MEET THE DIRECTORS
Karyn Roseman Miller, Owner/Director
Karyn Miller owns and directs Cactus Day Camp, a beloved summer destination for children in the Valley. Karyn’s passion for camp life began with her own experiences, splitting her summers between overnight and day camps. Her journey from camper to counselor led her to Banner Day Camp in Illinois, where she worked as a counselor, teen director, and assistant director. She then moved on to serve as associate director for Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods overnight camps in Michigan.
With a desire to bring a high-quality, traditional day camp experience to the Valley’s children, Karyn founded Cactus Day Camp. Karyn is a certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She was also the principal of Fountain Hills Charter Montessori School from 2007 to 2013. A dedicated member of the American Camp Association since 2001, Karyn served on the Local Council of Leaders for the Southwest region from 2018 to 2022 and has been an Accreditation Visitor since 2003, supporting standards that ensure safety and excellence in camp programs.
Jenna Tucker, Assistant Director
This summer marks Jenna’s 11th year at Cactus Day Camp. Known affectionately as “Jenna the Winna,” she has worn many hats over the years. She began as a lifeguard, then served as a counselor and Gym Games instructor, and now she’s a full-time team member, balancing roles as Assistant Director and Park Ranger of Camelback Park. Jenna’s passion for working with children shines through her experiences teaching second grade in PVUSD, babysitting, teaching PE, and, of course, her time at camp. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University, where she was also a pole vaulter.
Victoria Ptak, Assistant Director
This summer marks Victoria’s 10th year at Cactus Day Camp. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and later earned her master’s in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. Over the years at camp, she’s taken on various roles, including counselor, cooking instructor, creative creations instructor, and park ranger. After five years as a high school science teacher in PVUSD, Victoria has now transitioned to a full-time role at camp, serving as Assistant Director and co-park ranger alongside Bryan.
Bryan Salley, Assistant Director
Bryan returns for his 11th summer at Cactus Day Camp! Bryan graduated from Arizona State University with a Degree in Child and Human Development and holds a teaching certificate in early and special education. Bryan currently teaches 2nd and 6th grades in Mesa during the school year specializing in working with delayed readers and English Language Learners. At camp, he has worked as a counselor, and archery master and is now a co-park ranger for his 6th summer with Victoria!