"Dear Ann and Jay, I just want you to know that you were amazing camp parents to me. Ever since my first year at Roots & Shoots, you have made me feel so secure and welcome.  Manners, trust and most importantly friendship are the three main things you have taught me over the years, and you have been a huge part of my life."   - Camper | Newport News, VA

Ann and Jay Mary Curry

Jami Fussell

Directors

Jay and Ann Batley have been the camp directors since 1996 and represent the third generation of family ownership and management. Ann has more than 25 years of experience with Camp Mont Shenandoah as a camper, counselor, program director and director. She is a graduate of St. Timothy’s School (’83) in Baltimore, MD and Hollins College (’87) in Roanoke, VA. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jay is a graduate of Westtown School (’79) in West Chester, PA and Lafayette College (’84) in Easton, PA. Before he joined Camp Mont Shenandoah in 1996, Jay worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Program Director

Mary (Lewis) Curry, a former CMS camper, Junior Counselor, and Counselor, will return in 2012 for her second year as Program Director. Her husband, Peter, will be joining the CMS family again this year as well.

Mary graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She worked in Scotland for the National Health Service before moving to New Zealand in 2003. She lives in the capital city, Wellington, where she works as a project manager. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, and reading, but with a baby on the way (due in April!), these will likely be shelved for a wee while in favor of taking care of the new arrival! Once in the United States, Peter will take on a new role as a Stay-at-Camp Dad while Mary manages another fantastic summer as Program Director.

Administrative Assistant

Ann and Jay welcome Jami Fussell to the CMS family as Administrative Assistant. Jami is an all-around outdoor lover.  From the time she was old enough to walk she’s been camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors. She did most of her growing up in Colorado, but graduated from Myers Park High school in Charlotte, NC. She attended Appalachian State University where she studied Communications, Photography and unofficially, skiing.  After college, she went on to travel the world as a flight attendant for 8 years.  She has two sons, Coult and Pierce. Together, they spend lots of time exploring , cooking, gardening, kayaking, skiing and reading. In her spare time, Jami pursues her interest in photography and writing children’s stories.