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 

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.

Anne Vaalar

Anne Vaaler has been SMMC's Artistic Director since 2021.

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

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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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.

Christine Wong

​Hi! My name is Christine and I've been a registered nurse since 2000. My experience mostly resides in hospital based nursing but also includes public health nursing and camp nursing for the past three years. I look forward to working with the campers at Sierra Mountain Music Camp and partnering with parents to support the health of the kids throughout the week!

Stephanie 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.