About our team
Ferrwood instructors are caring and dedicated professionals, committed to meeting your child’s needs. Our instructors will challenge your child to grow as a musician and a person. Our instructors will look at the whole child and treat them with respect and dignity as they watch them grow. All the instructors are degreed professionals or professionals working toward a degree in music. As parents, you can rest knowing that we are student-focused and dedicated to providing each camper with a positive and memorable experience. All Ferrwood staff have submitted a copy of their PA Criminal History and PA Child Abuse clearances. Clearances are on file with the music director.
Caleb Bohanan - Music Director
Caleb “Bo” Bohanan, received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Penn State and a master's degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. He has worked for Pittsburgh Public Schools since 2016 serving in roles such as high school chorus director, K-8 general music teacher, and as of 2018, 4th-8th grade instrumental music specialist. In his role as an instrumental music specialist, he serves all instrumental learning at 4 schools within the district. Before taking on the director role, Bo has worked at Ferrwood for 8 years as a low brass instructor.
Felicia Cera - Visual Arts Instructor - Week 1
Felicia Cera is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting with a certification in Education at Arcadia University. Her artistic practice is enriched by experience in a wide range
of mediums, including printmaking, observational and figure drawing, design, filmphotography, and digital art. Felicia also studied at the Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, where she
collaborated closely with faculty to explore the intersection of cultural identity and painting. She
is the winner of various juried exhibitions and currently serves as an instructor at the Hazleton
Art League’s summer art camp. Her work has been exhibited and sold at galleries, fairs, and art
events, and she has also worked as a vendor supporting fellow artisans. Felicia is passionate
about building a strong sense of community through art and is committed to fostering an
inclusive, creative environment for her students.
Sarah Koviack - Flute Instructor
Sarah Koviack (she/her) recently graduated with her Master’s of Music in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Delaware (UD). While At UD, she served as a Graduate Conducting Assistant for the UD Concert Bands where her primary duties included directing the UD Collegiate Band, as well as serving as an assistant conductor for the UD Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Flute Choir. In addition to her conducting activities, Sarah studied flute with Professor Eileen Grycky while playing in various mixed chamber music groups, the UD Chamber Orchestra, and the UD Opera Orchestra.
Prior to her master's degree, Sarah graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (KU) with her Bachelor’s of Science in Music Education where she studied flute with Professor Janet Axelrod and Dr. Susanna Loewy. While at KU, Sarah played in a plethora of ensembles including the KU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, where she served as principal flutist, the KU Marching Band- where she served as a section leader- and various mixed chamber ensembles, in addition to being a student conductor for the KU Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Flute Choir. Outside of music, Sarah enjoys reading, baking, exploring nature trails, and spending time with her cat, Chico. Originally from Hazleton, PA, Sarah was a Ferrwood Camper for many years and is looking forward to the s’mores, baked potatoes, and many laughs this summer at camp!
Casey Herseim - Camp Director
Casey Herseim started last season in the role of camp director but has been part of the Ferrwood family since 2015. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Elon University and her master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Bloomsburg University. She has lived in the Hazleton area for 18 years and now splits her time between here and the Jersey Shore.
While she never had the opportunity to meet Father Joe, working alongside former director Phil Latella has shown her the value of his legacy over the past decade. Music, and now art, bring us together, but the community is what truly makes the camp Ferrwood.
Todd Oehler - Trumpet Instructor
Todd Oehler is a nationally recognized trumpeter, conductor, arranger, and educator whose performance career spans a wide range of musical styles and settings. He is the Professor of Trumpet at Elizabethtown College and serves as Jazz Band Director. Todd is the Third Trumpet of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and has appeared as principal and section trumpet with ensembles across the country including the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, Chandler Symphony, and Arizona Broadway Theatre, among others. His versatility as a performer is reflected in his work across classical, jazz, commercial, opera, and Broadway repertoire, with notable appearances at the National Music Festival, the Brass Institute of America, and the Fresno Orchestra and Opera Academy. As a soloist, Todd has presented a diverse range of works from the classical canon to contemporary and underrepresented composers, and he is currently recording a commissioned piece aimed at expanding and diversifying the modern trumpet repertoire.
In addition to his performance career, Todd is an active conductor, music arranger, and dedicated educator. He has served as associate conductor of trumpet ensembles, directed wind and chamber groups, and led masterclasses across the country for students of all levels. His arrangements have been performed by brass quintets, jazz bands, and soloists, and his educational approach is rooted in equity, access, and the celebration of musical diversity. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Todd is committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians through exceptional artistry and inclusive teaching.
