Meet our Directors
Quality leadership is the foundation of our camp.
Gene Giammitorio
Director of Summer Programs
20th Summer
Gene Giammittorio graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources. Gene first began working for Congressional School in 2005 and has served in a variety of roles. He is a Wilderness First Responder. Away from Congressional, Gene likes spending time with his really big family, hanging out with his friends, hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and basically anything else outdoors.
Brittneigh McAvey
Director of Co-Curricular Programs
2nd Summer
Brittneigh McAvey brings over a decade of experience in education to our school. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and has worked in diverse international settings. Prior to joining our team, Brittneigh served as a Specialty Manager in New York City and as a Deputy Program Director in Japan. Outside of her professional life, Brittneigh is an avid foodie who loves exploring the outdoors. She enjoys spending quality time with her wife and their two dogs.
Thomas Howard
Auxiliary Programs Manager
8th Summer
Thomas Howard stepped into the role of Auxiliary Program Manager in the Fall of 2024. Thomas is a familiar face at Congressional; he’s been an Extended Hours Counselor and has also worked with Congressional Camp for the past 8 summers. He recently graduated from William & Mary with a degree in Physical Chemistry and a minor in Philosophy. In his Auxiliary role with the PACE team, Thomas will supervise EHP in the Little School and manage the transportation program.
Levi Herrera
Auxiliary Programs Manager
10th Summer
Levi started on the EHP team in 2015, has worked both the school and camp front desks, and transitioned to Administrative Assistant in 2019. You can find him at the Big School front desk in the afternoons. Levi is currently pursuing a degree in Education with a minor in Science. On top of spending his time at Congressional, Levi is also the Head Coach of the boys Lacrosse team! While not at Congressional, Levi enjoys spending time with his best friend – his dog Oso!
Brenna Ponting
Summer Academy Director
7th Summer
Brenna has a Masters in Education from George Mason University. She has been teaching at Congressional since 2018. During the school year, Brenna teaches First Grade. In the summer, Brenna loves working at Congressional Camp. She has been a camp counselor, Director of Great Adventures and more recently Director of Summer Academy. She loves working with and supporting the community all year. When Brenna is not working, she loves reading, trying new restaurants or going to Capitals hockey games.
Alla Stellakis
Great Adventures Director
3rd Summer
Alla Stellakis started her journey at Congressional School in September 2020 working with our Kindergarten students. This summer, Alla is excited to Direct our Great Adventures (3-5 year old) Program. Before Congressional School, Alla was a Co-Lead Pre-K teacher at The Takoma Children’s School, located in Washington DC. Before making her way down to the Capital, she taught Pre-K for two years at The Meadowbrook School in Philadelphia. Alla is passionate about art and carries a sketchbook wherever she goes. In her spare time, she enjoys puzzle-making, cross-stitching, and drawing. She has recently illustrated and published her very first children’s book about an octopus with many feelings.
Sergio Jimenez
Travel Camp Director
9th Summer
Sergio began working with Congressional as an EHP Counselor in 2015 and transitioned to the Day Camp staff the following year. Sergio has held a variety of positions with our school and camp programs. He currently serves as a P.E. Teacher during the school year and this past summer served as Director of our Travel Camp Programs. Sergio is currently pursuing a degree in education and acquiring his Personal Training certification. When not at work, Sergio enjoys biking, running, and hanging out with all 10 of his Guinea Pigs or reading his marvel comics.
