Meet Our Team!

Dick Young

Executive Director

Laura Mulato

Director of Guest Services

Kerri Jasko

Director of Programs

Mark Ellender

Director of Facilities & Grounds

Claudia Carrizoza

Director of Food Services

Karen Schneider

Director of Finance

Greg Bronstein

Director of Housekeeping

Rachel Davis

Director of Communications & Development

Ryan MacLean

Youth Program Manager

Nathan Wheeler

Adult Program Manager

Shelby Cripe

Program Outreach Coordinator

Josué Herrera

Program Office and Activities Coordinator

Sophie Simpson

Youth Program Coordinator

Sarah Pikop

Guest Services Administrative Assistant

Ileana Smith

Office Administrator

Alex Van Reenen

Guest Group Event Specialist

Maria De Lallo

Group Reservations Specialist

Hazel Perez

Reservation Specialist

Kelsey Jasko

Executive Administrative Assistant

Jesse Preciado

Accounting & Benefits Coordinator

Aylin Aguilar

Bookkeeper

Bruce Reyes-Chow

Church Relation and Development Officer

Magaly Platero

Human Resources Generalist

Lucero Lara

Housekeeping Supervisor

Jose Palomera

Lead Maintenance Worker

Cilvano Vazquez

Lead Maintenance Worker

Pedro Vargas

Construction Mechanic

Kaylee Dorough

Outreach and Community Engagement Intern

Bethany Lowery

Programs Intern

Staff Bios

Dick Young

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

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, sons Calvin and Martín, and their collie Luna.

Kerri Jasko

Kerri Jasko (she/her) is the Director of Programs at Zephyr Point. She first joined the team as summer staff in 2018, where she quickly fell in love with both the Tahoe area and the mission of Zephyr Point. Kerri holds degrees in Psychology and Religious Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University, where she was also a member of the NCAA DIII women’s basketball team. She is passionate about creating experiences that inspire people of all ages to connect with the outdoors, have some fun, and care for the world around them. Outside of work, Kerri enjoys adventuring with her wife, Kelsey, and their dog, Milo. She makes the most of Tahoe’s year-round activities and can often be found mountain biking, snowboarding, or running.

Mark Ellender

Claudia Carrizoza

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.

Karen Schneider

Karen Schneider is a finance and accounting professional with a master’s in business administration and more than 27 years of experience across all areas of accounting and financial operations. Passionate about Christ centered ministry, Karen believes that maintaining financial integrity, equipping teams to use financial tools effectively, and producing accurate, timely financial information can strengthen Zephyr Point’s mission. Guided by her Working Genius strengths of Discernment and Tenacity, she excels at evaluating solutions, refining strategies, overcoming challenges, and successfully executing projects, bringing both thoughtful leadership and a results-oriented approach to supporting Zepher Point. Outside of work, Karen enjoys shopping, home remodeling projects, creative crafting, spending time with family, and traveling with her husband.

Greg Bronstein

Rachel Davis

Rachel Davis (she/her) is the Director of Communications and Development at Zephyr Point. She joined the team in 2026 and has jumped right in! Rachel studied Religion, Philosophy, and Youth Ministry at Flagler College and received an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2019. Prior to arriving at Zephyr Point, she served a variety of mainline churches, directing their Christian education programs and updating their communication and marketing systems. She has also supported multiple grant projects exploring new models of ministry.  Outside of work, Rachel enjoys hiking with her family, gardening, and art.

Ryan MacLean

Ryan MacLean joined Zephyr Point in 2024 as the Youth Program Coordinator and started as the Youth Program Manager in Fall 2025. Ryan graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2024, earning an M.Div. and M.A. in Christian Education and Formation, as well as concentrations in ‘Theology, Ecology, and Faith Formation’ and ‘Jewish Christian Relations.’ He has a passion for helping people connect with and care for Creation, which has been demonstrated through his work in regenerative agriculture at places like Princeton Theological Seminary’s Farminary Project and his over five years of experience at Christian Camps. In his role as Youth Program Coordinator, Ryan aims to develop youth programs that are engaging and inclusive, cultivating an expansive faith rooted in rich experiences with nature, challenge, and community. Ryan and his wife Abigail are from the West Coast and feel at home in the Sierra Nevada mountains. They love to spend their time hiking, cooking, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Nathan Wheeler

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 Cripe

Shelby Cripe is the Program Outreach 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!

Josué Herrera

Josué Herrera is the Program Office and Activities Coordinator at Zephyr Point. Josué first joined as member of the summer staff Youth Team in 2023 and began working full-time Summer 2025. He studied Political Science at the University of California, Merced where he dedicated time supporting and leading various community organizing efforts on and off campus. He has enjoyed working at Zephyr Point because it blends serving communities and outdoor exploration. Josué grew up in the Central Valley of California and is excited to live in the Sierra Nevada mountains for everything they have to offer. Josué loves spending time outdoors climbing, running, hiking, or skiing. He also enjoys spending time with friends and loves to cook for others some of his favorite childhood meals.

