EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - David Zaleon
As a Director, Teacher, Researcher, and Counselor, David has worked to build key links between people and environments that stand to gain from progressive efforts. From the operation of a 200+ member camp retreat for urban youth in the Northeast, to the hands-on mentoring of gang afflicted teens in the Southwest, to research on substance abuse in colleges around the country, David has taken on a multi-dimensional approach to individual welfare.

While receiving his B.A. in Psychology and Communications at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, David was a presence in the College community and received media attention for his advocacy concerning workers' rights and homelessness issues. He continued his socially oriented work in New Mexico as a residential counselor for court appointed teens and appeared as a guest commentator on Albuquerque radio.

David has extensive experience with youth encompassing all ages and backgrounds. At the elementary level he taught ESL and provided model instruction to new teachers in a private academy in Brooklyn. In Washington, D.C., he guided high school students through week-long programs addressing government, poverty, and a broad range of social concerns. His work with the college population brought him all over the country interviewing students for a key study funded by the National Institutes of Health on the issue of substance abuse.

The camp experience and its potential for growth in children has been an integral part of David's professional life for over a decade. From a counselor in local day camps in high school, to a division leader in a summer camp during college, to Assistant Director and Director in residential camps thereafter, he is intimately familiar with the varied aspects and inter-workings of the unique camp environment. He has been afforded the opportunity to work with and guide both campers and staff from tremendously diverse backgrounds, receiving broad and colorful exposure to people, places, and contexts.

STAFF
The Madden Open Hearts Camp's very favorable staff-to-camper ratio reflects our utmost concern for safety. In the unique, tight-knit environment of the Open Hearts Camp, it is essential to staff our program with exceptional individuals. In order to create the emotionally supportive environment that our campers depend on, we go as far as necessary to select staff members that reflect a broad range of talents, skills, nurturing qualities, and problem solving abilities. The delivery of our multi-dimensional program, as well as the establishment of a safe, comforting, and supportive atmosphere hinges on the efforts of our staff.

A fulltime registered nurse is on site at all times, dispenses all medications, and is available to provide any necessary medical care for campers 24 hrs a day. In recent years we have been fortunate to recruit nurses from schools and hospitals in our region and beyond, all of whom are well versed in pediatric care. Our nurses take great care to thoroughly review each camper's medical file in preparation for each session, allowing a very clear understanding of individual health needs.