Meet your SMMC Team

Nichole Harshbarger 

Sierra Mountain Music Camp greatly values the indispensable role of our Activities Director. Campers cherish their cherished moments of gathering around the campfire, engaging in relay games in the field, experiencing the all camp whirlpool, and coordinating cabin themes that align with the week's theme. Since 2007, Nichole Harshbarger has served as our exceptional Activities Director, consistently infusing each season with fresh and thrilling concepts, games, and traditions. These enduring elements have stood the test of time, contributing to the creation of unforgettable memories for everyone involved in the camp experience.

Heather Caplinger

Heather's journey began in 2007 when she joined as a registration volunteer. As her passion for camp grew, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to become part of the administrative team in 2010. In 2015 Heather became Camp Marketing and Administrative Director. Whether you visit our website, come across a social media post, make a phone call, or send us an email, Heather is the person you'll encounter. For Heather, being at camp is the highlight of her year, working side by side with her sister Nichole. Witnessing the continual growth of SMMC and its impact on countless musical lives brings her immense joy and fulfillment.

Sarah Irvin

Sarah Irvin has been SMMC's Artistic Director since 2024. 

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visit here to learn more about all our amazing Music Directors and staff

Kayla Williams

Kayla started her journey in 2005 with SMMC before many of our current staffers. As a 9-year-old camper! She has sung in the SMMC choir for over 15 years. Kayla was a camp counselor and rocked every aspect of that responsibility. Kayla became support staff in 2016.  Support Staff doesn't begin to explain the number of jobs that Kayla supports. From registration and support, reading of Rindercella at campfire night, and lending a hustling hand to our Directors, Kayla is an integral part of the SMMC support team.

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Dwight Jackson

Welcome our newest member Dwight Jackson, nurse for the San Juan Unified chool District. We are so excited to have him join our SMMC2025 TEAM!

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Leanne Louch

SMMC is lucky to have our amazing Arts & Crafts leaders. The teams extensive background as teachers make them one of a kind! Campers can make dream catchers, carved soapstone, wood art, beads crafts, and lanyards. Campers have a wonderful experience learning and creating with friends. Tie Dye has become an all-camp tradition thanks to this incredible team. With our current volunteers Leanne, Melissa, and Stephanie, arts and crafts have quickly become the free choice hot spot among campers!​

Melissa & Stephanie

SMMC is lucky to have our amazing Arts & Crafts crew. The teams extensive background as teachers make them one of a kind! Campers can make dream catchers, carved soapstone, wood art, beads crafts, and lanyards. Campers have a wonderful experience learning and creating with friends. Tie Dye has become an all-camp tradition thanks to this incredible team. With our current volunteers Leanne, Melissa, and Stephanie arts and crafts have quickly become the free choice hot spot among campers!​

Mike Gage

Mike is our live sound technician. He manages audio equipment, mixing boards, and sets up sound for all camp's live performances. He is responsible for sound checks, equipment placement, volume, and quality of sound throughout the entire week.  Mike has brought his skills and now DJs our all-camp game night and campfire night. In addition, he does an incredible job of ensuring our campus are mic and sound checked for Talent Night and Skit Night which is no easy feat.  Mike brings so much energy and knowledge to the SMMC experience.

contact us at smmcstaff@gmail.com

All of our volunteers are fully cleared and certified to ensure a safe and enriching camp experience for everyone. Want to join the fun? To be added to our volunteer waitlist, email us today

Peggy Noland

Peggy is the heart and soul of SMMC. She and her husband Gus Noland envisioned camp long before it started over 25 years ago. From the beginning, their dream had been to inspire young musicians to sing. With orchestras and choirs often disappearing from the public schools, the inclusion of music in children's education was becoming rarer, and the need for supplemental music programs became greater. This is where the idea for a summer music camp was born. Peggy continues to attend year after year and scholarships many of our returning campers. We all wouldn't be here without her and for that, we are forever grateful.