Meet the Staff
Jason Wass
Jason Wass is an experienced leader in the camp industry, youth program development, athletics, and coaching. With over 20 years in the field, he has built and led innovative sports and summer programs that inspire growth, character, and community. As Director of Summer Programs at LuHi, Jason has guided the expansion of one of Long Island’s premier youth experiences, emphasizing excellence in programming, leadership, and family engagement.
Before joining LuHi, Jason spent over a decade with Sportime, where he directed tennis and camp operations, led year-round training programs, and helped develop nationally recognized youth sports initiatives. A former tennis professional and respected coach, he continues to create opportunities that help young people and athletes reach their full potential on and off the field.
He lives in Massapequa with his wife, Julie, their son, Danny, and their dog, Griffey.
Linda-Lee “Coach LouLou” Focarile
For more than 25 years Linda-Lee/“Coach LouLou” has found a home at LuHi. A proud alumna of Long Island Lutheran, she attended high school alongside all five of her siblings and credits the values, community, and teamwork she discovered there as the foundation for her personal and professional success.
A high-honors graduate of Hofstra University, Linda-Lee spent her undergraduate and postgraduate years deeply involved in student leadership and mentorship roles that solidified her passion for working with young people and guiding them to discover their best selves. In her many years at LuHi (now entering her 14th summer on staff), she has drawn upon both her athletics background and her organizational experience to design programs where campers play boldly, staff collaborate joyfully, and everyone is encouraged to try something new.
Linda-Lee believes that summer isn’t just about fun it’s about growth, community and daring to do hard things. Her goal for every LuHi summer: to build an environment where every member of the LuHi family feels supported, challenged and capable, and where laughter, teamwork, and achievement go hand in hand.
Jarred Slawitsky
Coach Jarred has been a proud part of Long Island’s summer camp world since 1998. He’s worked as a counselor, coach, and camp director, and loves creating an environment where kids and counselors can learn, grow, and be their best. His enthusiasm and commitment to others create a meaningful impact throughout the camp community.
Kristy Nix-Hirsch
Nix brings a ton of energy and experience from years coaching and working in college athletics at places like Farmingdale State, Stony Brook, Delaware, and Marist. She’s also spent time with the U.S. Open, the Boston Red Sox, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. A standout in both volleyball and basketball, Nix is a proud member of the Rhode Island College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Kelly Clyde
After spending over 15 years in the corporate world, she transitioned to camp administration in 2024. It’s been a rewarding and refreshing change, allowing her to use her organizational and leadership skills in a dynamic, family-oriented environment and she loves getting to spend her summers alongside her son.
