Meet Our Leadership

Aryn Barer has been the Director of Round Lake since 2014. Aryn graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in child development and received her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. Aryn has been at NJY Camps since 2009 and prior to joining the full-time team, Aryn worked several years as a school social worker. As the Director of Round Lake, Aryn brings together her love of camp with her passion for helping others. She feels privileged to guide the innovative inclusion model Round Lake offers, as it provides a program unique to the camping world. With the wholehearted support of the NJY executive team, Aryn initiated the development of Tzevet B’Yachad (a staff training program) and our inclusive TAC Israel trip.

Aryn has served on the board of her synagogue in many roles and is energized by the Jewish identity NJY Camps helps to nurture in their campers. She played on Team USA in the Pan Am Maccabiah Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina and in three World Maccabiah Games in Israel, where she met her husband Ken, a fellow American athlete. Aryn and Ken have three children, all of whom grew up as campers at NJY Camps.

Beth Roth is the Assistant Director of Round Lake. Beth graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a Bachelor of Science in economics from the Wharton School. She graduated from Cardozo School of Law and practiced law for a short time before choosing to stay at home to raise her 4 children. Beth switched gears and decided to return to school for her master’s degree in occupational therapy from Columbia University. Beth has also gained a certification as an ADHD coach and counselor. She lives her 10 for 2 as an occupational therapist in a large Westchester school district and as an ADHD coach. Currently, Beth is pursuing a new practice in special education law, where she will be able to combine her experience as an attorney with her passion for supporting children with diverse needs.

Beth has been a part of Round Lake since 2010 and was part of the original leadership team that brought our campers to the Milford campus in 2013, as such she has been instrumental in the development of our current inclusion model. At camp, Beth wears many hats and brings her endless energy and creativity to developing programming, as well as managing much of the behind-the-scenes operations. Beth is an invaluable member of our team and knows all things camp!

Karen is a licensed, clinical social worker, who graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and received her master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University. Karen earned numerous certifications, including certifications in school social work and in human development education. Karen has over 30 years of experience as a mental health and children/family therapist for students with special needs in South Florida. It is Karen’s passion and privilege to help families and their children navigate the education and mental health systems to support emotional and behavioral growth.

Karen is an “NJY Girl” forever. She spent her childhood summers as a camper and when her own children were old enough to attend NJY Camps, she introduced them to her “home away from home”. Karen has been an integral part of the lead staff since 2012. Though her kids have graduated from camp, she continues to spend her summers doing what she loves most… helping to provide an awesome camp experience to campers and staff. She is grateful to Eric, her husband of 25 years, who understands the importance of her role at camp while he stays home working and watching their beloved poodle, Casey.