Braden Mulcahy - Saxophone Instructor
Braden Mulcahy is currently serving as the 6-8th Grade Band teacher in Lower Moreland Township School District, just north of Philadelphia. He graduated from West Chester University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, studying saxophone with Professor Jonathan Ragonese. While at West Chester, Braden performed in the Criterions Big Band on the baritone saxophone and clarinets, playing with international artists like Nicholas Payton and Bob Mintzer. He also won the WCUSO Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition on tenor saxophone. Since graduating, he has been involved in local theater in the Philadelphia area as a woodwind doubler, specializing in saxophone and clarinet. He has also performed as a guest musician with Ursinus College Wind Ensemble and University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble. Braden is excited to share his love of music and saxophone as an instructor at Ferrwood this summer!
Lindsay Walsh - Food Service Operations Manager
Lindsay Walsh manages the camp kitchen. She is a lunch lady with the Hazleton Area School District and has been a parent volunteer at Ferrwood since 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Penn State University and her secondary social studies teaching certificate from King's College. She is a Hazleton native, currently residing in Drums with her husband, Kevin, and their two incredible daughters. Lindsay grew up as a member of "Father Joe" Ferrara's congregation at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Tyrolean Roman Catholic Church and as a violin student in his school philharmonic program. She loves Ferrwood's mission and the people it brings together. She says, "coming to camp always feels like coming home. It feels like family. It's a place where everyone is accepted and celebrated for exactly who they are. Few places in the world can provide that kind of peace and love."
Emily Elinsky - Trombone Instructor
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Emily Elinsky started her education at The Pennsylvania State University. While in State College, Emily completed Bachelor’s Degrees in both Economics and Trombone Performance. She then moved down to North Carolina to complete her Trombone and Music Education studies. At East Carolina University, she received her Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Emily’s former trombone teachers include Bruce Lazier, Mark Lusk, and Stephan Ivany.
Emily has also been an active teacher. In North Carolina, Emily taught low brass workshops and private lessons. Additionally, she has been a judge for many honors bands. As a Master’s student, she also was a Teaching Assistant at East Carolina University for the trombone studio and music education department. Emily just finished her second year teaching Elementary Band and Orchestra in Prince George’s County in Maryland. She enjoys working with the younger students to instill a love of music!
Emily is excited to return for her ninth year of teaching at Ferrwood Music Camp. When Emily isn’t doing music, she loves to play with her two dogs: Binx and Donny; and her two cats: Nala and Stella.
Adam Price - Assistant Music Director and Woodwind Instructor
Adam Price is a full-time professional clarinetist and saxophonist. He has toured internationally with various groups, worked in the house orchestras on Crystal and Princess cruise lines, and shared the stage with artists such as Judy Carmichael, Gordon Goodwin, Dave Stahl, Chris Vadala, and many others. In October 2018, he released his debut jazz album ”House Ghosts” to critical acclaim. Adam holds a Bachelor's of Music in Clarinet Performance from New York University and has taught both privately and at various music camps for many years. When he is not on tour or in the recording studio, Adam enjoys walking in the woods and eating pumpkin pies, not usually at the same time, but occasionally. To learn more about Adam, his projects, and his music, visit www.adampricemusic.com.
Joseph Wolf - Saxophone Instructor
Joseph Wolf is a saxophonist and educator from Lancaster, PA, currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in saxophone performance from Louisiana State University, where he is the saxophone studio graduate assistant. He received a Master of Music degree in saxophone performance from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from West Chester University. His primary teachers have included Ken Husler, Ryan Kauffman, Jonathan Ragonese, David Stambler, and Kendra Wheeler.
Joe performs with numerous collegiate chamber and large ensembles. In these ensembles, Joe has performed at state, regional, and national conferences and has toured twice throughout Europe. As a commercial musician, he has performed at Carowinds, Dorney Park, and Hershey’s Chocolate World. As an active member of the saxophone community, he regularly participates as a performer in regional, national, and international conferences. In 2025, he was the conference manager for the NASA Region 8 conference. He was the concerto competition winner for both the orchestra and wind symphony at West Chester University.
As a teacher, Joe maintains a private studio of beginner to high school student saxophonists, clarinetists, oboists, and pianists. Before moving to Louisiana, he was the saxophone teacher at the Grier School, a top 100 high school for the arts in the United States. He was a technique instructor for the marching band at Hempfield High School. Joe is passionate about arranging/transcribing works for the saxophone and commissioning composers to write new works for the saxophone.
