Meet the Directors

Karyn Miller, Owner/Director

Cactus Day Camp is owned and directed by Karyn Miller. Karyn grew up splitting her summers between overnight and day camps. After years of being a camper, Karyn worked at Banner Day Camp in Illinois as a counselor, teen director, and assistant director. She then worked year-round as the associate director for overnight camps, Lake of the Woods, and Greenwoods in Michigan. Karyn left her position to bring a much-needed traditional day camp to our valley’s children. A certified teacher, Karyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and was principal at the Fountain Hills Charter Montessori School from 2007 to 2013. Karyn sits on the board of the Local Council of Leaders for the American Camp Association, Southwest region as the Government Relations Chair. She is an Accreditation Visitor for the association as well.


Jenna Ingram, Assistant Director

This will be Jenna’s 10th summer at Cactus Day Camp. Jenna the Winna has had many jobs here at CDC. She started as a lifeguard, was then a Counselor, followed by the Gym Games instructor, and now is a full-time employee as an Assistant Director and Park Ranger of Camelback Park. She discovered her passion for working with children through teaching second grade in PVUSD, babysitting, teaching PE, and camp! She obtained her undergrad in Psychology and Master’s in Elementary Education from GCU, where she was a pole vaulter. 

 

 


Victoria Ptak, Assistant Director

This will be Victoria’s 9th summer at camp. She graduated from NAU with her Bachelor’s in Conservation Biology and from GCU with her Master’s in Secondary Education. At camp, she has enjoyed being a counselor, cooking instructor, creative creations instructor, and park ranger. She has worked as a high school science teacher in PVUSD and is now transitioning into working at camp full-time as an assistant director and co-park ranger with Bryan!

 

 


Bryan Salley, Assistant Director

Bryan returns for his 10th 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, archery master and is now a co-park ranger with Victoria!