Meet the Staff

The Camp Mi-Te-Na experience is based on friendship

The number one priority of all Camp Mi-Te-Na counselors and staff is to give your child a summer of fun they’ll never forget, in a safe and supportive environment where they can grow and explore at their own pace. Every counselor and staff member at Camp Mi-Te-Na puts your child’s safety first, to ensure that your child will get the most out of their camp experience.

Thomas L. Archer
Executive Director of Camping Services Branch
Email: tarcher@gmfymca.org

Tom grew up in Manchester NH where he regularly attended programming at the Manchester YMCA as well as Camp Mi-Te-Na for boys. During high school he worked at camp during the summer and the YMCA during the off season and was a member of the Leader Corps. Upon graduation in 1978 from Plymouth State University with a BS in Physical Education and Athletic Training, he was hired as the Assistant Camp Director at Camp Mi-Te-Na and Associate PE Director at the Downtown Manchester YMCA. Tom has worked for the YMCA for over 40 years holding various positions from Assistant PE Director, Aquatics Director, Resident Camp Director, Director of the Camping Services Branch and is currently VP of the Camping Services Branch with direct responsibilities for Camp Mi-Te-Na for boys, Camp Foss for girls and day camp programming at the Strafford County YMCA. 

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Deborah J. Farmer
Camping Services / Branch Administrator
Email: dfarmer@gmfymca.org

Deb Farmer is Administrator of the Camping Services branch. Deb has been working with the camping branch of the YMCA for over 20 years. She graduated from Hesser College with an Associate’s degree in Computer Science. Deb’s hobbies include crocheting, reading and caring for her dogs.

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Rick Ross
Director of Camp Mi-Te-Na

As a kid, Rick spent 7 great summers at Camp Mi-Te-Na as a camper. He went on to earn a BS in Psychology and Recreation from North Georgia Military College in the beautiful mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia. During the summers Rick returned to Camp Mi-Te-Na where he completed the Counselor In Training program and went on to hold several positions including Senior Counselor, Village Head, and Trips Director. In 1986 Rick completed his military service and joined the YMCA team full time as Youth Director and Assistant Director of Camp Mi-Te-Na. In 1997 Rick became the Director of Camp Mi-Te-Na. “I enjoyed my time as a Mi-Te-Na camper so much, and it’s exciting for me to be able to give that same quality experience to campers today.”

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Eric Werner
Assistant Director

Eric has been a proud member of the Mi-Te-Na family and served as the Assistant Director for the past 11 years. Before receiving his Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Physics and Master's Degree in Elementary education from the University of NH, Eric served in the US Navy. During the off-season, Eric is a Middle School teacher in Derry, NH where he also coaches their soccer team. Eric also helps out in the community, volunteering his time with a ski club and a local youth group. Eric enjoys spending his spare time cheering for his favorite sports teams which include the Revolution and UNH teams.

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Matt Hanson
Program Director

This will mark Matt’s 17th summer at Camp Mi-Te-Na. Matt began as a camper and has held various leadership roles at camp such as village head and waterfront director. This summer will be his 6th summer as camps program director. During the off-season Matt serves as the Aquatics Director for the Allard Center YMCA. He also volunteers his time to serve as a standards visitor for the American Camp Association. Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management with a minor in Business from Springfield College where they believe in the same development of spirit, mind and body that the YMCA believes.

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Jeff Laferriere
Staff Development Director

Jeff has been going to camp for 19 summers as both a camper and staff member. Throughout the years he has worked in all activity areas in camp and served as both the village head and the counselor in training director. Jeff has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in secondary education from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Educational Leadership. While not at Mi-Te-Na, Jeff teaches High School mathematics and CPR/First Aid for the YMCA. He is also a standards visitor for the American Camp Association. In his spare time Jeff enjoys attending sporting events and spending time with his two nephews.

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Marsha Peterson
Registered Nurse

Marsha graduated from the University of Hartford with a BA Degree, and from Rivier College with her nursing degree. She has been spending summers at Camp Mi-Te-Na since 1996, when her son began attending camp with us, and in 2001 Marsha officially joined the Mi-Te-Na family as a staff member. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, along with reading, cooking and knitting.

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Gretchen Klene
Waterfront Director

Gretchen has spent 17 years at Camps Mi-Te-Na and Foss. Gretchen began her camping career at our sister Camp Foss where she went on to become a village head and program director before coming to Mi-Te-Na as the waterfront director. While growing up, Gretchen swam competitively for the YMCA, high school and college teams. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Secondary Education from Saint Michael’s College. During the school year she works as  a High School Biology teacher and as a swim team coach. Gretchen also finds time to volunteer for a week at Takumta Camp which is Vermont’s camp for children that have had cancer.

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Rob Gagne
Counselor in Training Director

This year marks Rob's 14th year working at Mi-Te-Na. In the off-season he teaches at Bakersville Elementary School.  He has volunteered his time for over 8 years in the Big Brother Program. Rob attended Notre Dame where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a minor in Social Studies. While not at camp he enjoys playing various sports and cheering for the Red Sox and Patriots.

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Tom Wickham
Sportsfield Director

This year Tom will celebrate his 11th year at Camp Mi-Te-Na. Growing up Tom has always had a passion for sports. He has served as captain for both his High school Hockey and Baseball Teams. While not playing sports, Tom enjoys spending his time volunteering for the local soup kitchen. He currently attends Northeastern University where he is pre-med and hopes to attain his Health Science degree.

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Jimmy Wickham
Village Head / Hobbies Director

Jim has been involved at Camp Mi-Te-Na as both a camper and a staff member for 14 years. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Hampshire. Jim spends most of his winter working with both the marching and jazz bands at the high school level.

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JC Gilbert
Village Head

JC has returned to Mi-Te-Na after taking a few years off to join the military and work for various sound companies. JC has spent a lot of time working with younger age groups. While not at camp he spends his time watching sports and playing various musical instruments.