Jacqui has spent most of her life in San Diego, where her love for the ocean, community, and working with kids first began. Growing up as one of ten siblings, family has always been at the center of her world, an experience that deeply shaped who she is today and sparked her passion for supporting children and families.

Jacqui’s journey with camp started as a camper herself, returning year after year with her science classes before eventually joining the summer camp experience. As soon as she was old enough, she applied to work as a summer camp counselor in 2013. From there, she continued to return each summer, growing into roles as Crew Captain, Head Counselor, and Assistant Summer Camp Director. Today, she has the privilege and honor of serving as the Summer Camp Director for Catalina Sea Camp, a role that brings her full circle back to the place that helped shape her love for education and youth development.

She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at UC San Diego and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of obtaining licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy and focusing on working with children. Jacqui is deeply committed to understanding child development, emotional well-being, and how meaningful relationships help kids thrive.

Jacqui truly loves working with children and believes every child deserves the opportunity to feel supported, confident, and excited to learn. Whether she’s at camp, in school, or collaborating with families, her goal is always the same: to create safe, joyful spaces where kids can grow, explore, and just be kids.

“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable you’re doing it wrong.”

Ted Lasso