Our Camp Staff Welcomes You

Meet the Team

  • Portrait of Tegwen Smiling

    Tegwen

    (they/them)

    CAMP ADVISOR

    Tegwen was born in the United States and spent many wonderful summers at summer camp in Pennsylvania, first as a camper and then as a camp counselor and camper’s advocate. They are a photographer, artist, and entrepreneur living in Berlin for the last 7 years. Tegwen lives on-site at Camp Château every summer during the camp season. Tegwen loves logistical puzzles and their goal is to facilitate
    a flow that allows campers to have an authentic and restorative stay.

    Fluent: English
    Conversational: German
    Basic: ASL

  • Erica

    (she/her)

    CAMP DIRECTOR

    A former camper at Camp Chateau, Erica is thrilled to return as Camp Director! She’s bringing her leadership and operations experience along with a lifelong passion for arts, crafts, and hands-on creativity. From organizing events to building beautiful projects, she loves bringing creative ideas to life and encouraging others to do the same. Erica can’t wait to make some camp magic with the Camp Chateau team, inspire campers to explore their creativity, and help everyone make unforgettable memories together.

  • Angie

    (she/her)

    ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR

    Originally from Mexico, Angie has explored Europe since 2014, immersing herself in diverse cultures through volunteer work, academics, and employment. Embracing "multipotentialism," she values diverse skills and empathy. With experience overseeing small businesses and leading projects in Mexico's regenerative tourism, Angie brings extensive management expertise as Assistant Camp Director, enriching the camper experience.

    Fluent: Spanish, English
    Conversational: French

  • Manon

    (she/her)

    HEAD COUNSELOR
    Yoga, Wellness, and Nature

    Hello, I am Manon, I will be teaching yoga and leading electives in outdoor & wellness at Camp Château! My aim is to bring creativity and imagination into your everyday life by connecting with the things I love the most: people, nature, movement & creativity.

    Fluent: French and English
    Conversational: Spanish and Portuguese

  • Valerie

    (she/her)

    COUNSELOR & RA
    Art, Games, and Resident Assistant

    Coucou everyone! My name is Valerie and I was a Counselor last year at Camp Château as a Arts and Crafts counselor and also as a Resident Assistant. This year, I will have a similar role and teach French and Cooking classes! I was previously a Pastry Chef and studied Economics and French at university (very different I know). I am also from Miami Florida! I am so ready to get our paintbrushes, chef hats etc. out and release our inner child together :)) LET'S CHÂTEAU-DO THIS!

    Fluent: English, Spanish, French

  • Steve and Di Portrait

    Di and Steve

    (she/her) and (he/him)

    PROPERTY MANAGER

    Steve and Di have moved into La Ferme, which is the house that sits at the top of the property, right next to the Chemin St. Jacques hiking trail. Steve is a skilled builder and roofer and will be helping to maintain and improve the property over the coming months and years.

    Fluent: English

  • Chef Oriane

    (she/her)

    CHEF

    I am a cook by trade and by heart. Originally from Brittany, I happily landed in Aveyron about ten years ago—drawn by the gastronomic treasures of this region, its landscapes, its valleys and rivers. Cooking is the first gift I can offer each day to a friend or a stranger, and their smile is the greatest reward. That’s why I love to cook, every day, endlessly—to bring people together around beautiful dishes and offer them a bit of sunshine on their plate.

    For me, it’s the best way to create connections and share unforgettable moments.

    Fluent: French
    Basic: English

  • Emily

    (she/her)

    GROUNDSKEEPER & COUNSELOR 2023/2024
    Gardening and Antique Specialist

    My name is Emily. I come from Cornwall in the UK. I have been living in France for the past 15 years and live locally to the Château. I am a mum of three. I am passionate about permaculture, vegetable gardening, and antiques. I love to spend my time cooking the produce from my vegetable garden and love making jam! I have plenty of animals too (chickens, ducks, cats, a dog, and 2 draft horses)! I look forward to meeting everyone soon.

    Fluent: English, French

  • Ruth

    (she/her)

    GARDENING ROSES & PERFORMANCE

    Hi there, I'm Ruth, one of the gardeners at the Château. Originally from the U.K., I relocated to France in 2016. Gardening is my absolute passion; to me, a garden is a dynamic canvas, alive with color and form, offering endless creative possibilities. Horses have also been a lifelong love—I've been riding since I was three and now care for two horses. And let's not forget music—I adore entertaining! I'm eagerly anticipating the summer ahead and can't wait to meet everyone.

    Fluent: English, French

  • Kilda

    (she/her)

    COUNSELOR
    Flowers and Art

    Hello, my name is Kilda and I'm from Bath, UK now living in Figeac (15 mins from camp) since 2021. I am an artist, florist, and flower grower. I am passionate about the positive power of nature and creativity on our well-being. This summer, I'll share this passion through arts and floral workshops that will enable campers to tap into their creativity and foster a connection with nature.

    Fluent: French, English

  • Suzan and Marcus Paddon from Les Caves GV

    Suzan and Marcus Paddon

    (she/her) and (he/him)

    WINE INSTRUCTORS

    Marcus and Suzan Paddon have lived in the southwest of France for 20 years. They worked in the restaurant trade and managed the wine cellar of a local restaurant for several years before starting their wine company, Les Caves GV. Passionate about the French terroir, they are dedicated wine enthusiasts!

    Fluent: English
    Conversational: French

  • Lucie

    (she/her)

    MASSAGE THERAPIST

    Hi everyone! I'm Lucie, a Parisian massage therapist now based in the lovely town of Figeac. My passion for bodywork drives me to continuously improve as a practitioner. I was fortunate enough to train in Thailand and to learn from a master of traditional Thai massage. Before bodywork, I worked in the art world in Glasgow, Scotland. As a therapist, I incorporate my creative background into my practice. Combining different techniques and approaches, I create unique sessions tailored to meet each client's needs. I am grateful for the opportunity to be your massage therapist this summer and I look forward to meeting you all!

    Fluent: French, English

  • Melissa

    (she/her)

    COUNSELOR
    Yoga and Meditation

    As a multidisciplinary artist, she has been exploring the fields of acting, dance, and somatic practices since 2010. After studying yoga for three years in Paris and traveling to India several times, she moved to Brussels — and eight years later, to the Lot — where she offers body-mind coaching with a personalized approach, specifically designed for women, including prenatal and postnatal care. What does she love the most? Helping people reconnect with their bodies through movement.

    Fluent: French, English