Meet Our Team!

Staff

Dick Young

Executive Director

dyoung@zephyrpoint.org

Laura Mulato

Director of Guest Services

laura@zephyrpoint.org

Mark Ellender

Director of Facilities & Grounds

mellender@zephyrpoint.org

Jesus Preciado

Director of Housekeeping

jesus@zephyrpoint.org

Dayna Titus

Dir. of Finance and Business Operations

dtitus@zephyrpoint.org

Sara Tillema

Director of Programs

stillema@zephyrpoint.org

Kerri Jasko

Youth Program Manager

kerri@zephyrpoint.org

Kelsey Jasko

Executive Administrative Assistant

kelsey@zephyrpoint.org

Jesse Preciado

Accounting & Benefits Coordinator

jessepreciado@zephyrpoint.org

Adena Edwards

Office Administrator

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Shelby Thompson

Activities and Recreation Coordinator

sthompson@zephyrpoint.org

Jose Palomera

Lead Maintenance Worker

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Nathan Wheeler

Adult Program Manager

nwheeler@zephyrpoint.org

Cilvano Vasquez

Lead Maintenance Worker

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Pedro Vargas

Construction Mechanic

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Claudia Carizzoza

Kitchen Manager

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Laura Maffitt

Communications & Marketing Manager

lmaffitt@zephyrpoint.org

Alex Van Reenen

Guest Group Event Specialist

groupevents@zephyrpoint.org

Maria De Lallo

Guest Service Associate

groupreservations@zephyrpoint.org

Aron Tillema

Archivist

historian@zephyrpoint.org

Thea Piscioneri

Cabin 28 Manager

thea@zephyrpoint.org

Trinity Barnes

Marketing and Development Intern

development@zephyrpoint.org

Chris Barton

Programs Intern

programs@zephyrpoint.org

Caleb Cripe

Youth Programs Intern

programs@zephyrpoint.org

Abbie Latham

Guest Service Intern

cabins@zephyrpoint.org

Kathryn "KP" Pena

Maintenance Intern

maintenance@zephyrpoint.org

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 as a nurse at Barton Hospital 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.
dyoung@zephyrpoint.org

Laura Mulato

Laura Mulato is the Director of Guest Services at Zephyr Point. She brings over six years 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, backpacking and visiting new places, especially with her husband Levi and their collie puppy Luna.
laura@zephyrpoint.org

Mark Ellender

mellender@zephyrpoint.org

Jesus Preciado

Jesus Preciado is the Director of Housekeeping at Zephyr Point. Jesus Preciado started working at Zephyr Point on January 7, 2002, in the Housekeeping Department. Jesus obtained the position of Housekeeping Manager in 2003 and he came to live at Zephyr Point grounds with his wife Marisa and their two children Kevin and Jesse. Since then, he has been serving our guests and is currently the Director of the Housekeeping Department. For Jesus, the most important thing is to be able to cover all the needs and expectations of our guests so that they enjoy their stay at Zephyr Point. What Jesus likes the most is enjoying time with his family.
jesus@zephyrpoint.org

Dayna Titus

Dayna Titus is the Director of Finance and Business Operations at Zephyr Point. Originally from the east coast, Dayna received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.   She received her MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.   Prior to joining Zephyr Point, Dayna worked in the healthcare industry in both sales and operations.  She is thrilled to have joined Zephyr Point in late 2021!   Dayna has three children – Andrew, Madison and Sage.   In her free time, Dayna enjoys all that the Tahoe Basin has to offer, especially skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and paddleboarding.
dtitus@zephyrpoint.org

Sara Tillema

Rev. Sara Tillema is the Director of Programs at Zephyr Point. Sara joined the staff in 2019, and serves as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). She loves walking alongside individuals of all ages as they explore life’s big questions, and empowering all to see how their faith and passions can intersect to create meaningful change in our world. Before joining the staff, Sara was a long-time participant at Zephyr Point and has experienced some of the most pivotal moments in her spiritual journey overlooking Lake Tahoe. In her capacity as Director of Programs, Sara aims to craft program opportunities that allow individuals to experience the fullness of the God who dances in Creation, and live in confidence that they are a beloved child of God. In her spare time, Sara’s favorite activities include curling up on the couch with a good book, drinking coffee, and spending time outdoors with her family.
stillema@zephyrpoint.org

Kerri Jasko

Kerri Jasko is the Programs Manager. She started her time here at Zephyr Point working on the waterfront in 2018 for our summer camp programs. She fell in love with Tahoe and the ministry at Zephyr Point. She has a degree in Psychology and a degree in Religious Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University where she was also a part of their NCAA DIII women’s basketball team. Kerri is passionate about helping kids foster a love for the outdoors and encouraging all to pursue restorative justice. In her free time, Kerri loves to do anything outside; snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking are some new sports she has grown to love. Kerri grew up with 3 wonderful sisters and an incredible mom and dad in Virginia Beach, VA. She misses the salt air but couldn’t imagine giving up the mountain life right now.
kerri@zephyrpoint.org