Shelby Pocono - Clarinet Instructor
Shelby Pocono is from Dallas, PA, and is a Ferrwood alumni. She is currently finishing her double major in Music Education and Clarinet Performance at Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA). She has studied under Thomas Basset and is currently under Daniel Heasley. At college, she has played in band, orchestra, jazz band, choir, a number of chamber groups, and pit musicals. In her solo performance, she was selected as the 2024 runner-up for the Butler Symphonic Orchestra Concerto Competition and has recently performed her Senior Recital. For the past four years, she has been selected to be in the PA Intercollegiate Band and most recently successfully auditioned for principal chair. As a conductor, she was a winner of the 2024 WC Young Conductors Competition and has rehearsed and conducted pieces with the wind ensemble and jazz band. Outside of music, Shelby loves to explore the outdoors and garden.
Eric Martinez - Clarinet Instructor
Eric Martinez is currently a Music Teacher in Cecil County Public Schools in Maryland and is a clarinetist for the Elkton Town Band. He is a recent graduate of the University of Delaware, where he earned his Master of Music in Wind Conducting and served as a Graduate Conducting Assistant for the University of Delaware Bands. Eric was also an active member of the clarinet studio at the University of Delaware, playing clarinet in the University of Delaware Wind Ensemble and conducting the clarinet ensemble. Eric received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. While at Kutztown University, Eric served as a Student Conductor for the Kutztown University Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, and Clarinet Choir. Eric also served as the Vice-President of the Kutztown University Collegiate Chapter of the NAfME and Clarinet Section Leader of the Kutztown University Marching Unit. Eric has studied Clarinet under Dr. Soo Goh, Dr. Aileen Razey, and Dr. Christopher Nichols. As a Ferrwood alumnus, Eric is beyond excited to continue to give back to the community that made him fall in love with music.
Ruth Clark - Percussion Instructor
Ruth is a music teacher who has experience teaching concert, marching, and small group ensembles as well as instrumental lessons at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from West Chester University, studying under Ralph Sorrentino and David Nelson. While at WCU she performed as a percussionist in many ensembles including the Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble, and Steel Drum Ensemble. She spent her last three years at WCU also playing tuba, first in their Marching Band and joining Concert Band the following semester. In the summer after high school, Ruth joined as a percussionist with the Greater Harrisburg Concert Band and has played with other community bands and church ensembles since. She also began teaching marching band the summer after high school, teaching drumline for two years and front ensemble for four. In her most recent position as an LTS High School Band Director, she taught Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band, played the percussion book for their spring musical, as well as tuba for the orchestra’s two concerts. As a 1st-5th grade General Music LTS, she was able to attend the Responsive Classroom Workshop for Special Area Teachers twice, giving her many classroom management tools and strategies that she has been able to find success within all grade levels she has taught. This will be her first year at Ferrwood Music Camp, and she is super excited to play some music and have some fun!
Seth Rockovich - Saxophone Instructor
Based in Central Pennsylvania, Seth Rockovich is a saxophonist and educator dedicated to fostering connection, creativity, and community through music. He recently graduated from Susquehanna University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and will begin graduate studies in Saxophone Performance at Bowling Green State University.
As a performer, Seth has earned recognition through several competitions, including winning the 2024 Susquehanna University Concerto Competition and the 2025 West Shore Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. He was also named the Pennsylvania winner and national alternate in the 2025 MTNA Young Artist Competition. Seth has performed at multiple state and regional conferences through the North American Saxophone Alliance and has continued his artistic development through the Frederick L. Hemke Saxophone Institute. He has additionally studied with distinguished artists including Gail Levinsky, John Sampen, Masato Kumoi, Gerard McChrystal, Jonathan Helton, Paul Bro, Joshua Heaney, Ryo Noda, and Claude Delange.
Alongside his performance career, Seth is an active educator who teaches private saxophone lessons and works with young musicians of varying ages and experience levels. He is passionate about helping students develop confidence, musicianship, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Leslie Medvecky - Girls' Counselor
Leslie has been a part of the Ferrwood family since 2014. She started as a camper, where she did chorus as well as clarinet. Outside of Ferrwood, she has been involved in both band and chorus as well as local theater. When she is not at camp, Leslie enjoys traveling, getting lost in a good book, and spending time with friends and her two cats. This will be Leslie’s fifth year working as a counselor at camp and her second year as head counselor. She is excited to be back and can’t wait to share her love of Ferrwood with everyone!
