Joel Bennett

Deep Dive HR Founder

Joel Bennett is the founder of Deep Dive HR, a consulting firm that helps purpose-driven organizations navigate complex people challenges with clarity and care. With nearly two decades of experience in HR leadership, Joel specializes in guiding teams through burnout recovery, accountability, and tough conversations. He brings a practical, compassionate approach to solving workplace issues—whether it’s coaching a struggling manager or crafting scalable HR systems. Joel is a Kolbe Certified™ Consultant and frequent speaker on the intersection of people, performance, and psychological safety.

Colette Marquardt

CEO, American Camp Association, Illinois

Colette has dedicated over 25 years to the summer camp & nonprofit industry, leaving an indelible mark as a leader and advocate in the field. Her journey began as a Girl Scout Camp Director before joining the American Camp Association, Illinois (ACA Illinois).

Colette served on the ACA Illinois Board of Directors and chaired the Mid States Camp Conference, in addition to national and local committee work, before joining the staff. As CEO, she champions youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofits and government agencies. Notably, Colette leads the State of Illinois’ DFI Title XX Camping Services Program, empowering communities to disrupt poverty through enriching camp experiences.

Colette currently serves on the ASAE Advocacy Council and is a proud member of ASAE, Association Forum, and ForeFront (the Illinois Council of Nonprofits.) Recognized for her contributions, Colette received accolades like the 40 Under Forty Award from the Association Forum and the Marcy & Bob Brower Award for Innovative Professional Development. Her commitment to intentional growth and societal impact earned her Special Recognition Awards for Professional Development & Government Relations, and the inaugural Dare to Lead Award from the Women in Camp Collective.

Christen Peterson

American Camp Association

Christen Peterson is the Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the American Camp Association and a proud Youth Worker with 15 years of experience in Out-of-School-Time Programming, including community engagement, international service-learning, afterschool programs, and summer camp. A certified Child and Youth Care professional and Six Sigma Green Belt, Christen is also a curriculum writer, facilitator, and community organizer who believes in the power of voice, collective decision-making, and community wisdom. She champions youth professionals, camps, and youth-serving organizations in building cultures of care and belonging, deepening understanding across cultures, and creating spaces where everyone can show up as their full, authentic selves.

Dave Thoensen

Owner & Director of Tamarak Day Camp

Dave and Lucia Thoensen have been the Owners and Directors of Tamarak since 2000 and are responsible for all aspects of the operation of both the day camp and pre-school. Dave earned his Master’s degree in Management and has extensive experience in staff training and business operations. He has served as a member of the American Camp Association (ACA) National Conference Planning and Programming teams for many years and has presented at numerous local and national camp conferences. He serves on the Board of Directors for the ACA Illinois, served as ACA Illinois Standards Chair and has been a standards visitor for over 20 years. In 2016 Dave earned the ACA National Service Award. Dave co-authored “The Business of Camp” a comprehensive resource guide for camp professionals, and has written numerous articles for Camping Magazine.

Sam Thompson

Recreation Supervisor, Crystal Lake Park District

Sam Thompson is a Recreation Supervisor for the Crystal Lake Park District . Sam is a co-host for the podcast the Day Camp Pod. She has been on the ACA Illinois Board since 1999. Sam is currently the Board Chair of the Illinois section. She was on the ACA National Conference Program review committee from 2011-2018. .She has spoken at local, State and National Conferences since 1988 on subjects pertaining to After School Programs and Camp and has authored 6 articles for IPRA magazine and Camping Magazine.

Timothy A. Raines, PhD, CDE

CEO & Principle Consultant, Raines Consulting, LLC

Timothy A. Raines, PhD, CDE®, also known as Dr. Tim, is an educator, consultant, coach, and youth development leader who works with organizations to strengthen belonging, leadership, and the experiences they create for young people and the adults who serve them.

As CEO and Principal Consultant of Raines Consulting, LLC, he partners with camps, afterschool programs, universities, and nonprofit organizations to translate research and values into practical approaches to culture, inclusion, leadership, and organizational change. He also serves as Vice President of Quality Initiatives at the Indiana Afterschool Network, where he leads statewide efforts to strengthen quality across out-of-school time programs.

A scientist by training and educator by practice, Dr. Tim brings together research, lived experience, and practical application. His work challenges leaders to look beyond what they intend to create and examine what young people and staff actually experience, building environments where people can feel safe, seen, valued, and supported.