Meet Our Team!

Dick Young joined the Zephyr Point Team as Development Director in August of 2019 after a 30 year career as a parish pastor in the PC(USA). Dick was appointed Executive Director in April of 2020. Dick and his wife, Colleen, moved from Western New York where Dick was Head of Staff at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church for the previous 18 years. Colleen is an RN who specializes in Hospice Care. Dick & Colleen have three grown children. Their middle child, Maura, also an RN, followed them to Tahoe and works in South Lake. Richard and Michael are both engineers currently living in Buffalo, NY. When not taking in views of Lake Tahoe from his desk, Dick enjoys spending time in the mountains, on foot, bike, or snowboard, depending on the season.

Laura Mulato is the Director of Guest Services at Zephyr Point. She brings nearly a decade of experience in Retreat and Conference Center Administration and a Business degree from Bethel University to her role in Guest Services. In blending business operations with retreat ministry, Laura aims to foster a healthy and welcoming environment for guests to be inspired by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. As a Minnesota native, Laura appreciates the striking Sierra Nevada mountains and sunsets over the lake. Away from the office, she enjoys exploring through hiking, biking, and visiting new places, especially with her husband Levi, son Calvin, and their collie Luna.

Rev. Sara Tillema is the Director of Programs at Zephyr Point. Sara joined the staff in 2019, and serves as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). She loves walking alongside individuals of all ages as they explore life’s big questions, and empowering all to see how their faith and passions can intersect to create meaningful change in our world. Before joining the staff, Sara was a long-time participant at Zephyr Point and has experienced some of the most pivotal moments in her spiritual journey overlooking Lake Tahoe. In her capacity as Director of Programs, Sara aims to craft program opportunities that allow individuals to experience the fullness of the God who dances in Creation, and live in confidence that they are a beloved child of God. In her spare time, Sara’s favorite activities include curling up on the couch with a good book, drinking coffee, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Jesus Preciado is the Director of Housekeeping at Zephyr Point. Jesus Preciado started working at Zephyr Point on January 7, 2002, in the Housekeeping Department. Jesus obtained the position of Housekeeping Manager in 2003 and he came to live at Zephyr Point grounds with his wife Marisa and their two children Kevin and Jesse. Since then, he has been serving our guests and is currently the Director of the Housekeeping Department. For Jesus, the most important thing is to be able to cover all the needs and expectations of our guests so that they enjoy their stay at Zephyr Point. What Jesus likes the most is enjoying time with his family.

Dayna Titus is the Director of Finance and Business Operations at Zephyr Point. Originally from the east coast, Dayna received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.   She received her MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.   Prior to joining Zephyr Point, Dayna worked in the healthcare industry in both sales and operations.  She is thrilled to have joined Zephyr Point in late 2021!   Dayna has three children – Andrew, Madison and Sage.   In her free time, Dayna enjoys all that the Tahoe Basin has to offer, especially skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and paddleboarding.

Claudia Carrizoza is an enthusiastic and motivated food service professional who has recently stepped into the role of Food Service Manager. With 5 years of dedicated service at Zephyr Point, Claudia brings fresh energy and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, ensuring that every meal at Zephyr Point is memorable. When she’s not at work, Claudia loves spending quality time with her family.

Kerri Jasko is the Programs Manager. She started her time here at Zephyr Point working on the waterfront in 2018 for our summer camp programs. She fell in love with Tahoe and the ministry at Zephyr Point. She has a degree in Psychology and a degree in Religious Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University where she was also a part of their NCAA DIII women’s basketball team. Kerri is passionate about helping kids foster a love for the outdoors and encouraging all to pursue restorative justice. In her free time, Kerri loves to do anything outside; snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking are some new sports she has grown to love. Kerri grew up with 3 wonderful sisters and an incredible mom and dad in Virginia Beach, VA. She misses the salt air but couldn’t imagine giving up the mountain life right now.

Rev. Nathan Wheeler is the Adult Program Manager at Zephyr Point. Nathan joined the staff at the beginning of 2024. Nathan is an ordained minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination (CPC) and previously was the coordinator of youth and young adult ministries for them. Nathan is a trainer for Soul Shop. This faith-based suicide prevention movement helps faith leaders minister to those experiencing suicidal desperation. Nathan is excited to help curate opportunities at Zephyr Point for adults that provide space for rest and renewal, creativity and reflection, and radical and innovative ideas. Nathan is finishing a graduate certificate in Theopoetics and Theological Imagination at Bethany Theological Seminary. Nathan enjoys writing, creating music, and watching his beloved Memphis Grizzlies. Nathan, his wife Marissa, and their two dogs (Caramel and Teddy) are looking forward to the adventure of living out West in the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

Shelby Thompson is the Activities and Recreation Coordinator at Zephyr Point. She started her time here at Zephyr Point working for the Tahoe Semester in Spring 2022 as the Community Life Coordinator and made the transition to Activities and Recreation in Fall 2023. She studied Elementary Education at Azusa Pacific University where she gained great experience working with youth and discovered her passion for the outdoors. Shelby enjoys living in the Tahoe area and the activities it offers, including, biking, and backpacking, but also loves a good leisurely day indoors, baking, or enjoying a book or a movie. Her spirit for adventure and community plays a large role in helping Zephyr Point create and facilitate enjoyable experiences for our guests!

