Meet Our Staff

Alyssa Pecorino

Executive Director

Originally hailing from the west end of Long Island, Alyssa has spent the last 20 years in the camping industry in almost every conceivable position, in addition to being a camper at various camps in NY and CT. She has an undergraduate degree in American Studies from the University of Mary Washington, a master’s degree in Special Education from Hofstra University and master’s degree in Camp Administration and Leadership from Touro University. She has worked at various special education schools as a teacher and as an administrator. In addition, she has been an adjunct professor at various colleges and universities and has spoken at numerous conferences on special education.

She brings a love of all things camp, including a camp dog! She accepted the 2019 National Elenor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence at the National American Camping Association conference.

Since 2019, Alyssa has brought her expertise to Camp Pa-qua-tuck. She’s embracing the magic of this special place and continues to enhance the wonders camp brings to children and adults of all ages.

Johneen Feehan

Office Manager

Johneen joined the Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck family as Office Manager in 2006. A proud mother of three grown sons, Johneen served active roles in the Patchogue Youth Athletic Association as well as her children’s PTA, Cub Scouts and soccer and baseball leagues. Former executive secretary for Chase Manhattan Bank Credit Card Fraud Investigations, Johneen worked part-time as a computer aide in the Patchogue-Medford School District before joining the family at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. She’s served Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck the longest of all of our staff members and has earned the title of “Camp Guru.”

Joann Rossi

Office Assistant

Joann Rossi comes to us from Shirley, NY. She is a proud Aquarian who has been married for over 50 years and has two children along with two grandsons. This has earned her the title of “Camp Grandma”. Prior to coming to Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck she was a medical transcriptionist and worked in Home Care. We’re lucky to have her here where she shares her love of the snow and the Dallas Cowboys.

Jesse Watson

Maintenance Manager

Jesse Watson has been the maintenance manager at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck since 2012. The work the Jesse and his staff does paves the way for a fun and safe stay for all of the campers.

Outside of work Jesse is also full-time student who is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences. His hobbies consist of mostly outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and traveling to new places.

Melissa Locrotondo

Chief of Programming

Melissa Locrotondo-Frey is our Chief of Programming and Aquatics here at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. She has a Bachelors Degree of Science in Physical Education and Associates in Clinical Medical Assisting. She has been a Firefighter and EMT since 2001 and 2004. Melissa is a certified lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor and First Aide CPR Instructor.

When Melissa is not here at camp she is a Mother, Wife and Daughter. She enjoys arts and crafts, outdoor activates, including the beach and she loves volunteering to help others. Melissa grew up on a farm just two towns away from camp and in the Moriches inlet. She is currently aiming to get her Boater Safety Instructors certification through the United States Coast Guard.

Melissa has worked with our population for 20 years and continues to mentor our staff and campers on a daily basis.

Debbie Moschello

Health Director

Debbie

Tommy Ryan

Assistant Summer Program Director and Director of Respite Camp

From the Port Jefferson area and a lover of all things “camp”, Tommy joined the Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck family in the Summer of 2019. He has been a part of the camp industry since he was five years of age, attending a variety of day and overnight programs for children who are blind and visually impaired such as Camp Helen Keller where he later became a counselor and activity facilitator.

Through the challenges and barriers he has encountered as a person with an unstable visual condition, Tommy found a passion for mentoring and advocating for other individuals with special needs. He is currently working toward a bachelors degree in Community and Human Services with a focus on Disability Studies from SUNY Empire State College. He then plans to further his education in the field of Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.

Outside of camp, Tommy volunteers his time with local Long Island agencies and support groups serving the special needs population such as Suffolk Independent Living Organization and the Town of Brookhaven Disability Taskforce.

During his free time, Tommy enjoys cooking, playing the piano, hiking and other outdoor exercise, catching up with friends and family, and soaking up some rays at the beach during the warmer months. He has a big heart for animals and loves his camp sleepovers with Spencer, our camp dog.

His favorite camp activities are waterfront, outdoor education, campfire, and talent show. Hearing the campers’ laughter and watching them try something for the first time are what he loves most about his camp duties. Tommy is committed to providing a safe, positive environment for campers of all ages to learn, build friendships, reach beyond their abilities, and enhance their autonomy.