Leadership Team

Jan Peneston: Executive Director

Jan Peneston is the Executive Director Camp Talooli.  Formerly, Jan Peneston was the full-time Camp Director at Camp Talooli for over 20 years.  In 2019, Jan was recognized by the American Camp Association (ACA) as the National Honor Award Recipient for her many years of service to Camp Talooli, camping in Upstate NY, as well as to the national organization of ACA. This will be Jan's 36th year working at Camp Talooli!

Kelly Long: Camp Director

Kelly Long is the Camp Director at Camp Talooli. Kelly grew up at Camp Talooli as a camper, CIT, counselor, Boating Director and Assistant Camp Director before becoming Camp Director in 2014. Kelly is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges and has a Master's Degree in Education from UMass Amherst. Kelly was trained as a School Psychologist.

Declan Connery: Program Director

Declan grew up at Camp as a passionate camper that always looked forward to becoming part of our staff. He worked as a day/overnight counselor for several summers as well as a lifeguard. For the last several summers, Declan has worked as our CIT Director and then Head Counselor before becoming our year-round Program Dircetor. He is passionate about teaching and leading our next generation of Camp leaders. Declan builds excellent relationships with our teens by leading with both humor and respect.

Pam Southworth: Administrative Assistant/Bookeeper

Pam grew up at Camp Talooli as a camper, CIT, and Camp Fire club member. She previously worked as both a camp counselor and Waterfront Director, and was also a member of our volunteer Board of Directors. For the past several years, Pam has worked in our camp office. Her three children have also worked at/attended Camp Talooli throughout the summer.

Jeff Peneston:  Director of Educational Programs

Jeff Peneston is the Program Director at Camp Talooli and has held this position and many others at Camp Talooli for over 30 years.  Jeff has been an invaluable resource at Camp Talooli and is well known by campers and staff for his vast knowledge and ability to hold large crowds captive. In 2011 Jeff was named the New York State Teacher of the Year and in 2009 he spent a few months on board the Swedish Icebreaker Oden, helping to do research during the ship's voyage through Antarctica. Jeff recently retired from teaching Earth Science for the Liverpool School District and has started working for Camp Talooli in the "off-season" to develop year-round programming. 

Crystal Peneston: Assistant Program Director

In her role as an Assistant Camp Director, Crystal supervises our program and counseling staff and provides administrative assistance in the office. As a certified WSI, she also assists with lifeguarding and swim lessons. Previously, Crystal worked as a the Nature Director, as well as a Day and Resident Camp Counselor. She was also a camper and CIT at Talooli for many summers.  Crystal graduated from SUNY Brockport with degrees in Inclusive Childhood Education, Psychology and Creative Writing. She also has a Master's Degree in Curriculum from SUNY Oswego. Crystal currently works as a Special Education teacher in Syracuse City School District.

Matthew Peneston:  Camp Nurse

Matthew Peneston is the Program Director at Camp Talooli.  In his role at Camp, Matthew helps to design and oversee our weekly themes and campwide activities. He also provides evening first aid support. Matthew has been on staff for more than 15 years and has also grown up at Camp Talooli in various positions such as Waterfront Director, lifeguard and day camp counselor.  Matthew is a nurse and surgical technician at St. Joseph's Hospital.