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!

Todd Robbins – Associate Director

No stranger to the TLC Family of Camps, Todd’s camp journey began as a Tyler Hill camper in 1999 and has come full circle over the years as a Group Leader, Food Service Director, and now Associate Director.

With a degree in Hospitality and experience in hotel operations, event management, and food service, Todd brings both professionalism and camp spirit to everything he does.

At camp, Todd truly wears many hats and happily jumps in wherever needed. Whether he’s working behind the scenes with facilities and operations, helping plan programs and events, hiring and supporting staff, or spending time with campers, Todd is always in the mix. He loves connecting with campers, solving problems, spreading energy and spirit, and making sure every day at camp is safe, fun, and memorable.

Todd is an active volunteer with the American Camp Association and the proud recipient of the Michael Gordon Young Leaders in Camping Award. Todd and his wife, Jessi (who also works at camp during the summer), are the proud parents of two daughters, Cali and Andi both happy campers themselves.

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.

Max Finkelstein – Assistant Director

Max has been a proud member of the TLC Family of Camps since 2006 where he started his journey as a Stepping Stone camper at NSDC. Having grown up at North Shore, and later on Timber Lake West, he quickly developed a love for camp.

Max graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media, with a concentration in Live Event and Recreation Management in May of 2023.

At NSDC, Max has held a variety of roles, having served as a member of the swim staff as both a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor. Max has also helped run some of our special events, Friday BBQs, and everything else in-between. One of Max’s favorite parts about camp is forming strong connections with friends, campers and fellow staff members, and getting the opportunity to reconnect with them each summer.

During the year, Max works as a member of NSDC’s full-time leadership team, continuing to provide support in areas such as staffing, programming and everything else in-between. He loves working alongside all of the people that make North Shore so special.