Our Team

Many counselors and mentors work hard throughout the year to make sure our programs are successful! Most are volunteers and/or work on a part-time basis. We are fortunate to have this amazing group of people making life better for kids and families with food allergies! Meet the leadership team that pulls it all together.

Lead Staff and Volunteers

Jake Prodzinski, Executive director

Jake Prodzinski or “Snake” at camp, is thrilled to serve as Executive Director for Camp Blue Spruce! Jake began as a CBS camper at age 13, in Camp’s very first year. Since then, Jake has worked year-round in the Camp industry and occupied a number of roles at CBS, including counselor, unit coordinator, registrar and program director. He is looking forward to continuing the Camp Blue Spruce magic and giving campers a safe, compassionate, and life-changing experience for 2026 and beyond!

director@campbluespruce.org

laura carpenter, program director

Laura Carpenter, or “Breadstick/Bready” at camp is excited to serve as the Program Director for Camp Blue Spruce! Laura began serving with CBS in 2021 and works year-round in the camp industry in Texas. In her free time she enjoys traveling and watching sports. Laura is excited for camp 2026 and continuing to help build community for kids with Celiac Disease and food allergies.

program@campbluespruce

Julianne perrin, REgistrar

Julianne has so much love for Camp Blue Spruce and the food allergy community. Her passion for the organization started in 2016 when she attended CBS as a camper. Since then she has come back year after year as a staff member and counselor. Julianne wants to bring each camper the week of a lifetime, just as she experienced as a camper. “I met some of my best friends through Camp Blue Spruce. I don’t know where I would be without them.” In her free time, Julianne dances, works at Trader Joe’s (Where she recommends all the best food allergy-friendly products to customers!), and studies for her Bachelor’s in Business at SDSU.

registrar@campbluespruce.org

Anika nelson, assistant program director and staff trainING coordINATOR

Ani (Bug) is the Assistant Program Director and our Staff Training Coordinator! She’s been a part of Camp Blue Spruce since 2019 and keeps coming back for the amazing campers, rockin’ staff, and top-notch food! Outside of camp she loves traveling, crocheting, and skiing!

Abbey Wilusz, Director of Marketing & EngagemenT

A lifelong Oregonian, Celiac of a decade, and certified Anti-Gluten-Gladiator, Abbey/’Anything’ has spent the past eight years growing with Camp Blue Spruce—working her way through just about every role from dishwasher to the leadership team! When she’s not dreaming-up and designing Camp magic, Anything works in the Eugene-area School Districts and runs a local business helping families organize and downsize, rehoming and giving secondhand treasures new life. She’s most passionate about creating spaces where children and community can connect, belong, and thrive!

lolo dan, Head of Development

Lolo ‘Junco’ Dan is an enthusiastic Philly native and recent addition to the CBS team. When Lolo isn’t typing away at grant applications or reviewing surveys, you can find them in the woods frolicking amongst the ferns and identifying mushrooms. Lolo brings experience in anthropology and outdoor environmental education and is passionate about providing youth with access to enriching experiences outdoors. As Head of Development, Lolo is thrilled to assist the leadership team in creating new opportunities, strengthening current programming, and further nourishing the powerful bonds within the community of Camp Blue Spruce.

Riley West, Health house lead

Meet Owl! Also known as Riley West, Owl works in the health house at camp! He’s worked as a counselor, experienced the LIT/CIT program, and attended camp as a camper! He’s one of the original campers that came to CBS’s very first summer! He’s an experienced allergy avenger, with allergies to dairy, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, and beef. Outside of camp, Owl works as a Paramedic on an ambulance! He enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music or podcasts, being outside in pretty much ANY capacity, and playing video games! He can’t wait to see you at Camp!

Talia richley, head of events

Talia, perhaps better known as Zee, started as a camper over a decade ago and has since experienced great joy creating “camp magic” for others. Talia utilizes her degree and experience in Child Development and Education at camp, along with her love of the outdoors and bad puns. Talia works year-round as a lifeguard and swim instructor and enjoys crafting, spending time with other people’s pets, and traveling. She also has fun discussing gluten-free treats so feel free to share any recommendations at an Info Session or Cabin Call!

taylor lange, head of newsletter

Taylor was diagnosed with celiac disease in elementary school and understands firsthand the importance of safe, inclusive spaces for kids with food allergies. Growing up in Oregon, she loved spending summers at camp and now enjoys helping others have the same positive experience. She’s currently pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and loves reading, finding new crafts, and spending time with friends and family!

Abigail Morrow, Program staff

Hailing from the mighty Midwest, Hawkeye has spent the last six years working for Camp Blue Spruce, and the last 29 years living the allergic life. She’s passionate about creating both supportive spaces for youth with dietary restrictions and friendship bracelets. You may recognize her from her book, Death by Sandwich, or her documentary, Allergic House. In her very limited free time, you can catch her watching BBC period dramas, knitting, tap-dancing, or checking out new vegan restaurants.

Board of Directors

Camp Blue Spruce is overseen by a highly competent Board of Directors that includes health care professionals, financial and fundraising experts, communications specialists, and parents of children with food allergies. Our programs are managed by camp professionals, certified chefs, and nutritionists. Here’s a little more about us!

Alex Flannagan, Board President

Karen Safford, Secretary

Karen Safford has been a food allergy mom since her youngest daughter’s first reaction at 3-years-old. She has experienced first hand the stress, fear, and frustration that come with food allergies. Her youngest, who will be a senior in high school this year, is allergic to all tree nuts. Camp Blue Spruce has been a pivotal part of her daughter’s life since 3^rd grade—she went from a shy, cautious elementary schooler to the much more confident kiddo she is now. Seeing this transformation in her daughter, Karen hopes to bring this same feeling of empowerment to other food allergy families.  Karen has a background in communications and advertising, both from the graphic design side and account management. In her free time, Karen is a certified Master Gardener, amateur photographer, and enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities in and around Central Oregon. She has three children, two dogs, and one husband.

Karen@campbluespruce.org

Our Founder