Sarah Pikop-Cavanaugh joined the Zephyr Point team as the Office Manager in June of 2024. Originally from Sylmar, CA, she holds a BA in Business Administration and brings a wealth of experience from her time at Calvin Crest Conferences, where she served as a food service supervisor and administrative assistant. Her diverse background in both customer service and administrative roles has equipped her with a strong skill set for managing the front office operations at Zephyr Point. In her spare time, she enjoys getting lost in a good book and is currently captivated by the excitement of the Olympics. We are thrilled to have her as part of our team and look forward to the positive contributions she will make to our community.

Alex Van Reenen is the Guest Group Event Specialist at Zephyr Point. She joined the Zephyr Point team in May of 2022 after a 20-year career in Hospitality and Catering. As the Event Specialist, she helps groups through the process of preparing for their retreats, reunions, and celebrations. Born in South Lake Tahoe, and raised in Dallas, Texas, her connection to Lake Tahoe is life-long. Alex enjoys hiking and sitting quietly on the shores of the many alpine lakes in the area.

Maria De Lallo is the Group Reservation Specialist at Zephyr Point. She joined our team in May of 2023 after many years of service at the El Dorado County Library. She feels very blessed to have been born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, where her family’s connection goes back several generations. Her love of the area’s natural beauty and its Creator makes Zephyr Point a perfect fit for her. In her spare time, Maria enjoys going on nature walks, reading, writing, and hanging out with her big, Catholic family.

Rachel Merz is the Reservation Specialist.  Originally from the northern Chicago suburb of Highland Park, she joined Zephyr Point in May 2024. After relocating to Tahoe in 2019 to be closer to her family, Rachel transitioned from a background in church office administration and bereavement coordination to her current role as Reservation Specialist. She has found that Tahoe’s serene environment has deepened her spiritual connection, making Zephyr Point a perfect place to share her passion for helping others. Rachel enjoys interacting with a diverse range of individuals and ensuring everyone feels welcomed. In her free time, she loves paddle boarding, cooking and cherishing moments with her family, especially her nephew Koda and adventure cat Liko.

Kelsey Jasko is the Executive Administrative Assistant at Zephyr Point. Kelsey spent her summers in college as part of the Zephyr Point summer staff working with kids and teens in our Youth Programs. Her love for summers in Tahoe turned into a more permanent move in 2019. She loves Tahoe for all the beauty and adventure and she loves the mission of Zephyr Point because it creates such a welcoming atmosphere. She has a degree in Elementary Education from Azusa Pacific University and several years of experience guiding in the outdoors. As a Colorado native, Kelsey is used to enjoying the mountains with her family through a variety of activities. She loves skiing, mountain biking, swimming, running, hiking, backpacking, and trying new things.

Jesse Preciado is the Staff Accountant at Zephyr Point. Jesse has been working here at Zephyr Point since May of 2018 where he has worked in multiple departments including food service and housekeeping. He obtained his associates degree in Business – Accounting & Finance at Lake Tahoe Community College for which he now works in the finance office. Jesse has grown up here at Zephyr Point as he has lived here onsite with his dad, our Housekeeping Director, Jesus Preciado, his mother Marisa and his brother Kevin for many years now. In his free time Jesse likes to play with his dog Toby, spend time with his family, and watch classic horror movies!

Laura Maffitt became the Communications and Marketing Manager at Zephyr Point in July 2023. Before joining the team, she gained extensive experience in the hotel industry, working in group sales, marketing, guest service, and operations. Additionally, Laura has a background in the restaurant and catering industry and has also worked as a Montessori Preschool teacher. Having lived in Lake Tahoe for most of her life, Laura feels fortunate to call this beautiful area home and cherishes her strong connections within the community. In her free time, she enjoys sailing on the lake with her husband, horseback riding, gardening, and spending time with their two beloved cats. Her passion for horses inspired her to volunteer and join the board of a local nonprofit called Between Horses and Humans for the past 4 years.

Aron Tillema currently serves as Zephyr Point’s Archivist. He previously worked with the Tahoe Semester as an instructor of Religion and administrative assistant at Zephyr Point and brings to this position an abiding interest in how history informs present contexts. Aron is currently organizing materials pertinent to Zephyr Point’s historical development from its own collection in addition to gathering resources from organizations around Lake Tahoe. He is interested in making this storied history of Zephyr Point more accessible, inviting all to memorialize their own experiences at this unique place. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his family. And as a PhD in Religious Studies, he is interested in creative ways to blend education with outdoor recreation.