Jack Synoski - Assistant Music Director and Bass / Jazz Artist
Jack Synoski is a bassist, composer, and audio engineer who has worked for many years in the Northeast PA and Philadelphia regions. He performed for several years with the Temple University Jazz Band led by renowned trumpet player Terell Stafford. During his time in the band, he performed with some of today's most notable jazz musicians including Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, and John Clayton. Jack has also played with numerous small jazz ensembles in the Philadelphia area including the Steve Fidyk Quartet. He worked as a recording engineer at Temple's BCM+D Records record label. Recently, Jack received his Master’s of Science in music technology from Temple University and relocated to Los Angeles to begin a new chapter of his career as a composer, musician, and sound editor.
Alexandra Mattson - French Horn Instructor
Alexandra Mattson is a French horn performer and music educator whose career combines artistic excellence with a passion for inclusive music education. Originally from Northern Virginia, she began playing horn in sixth grade and went on to earn her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating magna cum laude in 2018. During her time at VCU, she was active in Richmond’s freelance music community and performed internationally with her horn studio in Stockholm, Sweden and with her brass quintet in Cartagena, Colombia.
Alexandra continued her graduate studies in horn performance at Western Michigan University and later studied with Ann Ellsworth in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she performed extensively throughout the Fox Valley region. She then spent three years in Phoenix, Arizona, teaching band and general music while remaining active in local community ensembles.
Alexandra currently maintains a freelancing career in the Philadelphia area and serves as General Music Teacher at Waldron Mercy Academy in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. As both a performer and educator, she is committed to creating engaging musical experiences that foster creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She believes that music is for everyone and is most meaningful when shared with others.
Anya Kranyak- Girls Counselor
Anya Kranyak is a flutist earning her degree in Music Education through the Pennsylvania State University. Throughout her studies, Anya has been a part of the Blue Band, where she will be serving as a squad leader this coming season, principal chair of Symphonic Band, principal flute of the Wind Ensemble, Early Music Ensemble, the Nittany Valley Symphony, Philharmonic Orchestra, Flute Choir, and a frequent theater pit orchestra musician. She has also been teaching private flute lessons for the past year to 7th-12th graders. This is Anya’s fourteenth summer being a part of the Ferrwood Family, but her second year as a counselor. She is excited to be a returning counselor and cannot wait to share the magic and love that camp brings to young musicians!
Alana Gadola - Visual Arts Instructor - Week 2
Alana Gadola is a recent graduate of Arcadia University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in art education. During this time, she studied all forms of art but mainly focused on painting and graphic design. She is currently working towards her teaching certification and is working with the Hazleton Area Cyber Academy, teaching high school art. Aside from teaching art in the classroom, Alana also teaches art classes during the summer at her local playground. She has worked with the high school art department since 2015 to create decorations for the senior prom and created banners for the American Cancer Society Telethon (2016-2018). Alana volunteers with the Pardeesville Playground Recreation Association to host BINGO on Monday evenings during the summer and their annual Haunted Trail in October. This will be Alana’s first summer at Ferrwood and she is very excited to get to know everyone and create beautiful artwork with the campers.
Patrick Rettger - Tuba/Euphonium
Patrick Rettger has over 26 years of music education experience. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Music degree in Tuba Performance from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Tuba Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi where he also minored in music theory. He was the 2010 USM Concerto Competition Winner as well as a finalist in multiple national tuba performance competitions. He has extensive experience in classical, chamber, jazz, pop, blues, and other genres of music. His primary tuba mentors include Gary Bird, Velvet Brown, and Richard Perry.
As an educator, he’s taught and mentored students from a wide range of backgrounds and ability levels. Dr. Rettger’s work as Assistant Band Director in the Crestwood Area School District reconnected him with the rewards of secondary instrumental instruction. Prior to that, he spent over a decade teaching music education, applied low brass, general music, music theory, and conducting at Jackson State University, while also working with marching and concert bands in both Mississippi and Pennsylvania. He also served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard Bands, giving me a unique perspective on discipline, performance, and motivation that I integrate into my teaching.
Dr. Rettger has extensive experience with instrumental pedagogy, ensemble direction, drill writing, music arranging, and student-centered instruction. His priority as an educator is to inspire young musicians through a supportive, structured, and engaging classroom culture. He brings a student centered mentality designed to grow the students individually with the knowledge that together as a team we are all stronger. Dr. Rettger cares deeply for helping students grow into responsible adults.