Sophie Simpson

Sophie Simpson (she/her) is Youth Program Coordinator at Zephyr Point. Sophie grew up attending camp and spending time at Zephyr Point with family. She first joined the team as summer staff in 2021 and spent 4 more wonderful summers here before she began her full-time position in 2026. She holds a BA in International Relations with a focus on Environmental Studies and Policy from the University of San Diego, and an MS in Global Environment, Politics, and Society from the University of Edinburgh. Sophie is passionate about providing children and young people opportunities for nature connection, Earth care, personal growth, recreation, and a sense of belonging. Outside of work, Sophie loves adventures with friends and family in the Tahoe area and can often be found outdoors running or hiking. She also enjoys spending time with a good book, TV show, craft, or cooking and baking.

Sarah Pikop

Sarah Pikop (she/her) grew up in Los Angeles and holds a BA in Business Administration from Life Pacific University. She previously worked at Calvin Crest Conferences in Oakhurst, CA, where she caught the camp and conference center bug! Sarah moved to Northern Nevada in early 2020 and joined the Guest Services team in June 2024. She is thankful for the transformative community she has found here at Zephyr Point. In her spare time, she enjoys reading with some fresh coffee in hand, cuddling with her cat named Anya, getting outside, cooking, and watching a good show or movie.

Ileana Smith

Ileana Smith was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe. She is very family-oriented and being the oldest shaped her to work hard and take care of those around her. Ileana’s faith is at the center of everything she does, believing she wouldn’t be where she is today without God guiding her every step of the way. Prior to joining the Zephyr Point team, she worked in the trucking industry, handling logistics and admin operations.  Ileana has over 13 years of customer experience and management experience, with a diverse work background, from hospitality, food service and retail, where she gained strong experience working with people. She owned and operated her own retail business for five years, which taught her responsibility, resilience, and what it takes to run a business.  Ileana earned her AA in Business Finance, along with certification in General Business and Small Business Ownership from Lake Tahoe Community College.  In her free time Ileana enjoy spending quality time with her husband, family and friends. 

Alex Van Reenen

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

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.

Hazel Perez

Kelsey Jasko

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, and backpacking, all with her wife Kerri and golden retriever, Milo.

Jesse Preciado

Jesse Preciado is the Accounting and Benefits Coordinator 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 lived here onsite with his dad, the previous Housekeeping Director, Jesus, his mother Marisa and his brother Kevin for many years. In his free time Jesse likes to play with his dog Toby, spend time with his family, and watch classic horror movies!

Aylin Aguilar

Aylin Aguilar has been the Bookkeeper at Zephyr Point since December 2024. Born and raised in Lake Tahoe, she spent her summers on the lake and the winters under a blanket. Throughout the years, Aylin has attended events at ZP on behalf of her Catholic Church, and other family-related events. After gradating high school, she attended Western Nevada College, where she served as a Student Senator and then Secretary for the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN). She graduated in 2023 with an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. She is currently in her last year at the University of Nevada-Reno (UNR). She is expected to graduate Fall 2026, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Sociology.

Bruce Reyes-Chow

Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a 3rd Generation Filipino/Chinese American and an active speaker, writer, and coachsultant on topics of faith, leadership, activism, culture, race, and technology. Author of six books, most recently, Everything Good about God is True: Choosing Faith. Bruce writes and podcasts through his Substack newsletter, The Amalgamation and is the Church Relations and Development Officer at Zephyr Point Conference Center.

Bruce has been an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) since 1995 and has pastored seven congregations throughout California. In 2008, he was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA, the youngest and first Asian American to hold the denomination\’s highest elected office. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, works with Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center to lead delegations to Palestine, is a Senior Consultant and Coach with Convergence, and is a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach. Bruce and his wife, Robin, have three adult children, two senior pups, too many houseplants, and a thriving empty-nester life in San Jose, CA. 

Magaly Platero

Magaly Platero started as the HR Generalist at Zephyr Point in July of 2026. She was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe and enjoys staying active in her free time through activities such as Pilates and going to the gym or spending time with friends and family.
She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and is currently attending California State University, East Bay, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior.
Magaly’s goal is to apply the knowledge, skills, and passion for human resources to support organizational success and foster a positive workplace environment wherever she works. She looks forward to contributing to Zephyr Point and growing professionally within the organization.

Lucero Lara

Jose Palomera

Cilvano Vazquez

Pedro Vargas

Kaylee Dorough

Kaylee Dorough is the Outreach and Community Engagement Intern at Zephyr Point. Kaylee graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and spent time as a Social Worker, camp counselor, and swim teacher before joining Zephyr Point in September 2026. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with individuals of all ages. Kaylee grew up in East Texas and is eager to spend time discovering what Lake Tahoe has to offer. In her free time, you can find her crafting, fishing, or reading a book at Cabin 28! 

Bethany Lowery

Bethany Lowery is the Programs Intern here at Zephyr Point. She graduated from Centre College in May of 2026 with a BA in Sociology and Studio Art with a minor in Politics. Soon after graduating, she came to Zephyr Point to work on summer staff on the operations team. She found a lot of purpose and passion here at Zephyr Point in those couple of months. Community is very important to her, along with serving communities that she is a part of. She is very passionate about creating a welcoming environment and spaces for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to feel heard and affirmed. Outside of work she enjoys being outdoors, seeing new places, and reading. She grew up in the cornfields of western Kentucky in a small town called Sturgis. Tahoe is a bit of a change of scenery, but she is excited to be in a place of so much beauty.