Meet your SMMC Team

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.  

Nichole Harshbarger 

Our Activities Director is an essential and wonderful asset to Sierra Mountain Music Camp. Campers have wonderful memories of gathering around the campfire, playing relay games in the field, creating a whirlpool in the swimming pool, and planning cabin themes to go along with the week! Since 2007 Nichole Harshbarger has been our amazing Activities Director and makes sure that each season is filled with new and exciting ideas, games, and traditions. These are the staples that have lasted for years and have helped make camp a memorable experience for all.  

Heather Caplinger

Heather started as a registration volunteer in 2007. In 2010 when the opportunity came up to be a part of the administrative team she quickly said yes as her love of camp had grown. In 2015 Heather was promoted to the role of Camp Marketing and Administrative Director. If you pop on our website, see a social media post, call or send us an email, you are sure to get Heather. She created the camp's marketing materials and registration processes you use today. Being at camp is her favorite week of the year. She loves to watch SMMC grow each year as it touches more musical lives!

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.

Leanne Louch and Libby Bertacchi

SMMC is lucky to have our amazing Arts & Crafts leaders. Leanne and Libby's extensive background as teachers make them one of a kind! Their team is ready to help our campers with fun, creative, colorful, and often environmentally inspired works of art. In years past, campers have made dream catchers, carved soapstone, wood art, beads crafts, and woven 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, Libby, and Stephanie, arts and crafts have quickly become the free choice hot spot among campers!

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Lucas Kermit

Lucas started his SMMC journey as a camper and sound assistant in 2017 and by 2019 was an official staffer! Lucas has captured moments of camp since his first day, even adding drone work to camps promo videos! He assists Mike with sound setup and provides support so that camp runs smoothly before, during, and after each event. If that wasn’t enough Lucas has created short films and videos highlighting events throughout camp all week long. Lucas is so much more than just our photographer, we are so thankful for the hard work and fun that Lucas adds to our SMMC team. 

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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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Stephanie and Avi Gage

Stephanie and Avi Gage joined our Arts and Crafts support team in 2020.  Stephanie's background as a teacher brings energy and creativity to the SMMC crew. In addition, Stephanie supports her husband Mike Gage with sound needs and camp support.  Avi's bright smile adds sunshine and joy to camp. We are so grateful to have the Gage family be a part of SMMC. 

Heather Caplinger

In 2021 Heather took over the temporary role of Health Director. Her background and education in Child Psychology add an extra level to our campers' health and mental well-being. In 2020 she was trained in school nursing, CPR, and first aid.  Being with SMMC full-time since 2010 gives her the knowledge of "camp nurse" needs for every camper. 

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We are looking to add to our camp nurse team for the 2023 season. email us at smmsstff@gmail if you are interested

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