Our Team
Brendan Sullivan
My life continues to be impacted in countless positive ways by the incredible teachers and coaches I had growing up here in the Washington area. I started Headfirst to give young people the same opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have growing up; to learn how to play with joy, be a great teammate and friend, set and achieve personal goals, overcome obstacles, and to develop their leadership skills – no matter the activities through which they find their current passions. We work year-round to create an environment built on thoughtfulness, teamwork, love and inspiration which enables all of our campers, musicians and student-athletes to prosper and enjoy their time in our programs.
Education
Stanford University, B.A.
Professional Experience
San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers: The Headfirst Companies
Camps Attended
Georgetown Basketball Camp: Washington Baseball School ( WBS )
Walk-up Song
“Don’t Drink The Water” by Dave Matthews Band
Dream job as a Kid
Most of my childhood dreams involved a professional sports uniform – and I feel fortunate to have had the experience of playing professional baseball. Now I live my dream job and I never could have imagined loving my work as much as I enjoy what I do every day with our inspiring Headfirst team.
Kate Bernert
I’m so grateful to be a part of an organization where I get to spend my days focused on impactful work that is equal parts challenging and inspiring, surrounded by a team of people who all care deeply about creating meaningful, positive experiences for kids and young adults.
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D.; Northwestern University, B.A.
Professional Experience
Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals (Judicial Clerk); Michigan State Appellate Defenders Office (Legal Intern); U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (Legal Intern); Sports Authority Corporate Headquarters (Assistant Buyer); Abercrombie & Fitch Headquarters (Assistant Visual Communications Coordinator)
Camps Attended
Marmon Valley Horse Camp, OWjL Camp
Walk-up Song
“Venus Fly” by Grimes & Janelle Monáe
Dream job as a Kid
Zoologist
Bill Malloy
I love being part of a team that transforms artistic passions into unforgettable, global experiences. Our performance travel programs go beyond just trips—they bring music, culture, and learning together in ways that inspire growth and connection. Whether it’s performing in world-class venues or immersing in new cultures, we craft journeys that leave a lasting impact. Being able to contribute to these life-changing adventures, alongside a passionate and skilled team, is incredibly rewarding.
Education
University of Scranton, B.S. Political Science, Philosophy and French
Professional Experience
Youth For Understanding USA (Chief of Staff), National Association of Attorneys General (Chief Administrator)
Camps Attended
Various music and language camps!
Walk-up Song
“Higher Love’ by Kygo and Whitney Houston
Dream job as a Kid
Teacher
Jenna Orlando
The moment I stepped into the Headfirst office, I was struck by the energy, drive, and passion of the team. I wanted to give back and provide others with the opportunities I was fortunate enough to have, while also working alongside genuine, mission-driven teammates. Headfirst embodies all of this, creating a unique and inspiring workplace. Now, I have the privilege of helping young people reach their full potential, while being challenged and inspired by those around me to achieve my own best.
Education
Lafayette College, B.A.
Camps Attended
Art Camps, Volleyball Camps, Softball Camps, Basketball Camps, Individual College Softball Camps
Walk-up Song
“Jenny from the Block” by Jennifer Lopez
Dream job as a Kid
Ice Cream Store Owner
Jack Marooney
Headfirst’s leadership squeezed me into an Honor Roll Camp as a rising junior in high school and I am forever grateful. I met lifelong mentors in the process and after a tremendously productive summer at Headfirst’s headquarters as an intern, there is nowhere I would rather return to; Headfirst’s culture is second to none. I love coming to work knowing that I will be part of a driven, collaborative, and perceptive team aiming to deliver life-changing experiences to campers and student-athletes.
Education
Kenyon College, B.S. Magna Cum Laude
Professional Experience
OnDeck Digital (Manager, Cape Cod Baseball League Division)
Camps Attended
Brooklyn Parade Grounds Soccer Camp, Ramapo College Baseball Camp, Headfirst Honor Roll Baseball (’12 & ’13)
Walk-up Song
“Right Now” by Van Halen
Dream job as a Kid
MLB General Manager and Organizational Culture Developer
Devin Cooney
Headfirst provides me with the exceptional opportunity to work directly with campers while collaborating with a committed team to design unforgettable camp experiences. I am passionate about creating a magical summer camp experience for children of all ages, filled with joy, adventure, and lasting memories!
Education
James Madison University, B.S. Elementary Education and Teaching; M.A.T. Elementary Education and Teaching
Professional Experience
Teacher, Greene County Public Schools
Camps Attended
Frederick County Parks and Rec, Girl Scouts, Young Life Camp
Walk-up Song
“Dark Horse” by Katy Perry
Dream job as a Kid
Artist
Nolin Damiano
Headfirst seemed liked the place where I could grow the most as a young professional, while also enjoying the work life by being surrounded by quality people.
Education
Lock Haven University (M.S.), (B.S.)
