Head Counselors
Rob and Ellen Pitera have each been teaching collectively for over 25 years and bring expertise in many areas. Their teaching careers began in Falls Church City, VA where they taught a diverse population with a variety of educational needs. Rob has taught many grade levels and in several different school systems throughout his career including two years teaching in Seattle Washington. Ellen has also experienced teaching many grade levels and especially enjoyed her year teaching in Kenya! Both Rob and Ellen have traveled around the globe and enjoy using these cross cultural experiences to enhance their teaching. After they were married in 2002 Rob and Ellen decided to move back to Ellen’s hometown here in Orange, VA. In fact they are living on the farm where Ellen grew up and find that the experiences that they encounter living on the farm provide an ideal learning environment. While attending Rounton Farm Summer Camps, your child will have the unique opportunity to soak in and be inspired by life on the farm! Oh and yes, that is a rhino in the picture below but don't worry, he doesn't live on the farm.
Megan Aylor has been teaching Kindergarten for the past 14 years. Her teaching career began in Northern Virginia where she taught a diverse population of preschoolers, P.E. k-5, and organized the aftercare program. Megan has spent the rest of her career teaching kindergarten in Albemarle and Orange County. She believes in hands on learning, encouraging creativity, and celebrating successes both big and small to build confidence. Megan grew up in Orange and actually had her first farm experiences at Rounton Farm. She cannot wait to share all of her experiences, love of art, attempts to build, and laughs with all of the campers. Let the fun begin!
Jen Ernst has been a teacher at Orange Presbyterian Weekday School for 4 years, as well as an assistant director of their aftercare program and a substitute teacher for Orange Elementary School. She has an AA degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Art History. She strongly believes in the philosophy of learning through play, as well as importance of socialization to develop relationships between children. She has lived in Orange with her husband and two children since 2011 and has enjoyed being a counselor at Rounton Farm since 2016. She loves working with preschoolers and can't wait to introduce life on the farm through crafts, storytime, games and exploration.
JR Counselors
Jr Counselors in Training
The avid reader Ethan Schrum likes history. This will be his 4th year as a junior counselor. He enjoys the outdoors, fishing and watching birds. Ethan enjoys visiting family around the country. He likes playing with his brother and sister.
The talented Carys Myracle is a former second grade student of Mr. Rob Pitera and is looking forward to her fixth year as a Rounton Farm counselor!
Fishing, canoeing, and hiking are a few of Carys' favorite outdoor activities with Aerial Silks and Lyra as her newest interests.
The human encyclopedia, Zach Ernst loves science and technology. He is a huge fan of science fiction movies, games and books. He is a Boy Scout and enjoys being outside; hiking, camping, swimming and looking at the stars. He hopes to work for NASA someday. This is his third year as a junior counselor.
Brenden and Aiden Stakem...yes, they come as a dynamic duo and they are amazing on their own too!
Brenden Stakem is loving his 1st year at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design)! Brenden is an avid digital artist, film maker and actor. He is also a Boy Scout and who enjoys the outdoors. He is looking forward to making another incredible Star Wars movie as he enters his 4th year as a Counselor at Rounton Farm.
Aidan Stakem is currently an 8th grader at Grymes Memorial School. Aidan is a Boy Scout who loves the outdoors and especially spending time at the Rapidan River swimming and fishing. Aidan is also an actor and accomplished dancer at OSPA. He is excited to be a part of the Summer Camp for the 2nd year.
Charlotte Samuels is an 8th grader at Prospect Heights Middle School, and was just accepted into the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School beginning her freshman year at OCHS. Her favorite subject is science, but she also enjoys history and Spanish. She loves to read books such as The Hunger Games and is currently reading To Kill a Mockingbird. Charlotte swims for BASS at Woodberry Forest School, as well as for the Orange Otters. She runs Cross Country for OCHS and also swam for them this past year. She does Track and Field for PHMS and is the only female miler. Charlotte loves to go to the beach and be outside. Camping, hiking, playing with her two dogs, traveling, and being with her friends and family are just a few things that she loves.
Lily Robinson
Lily Robinson is a three year volunteer with Rounton Farm. She enjoys swimming, listening to music, and playing with her dogs, especially Sparkle. She also likes to volunteer and participate in community service activities through the Student Council Association at Orange County High School. Lily is fun and outgoing, and always tries her best to have a good time. She is a rising sophomore at OCHS, and enjoys science and math classes. Although she doesn't have a ton of time for arts and crafts at home, she tries her hardest every weekend to do as many as she can. Lily loves spending time with her friends and she is always down for an unexpected adventure.
Landon Pounds
Landon is a rising 9th grader. He enjoys making plays on 3rd base and hitting dingers in baseball! When he's not playing baseball he his hitting the books. Challenge him with a math problem because math is his favorite subject.
Charlie Pitera
Charlie is a rising sixth grader with a love for the outdoors and finding new ways to do things. He is excited to be a junior counselor this year and his favorite camp is Myth Busters because he loves science.
