Meet Our Directors

Joni Iacono – Director

Joni Iacono joined the North Shore team in 2002 bringing with her many years of teaching and working with children both in a classroom and recreational setting. Before coming to North Shore, in addition to teaching, she was the director of an after school program at an elementary school in Queens for 15 years. Joni holds a Master’s Degree in Education and considers herself a lifelong learner in all aspects of life. Her philosophy in working with children is one that encourages them to feel confident in their developing abilities. As an educator for over 27 years, she has acquired many skills to help children develop their own sense of self as well as learning to be successful in a social setting.

Prior to taking on the role of Director, Joni worked extensively with our 1st & 2nd grade girls creating a program that ensured new friendships and experiences for each camper. She brings a strong sense of humor to everything she does and believes that laughter is the best medicine.

Joni understands the value of the camp experience for children through her own experience as a camp parent. Watching her own child grow and develop through her camp years has helped Joni understand what is needed to create a special experience for each camper. Joni’s own child ultimately joined the North Shore Day Camp staff, carrying on the teaching of our STARFISH values.

Jason Mercado – Director

Jason has been a part of the TLC Family of Camps since 2008, when he discovered his passion for inspiring young people. Now entering his 10th summer as full-time Director at North Shore Day Camp, he previously led Hampton Sports and Arts in East Hampton, NY and started his camp journey as an Assistant Director at Timber Lake Camp.

A former varsity athlete at Brown University, Jason understands firsthand how sports and diverse experiences shape a camper’s growth. He’s also the Co-Founder FAST, a youth athletic development company that offers age-specific multi-sport training and performance coaching.

Jason brings energy and fun to every aspect of camp life and is excited to create an unforgettable summer for NSDC campers. Jason and his wife, Amber, have three boys, Cooper, Chase, and Cole who will be campers at NSDC this summer!

Judi Vandow – Associate Director

Judi joined the North Shore family in 1999. With over twenty years of camp experience, she brings a wealth of day and resident camp knowledge to our leadership team. Judi’s spirit, energy and compassion is demonstrated through her daily contact with our campers, families and our staff as she helps to provide an atmosphere of fun and friendship. During the winter months Judi assists in developing programs, as well as recruiting and hiring staff. She is an active member of the American Camp Association.

Todd Robbins – Associate Director

No stranger to the TLC Family of Camps, Todd started as a camper at Tyler Hill in 1999, and  eventually became a Group Leader and then Assistant Food Service Director. He has a degree in hospitality and has experience in hotel, event management and food service. As the Associate Director who overseas Operations (Facilities and Grounds) and with his involvement in programming, events and staff hiring, Todd brings high energy, spirit and a youthful perspective to all his endeavors.  Todd is an active member and volunteer for the American Camp Association and recently won the Michael Gordon Young Leaders in Camper Award!  Todd and his wife, Jessi (who works at camp during the summer), have two girls, Cali and Andi who are campers!