Professional Experience
Headfirst Professional Sports Camps Fellow, Reading Fightin Phils Group Sales Intern
Camps Attended
Little League World Series Summer Camp
Walk-up Song
“Fear and Fridays” by Zach Bryan
Dream job as a Kid
General Manager of the New England Patriots
Elyssa Davis
Building and support unique, memorable, and life-changing experiences gets me out the door every morning, and Headfirst is the place where I get to do that for our fulltime and seasonal teams.
Education
Kenyon College, B.A. Biology; University of Pennsylvania, M.E.S. Education & Advocacy
Professional Experience
Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife; Assistant Director, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania; Teacher Naturalist, Mass Audubon
Camps Attended
Sidwell Friends Day Camp, Girl Scouts of Nations Capital Camps, Swim Camps, YMCA Camps
Walk-up Song
“Good Grief (Don Diablo Remix)” by Bastille
Dream job as a Kid
Astronaut
Sam Dozier
As a Showcase student-athlete, I experienced the positive impact Headfirst has on its participants. Now, I want to share with parents and campers why Headfirst is such a great experience!
Education
Lebanon Valley College, B.S. Digital Communications
Professional Experience
Marketing Intern, Headfirst Companies; Customer Experience Coordinator, Headfirst Summer Camps
Camps Attended
Coach Wootten’s Basketball Camps, VBC Baseball Camps, Headfirst Showcase Camp
Walk-up Song
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” by Journey
Dream job as a Kid
Pro Baseball Player
Caitlin Ellwanger
What initially attracted me to Headfirst was its unwavering passion for making a meaningful impact on student-athletes’ academic and athletic journeys. Headfirst not only provides invaluable guidance but also creates opportunities for students to excel and empowers them to reach their full potential. This mission deeply excites and inspires me, making Headfirst a company I am truly enthusiastic about.
Education
Denison University, B.A.
Camps Attended
Softball Factory Camps
Walk-up Song
“Still Fly” by Big Tymers
Dream job as a Kid
3rd Base Coach for the New York Yankees
Brinda Gopal
I was looking for a hands-on, people and relationship focused role that would open me up to new and exciting experiences everyday and Headfirst was a perfect match!
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University, B.A. Psychology and Information Systems
Professional Experience
Epic Systems (Implementation Specialist), YMCA (After School and Before School Care Counselor)
Camps Attended
Little Friends for Peace – Peace Camp Counselor
Walk-up Song
“Down Under” by Men at Work
Dream job as a Kid
Inventor
Kayla Gwaltney
My ultimate goal in life is to simply make the lives of children better and brighter, and the work done at Headfirst far exceeds that goal. I am inspired by the dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm of the team and the energy is infectious. It’s a privilege to be able to have a hand in excellent programs in pursuit of my ultimate goal and to have fun doing it!
Education
James Madison University, B.S. Advocacy Communications
Professional Experience
English Teaching Assistant, Fulbright Malaysia; 1st Grade Teacher, Teach for America; Sales Development, Listenwise Inc.
Camps Attended
YMCA Camp Kanata (12+ years!)
Walk-up Song
“Von dutch’ by Charli xcx
Dream job as a Kid
Ladybug
Katie Hurd
I’m excited for the opportunity to provide campers with a memorable, fun, and instructive camp environment. The positive culture at Headfirst makes me constantly excited to contribute to making excellent camp experiences for each camper and their family.
Education
The Catholic University of America, MSM, Management and Leadership; B.S.B.A, Operations Management
Professional Experience
The Catholic University of America Athletics Department Facilities and Operations Graduate Assistant; Headfirst Site Director; Headfirst Intern of Operations and Programming; Jets Academy Softball Instructor
Walk-up Song
“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen
Dream job as a Kid
Sports Reporter
Ashley Miller
As a mom, I am drawn to companies and people who value the impact we as adults have on children growing up. As an athlete who started playing sports as a small child, I understand the positive impact sports have on a child’s development through adulthood. Being able to influence and have a front row seat to both of those opportunities for impact is a privilege.
Education
Elmira College-B.S, University of Massachusetts -M.S.
Professional Experience
CPA, working in public accounting from 2013-2021 doing tax & accounting work for variety of industries; 2021 moved to the corporate sector of accounting & finance
Walk-up Song
“Higher Love” by Kygo & Whitney Houston
Dream job as a Kid
I wanted to be a famous actress! I thought all I had to do was move to California and audition for a big movie and my career would take off. Finance is certainly a better fit.
Walt Pegues Jr.
Sports and camps have shaped my identity and fueled my mission to empower others to navigate their unique life journeys with passion. Headfirst’s mission and vision resonate with me, providing the opportunity to inspire young people to explore, dream and be their best selves through sports and camps.
Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.S.), James Madison University (M.S.)
Professional Experience
Youth Development Specialist, Montgomery County Recreation; Student-Athlete Development Fellow, University of Maryland Athletics; Middle School Science Teacher; Wide Receivers Coach, Chestnut Hill College
Camps Attended
Football University, Lauren’s First and Goal, YMCA Camp, Boys & Girls Club Camp
Walk-up Song
“Hussle and Motivate” by Nipsey Hussle
Dream job as a Kid
Architect