Staff Bios

Dean Stichbury - Executive Director

Dean first came to Camp Wilbur Herrlich in 1993 through CCUSA's International J1 exchange program and has been associated with the camp ever since.

Dean is originally from New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Canterbury University in Political Science and Social Policy. He has experienced just about every job on camp including that of resident counselor, lifeguard, kitchen staff and environmental educator.

Dean served as Camp Herrlich's Camp Director and as the Camp's challenge course and team building specialist before taking over as Executive Director on January 1st, 2018.

Contact Dean: dstichbury@campherrlich.org, 845-878-6662 x. 302

Jessica Vanacoro - Associate Executive Director

Jessica Vanacoro grew up in Suffolk County, Long Island where she was very involved in music, dance, theatre, education, and community service. She got her BA from Manhattanville College with a major in Psychology and double minor in World Religions and Theatre.

She received her Masters in Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook in 2004 and received her license that summer. She worked both her internships for her Masters Degree in and around the school districts on Long Island, giving her experience both in counseling and after school programming.

Jessica has worked as Camp Herrlich's Program Director since January of 2006 and has worked hard toward growing and improving the programs and staff every year. She is a well-respected staff trainer and recently received her New York State Association for the Education of Young Children's Training Credential. She has presented training workshops at conferences all over New York State on topics like building your organization's culture, positive behavior interventions, and songs and games. Jessica has also presented workshops and trainings at local school districts for teachers, administrators, and students on topics such as building culture and emotional intelligence.

Contact Jessica: jvanacoro@campherrlich.org, 845-878-6662 x. 304

Scott Riches - Program Director

Tyrell Davis - Program Director

Tyrell was born in Massachusetts but raised in multiple states before settling down in Waterbury, CT. Tyrell started working at Camp Herrlich in 2008 as a counselor. Throughout his years at Camp he has held several positions at Camp Herrlich. He works year round and helps is our Outdoor Education Coordinator for user groups that come in for an amazing experience at Camp Herrlich.

Tyrell’s time at Camp Herrlich has led him to earn several certifications and trainings to help make himself and those around him better. His certifications include Medical Administration Training, CPR and First Aid, Responding to Emergencies First Aid, High Ropes, and Archery training. He has returned back to school to earn a degree in the Social Sciences to help those in need.

Tyrell has always been active in sports his entire life. He has played football all throughout his schooling years and ran track as well. Prior to camp, he has played Rugby and played flag football in a few leagues. He uses his past experiences in both his upbringing and sporting achievements to help kids at all levels achieve their goals and work past hard times that they have been experiencing.

Contact Tyrell: tyrell.davis@gmail.com, 845-878-6662 x. 307

Bob Gentile - Executive Consultant

Bob Gentile was born and raised in Massachusetts and yes, he still "Paks his caa in Havad Yad", and is proud of it. Prior to camp life he was and still is, an accomplished musician with a Composition Degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston. From 1977 to 1991 Bob owned two music stores, managed 18 teachers and over 300 students. He taught private music lessons and played the bass in a variety of bands throughout the United States. You can still see him perform in clubs throughout New York and Connecticut.

Bob was introduced to the camping industry when he married his lovely and talented wife Wendy, and was asked to serve on the board on directors of Mt. Tremper Outdoor Ministries, Inc., at Camp Herrlich in 1985. He served on MTOM board from 1985 to 1991 when he became the Executive Director of Camp Herrlich. While running and living on Camp Herrlich, Bob and Wendy raised 4 wonderful children, Nicole, Alicia, Michelle and Greg.

Under Bob's direction, the number of children participating in Camp Herrlich's programs has more than tripled. Our operating budget has more than doubled and our scholarship funds given to disadvantaged, at-risk children continue to increase annually. I guess you can say Camp is a way of life for both Bob & Wendy.

Bob moved to the position of Executive Consultant on January 1st, 2018, after he retired from his 27 years of being Executive Director at Camp Herrlich.