nomination, John shares:
“I have been with Camp Fire Alaska for 6 years. In my time here, I’ve not only learned to grow my skills and abilities but to also create everlasting memories with the campers/students, and even with parents and teachers along the way! For me, the small moments and interactions have the biggest impact, as I’ve learned they show how we care for one another and that we’re here to grow together. That’s what keeps me going in this line of work- when the small moments can make a person smile.”
We love that John goes home happy at the end of the day and we are so thrilled to highlight his efforts! We’re grateful to have John as a shining member of our team, who consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives
of Camp Fire kids and help them discover their spark.
Caitlin Gould | Registrar
July 11, 2025
Our next Staff Spotlight is featuring our wonderful Registrar- Caitlin Gould! Here’s what her nominator had to say:
“Caitlin is a superstar and deserves recognition for all her hard work. Although she is behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in the agency. There are many things she does as our amazing Registrar. One key aspect of her role is that she ensures our registration runs smoothly for families. She is attentive, patient and considerate to our family’s needs.”
Also mentioned is Caitlin’s positive and welcoming vibes over the phone and in person, as well as her clear and concise communication to Camp Fire Alaska families. She truly delivers high-quality customer service!
Caitlin shares:
“When I joined the Camp Fire Alaska team a year and a half ago, I brought a strong background in customer service and social services- helping families navigate childcare assistance services. What drew me to Camp Fire was the culture and deep commitment to both its families and employees. As a lifelong Alaskan, I’ve seen the community that Camp Fire Alaska has built for children and families, and now I get to be a part of creating those experiences every day.”
We’re lucky to have Caitlin on our team, and her expertise shines through everything she does, including recently guiding us through a new registration system change with ease. We’re grateful for her dedication to delivering exceptional service to our families. Thank you, Caitlin, for all that you do!
Staff Spotlight April 2025
April Luck | Senior Site Director
April 30, 2025
This month’s Staff Spotlight is shining on April Luck! April received a special nomination from a parent of two youth at her site, Scenic Park, who says:
“April at Scenic Park deserves all the recognition. This is the second school year that she has been working with my sons and to say that she has left an impression on both of them is an understatement.”
She goes on to emphasize April’s impressive patience and care; truly embodying Camp Fire Alaska’s core values of building caring relationships, creating positive experiences and embracing diversity.
April shares about her journey with Camp Fire:
“I started with Camp Fire Alaska by coming to Camp K for the summer and, just like everyone else, I never left Alaska after spending a summer here! I fell in love with the community that is Camp Fire Alaska and my little school with all of my kids. Working with kids gives me the opportunity to never grow up and keep the magic going for all of them.”
April has truly made an impact through her dedicated efforts to individualize the care she provides each child and with her great overall attitude. She is an excellent example of what Camp Fire Alaska staff strive to be!
Staff Spotlight March 2025
March 2025’s Staff Spotlight features two incredible employees: Senior Site Directors Reese Cameron and Nicole “Nikki” Gilliland. Read each of their entries below to learn about their outstanding contributions to our organization and community.
Nicole “Nikki” Gilliland | Senior Site Director
March 31, 2025
Our second Staff Spotlight for March is Nicole “Nikki” Gilliland for “being dependable, kind, and showing up each day with a smile and a drive to make a difference!”
Nikki shared her story with us:
“Working in childcare for over 10 years taught me it is difficult finding a placement where we are valued and can make a significant impact on youth. Camp Fire Alaska immediately welcomed me to the team, and our workplace environment constantly emboldens me to continue making a difference in my community.
“With an educational background in child development and family studies, I have always strived to improve the lives of youth. At my site, I bring a unique brand of programming that focuses on improving how we show up for children. I accomplish this by identifying youth’s individual support needs, especially needs that have gone unnoticed. This allows me to provide support with entertaining activities aligning with my youth’s interests, making their experience fun and memorable.”
Reese Cameron | Senior Site Director
March 24, 2025
Reese’s nomination is for “bringing fun and interactive learning to her program” and her “passionate drive to make a difference in the lives of youth.” In 2024, Reese also helped orchestrate the Alaska Native Cultural Celebration, a special history lesson teaching youth about Alaska Native culture. Upon receiving the Staff Spotlight recognition, Reese says:
“I came from Hong Kong and my background is in outdoor learning. One of my greatest strengths is my unique culture, heritage, and experience. My goal is getting youth excited to engage with nature. To achieve this, I always search for fun, new opportunities for youth, which allows me to offer them fresh, enjoyable activities.
“I am grateful for being given the opportunity to recognize each kid’s interests on an individual level. For example, writing the Absolutely Incredible Kid Day letters was a great opportunity to be personable with youth. Building and maintaining meaningful connections with kids is the most rewarding aspect of my Camp Fire experience.”