Bryce Campbell - Boys' Counselor
Bryce is a recent graduate of Saucon Valley High School. Currently is studying music instrument repair at Badger State Repair in Elkhorn, WI. Bryce has attended Ferrwood since 2015. His primary instrument is Saxophone and he has been playing it for 10 years. During his senior year of high school, he was drum major and the recipient of the John Philip Sousa Award. Bryce received his Eagle Scout Award and is an active member of the Saucon Valley Lions Club. Bryce is excited to be returning to camp this year.
Annalise Yeich - Trumpet Instructor
Annalise Yeich is a music educator and performer originally from Danville, Pennsylvania and was a Ferrwood camper from 2017-2019. She is a 2025 graduate of Messiah University, where she earned her degree in music education. Annalise currently teaches sixth through eighth grade choir at Northeast Intermediate School in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and also directs an after-school fifth grade general music program. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has taught private trumpet lessons since 2022. As an active performer, Annalise substitutes with the orchestra and musical pit at Marywood University, sings at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, and performs as a trumpet player with the Crystal Community Band in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This is her second year working as one of the trumpet instructors at Ferrwood.
Gabbi Howe - Girls' Counselor
Gabbi Howe is from Drums, PA and currently resides in Wilkes Barre, PA. This is her second year as a counselor and she was a camper for 8 years before that! She is going into her junior year at Wilkes University where she is studying Musical Theater with a minor in Music. Gabbi teaches private voice and piano lessons and is the children’s Musical Director at The Standard Theatre in Scranton, PA. She is also an active member of the theater community, being a part of over fifty productions as a stage manager, music director, pit member, and cast member. In addition to theater, Gabbi loves singing in choirs in the region, entering her second year as president of the Wilkes Choral ensembles, and singing Masterworks such as Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Howell’s Requiem, Duruflé’s Requiem, Elaine Hagenburg’s Illuminare, and Gustav Holst’s The Planets. When Gabbi isn’t performing, she enjoys reading, skiing, crocheting, hanging out with dogs and learning about space. Gabbi is absolutely thrilled to be returning to Ferrwood as a counselor again. She cannot wait to share the love of music that Ferrwood has brought to her over the years with the young musicians in the community!
Monty Clatch - Low Brass Instructor
Monty Clatch received their undergraduate degree in music education from Slippery Rock University in 2024. While at Slippery Rock University, Monty was the principal trombonist for the Slippery Rock University Wind Ensemble as well as a member of the Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. They participated in several recording projects with the SRU Jazz Ensemble and toured with the group throughout Italy and France to participate in the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy and Jazz a Juan in Juan-les-Pins, France. Monty is currently employed in the Hazleton Area School District as a K-2 general music teacher. When they're not teaching, Monty enjoys reading, cooking, doing puzzles, and spending time with their family's dogs. Monty was a Ferrwood camper for many years and is looking forward to being able to contribute to such a positive community of music making.
Brayden Dudinyak - Accompanist
Brayden Dudinyak is a Messiah University student majoring in music education with a focus in jazz studies. His primary instruments are trumpet and piano. So far while studying at Messiah, he was a part of the jazz combo, big band, brass choir, brass quintet, symphonic band, pit orchestra, and piano ensemble. Over the years, Brayden has played piano for many groups. He has played for the Cellar Dwellarzz Jazz ensemble, Hazleton Area High School Chorus, Hazleton Area Cougar Players, and has recently become an organist in Hazleton and Harrisburg. He has also spent his time music directing youth productions at the Pennsylvania Theater of Performing Arts. Brayden is happy to join the team of instructors this year after being a camper
since he was a kid.
Jordan Toliver - Flute Instructor
Jordan Toliver is a flutist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Jordan received her Bachelor's in Flute Performance at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia in 2024. She recently received her Master's in Flute Performance at Penn State University as the Graduate Flute Teaching Assistant under the guidance of Naomi Seidman in 2026. She begins her teaching debut by instructing collegiate private lessons the following school year of her Alma Mater. Jordan has performed in various ensembles such as Wind Ensembles, Symphony Orchestras, and Chamber ensembles at Georgia Southern University and Penn State University. Her favorite performances have been in collaboration with theater departments. She has performed with productions such as Sweeney Todd, The Wiz, Into the Woods, Pirates of Penzance, and Crazy for You.