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, hiking, backpacking, and trying new things.
kelsey@zephyrpoint.org

Jesse Preciado

Jesse Preciado is the Staff Accountant 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 has lived here onsite with his dad, our Housekeeping Director, Jesus Preciado, his mother Marisa and his brother Kevin for many years now. In his free time Jesse likes to play with his dog Toby, spend time with his family, and watch classic horror movies!
jessepreciado@zephyrpoint.org

Adena Edwards

Adena Edwards joined the Zephyr Point team in March of 2022 as an Office Administrator. She has lived locally in South Lake Tahoe, California for 33 years. Adena has known about Zephyr Point for a while and has always desired to work for a company that aligns with her Christian values and vision.  She is a single mother of 4 beautiful children who were born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, and was a stay at home mom for 13 years. As a single mother, Adena decided to go back to school. In 2016, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the nationally accredited University of Phoenix, Arizona.  Prior to Zephyr Point, Adena was able to experience diverse roles and with hard work and dedication, most of her work experiences was developed in customer services, administration, sales, and management. Tahoe is her home and Adena enjoys Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful breathtaking views whether it will be in the summer, fall, winter, and spring to experience and be inspired God’s creation. She loves to go hiking, boating with friends, road trips, biking, camping, meeting new people, and exploring new places in the beautiful Lake Tahoe and other lakes in surrounding areas of the Mountain Sierra.
zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Shelby Thompson

Shelby Thompson is the Activities and Recreation 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!
sthompson@zephyrpoint.org

Jose Palomera

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

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.
nwheeler@zephyrpoint.org

Cilvano Vasquez

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Pedro Vargas

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Claudia Carizzoza

zephyr@zephyrpoint.org

Laura Maffitt

Laura Maffitt is the Communications & Marketing Manager at Zephyr Point.
lmaffitt@zephyrpoint.org

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.
groupevents@zephyrpoint.org

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.
groupreservations@zephyrpoint.org

Aron Tillema

Aron Tillema currently serves as Zephyr Point’s Archivist. He previously worked with the Tahoe Semester as an instructor of Religion and administrative assistant at Zephyr Point and brings to this position an abiding interest in how history informs present contexts. Aron is currently organizing materials pertinent to Zephyr Point’s historical development from its own collection in addition to gathering resources from organizations around Lake Tahoe. He is interested in making this storied history of Zephyr Point more accessible, inviting all to memorialize their own experiences at this unique place. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with his family. And as a PhD in Religious Studies, he is interested in creative ways to blend education with outdoor recreation.
historian@zephyrpoint.org

Thea Piscioneri

thea@zephyrpoint.org

Trinity Barnes

Trinity Barnes is the Marketing & Development Intern. She was born and raised in New Orleans, LA, but made the transition to the west coast in order to learn more about environmental policies and activism. Trinity is a 2023 graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. Meeting new people and understanding different cultures is something she’s gained throughout her life’s travels. As of recently, she has been exploring the incredibly vast views of Lake Tahoe and it’s surrounding areas. Trinity enjoys managing the Zephyr Point social media and connecting with our donors who help to keep the property uniquely beautiful.
development@zephyrpoint.org

Chris Barton

Chris Barton is the Adult Programs Intern and currently a student at Lake Tahoe Community College majoring in social sciences. Originally from Southern California, Chris started his time here as a lead counselor during the summer of 2023 and instantly fell in love with the area. It is in this position he hopes to inspire others to explore and discover the wonders of creation. He has a passion for learning and connecting with God, people, and nature. Chris loves hiking, traveling, reading, creative writing, and music. Most of his free time is spent exploring the Tahoe area and creative writing.
programs@zephyrpoint.org

Caleb Cripe

Caleb Cripe is the Youth Programs Intern.  Originally from California’s central coast, Caleb received his bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in Biblical Studies, after which moved to New Jersey where he received his Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Drew University.  Having worked both in Church youth settings and in the outdoor industry for numerous years, Caleb has found Zephyr Point to be the perfect blend of each.  It is in this position that Caleb hopes to foster in others a love for the outdoors and a space where they can discover the divine within creation.  Caleb loves hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, surfing, playing music and reading.  However, most of his free time is spent rock climbing or baking.
programs@zephyrpoint.org

Abbie Latham

Abbie Latham is the Guest Services Intern. She was born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. She graduated in May of 2023 with an Anthropology and Sociology degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN where she got to interact with people of different cultures and lifestyles. Abbie enjoys meeting and engaging with people from various backgrounds and decided to move to the west coast to gain more experiences outside of her upbringing. She hopes to learn more about the western side of the US and explore her newfound surroundings through art and hiking in her free time. Abbie is currently enjoying working with individual cabin rentals and working in the front office on the weekends.
cabins@zephyrpoint.org

Kathryn "KP" Pena

maintenance@zephyrpoint.org