Linda Tatsapaugh, Executive Director

MS in Child and Youth Care Administration, Nova SE University; BA in Religion, Davidson College
Linda has been the director of Talisman Programs since 2001. Prior to that she worked at Stone Mountain School (from its inception in 1991 to 2000), serving as a counselor, program director, human resources manager, and admissions director. She is an instructor in First Aid, CPR, life guarding, and crisis management. She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1990, serves as the chair of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps, and is the mother of a young son, Gable.

Tracy Hopkins, Admissions Director - Talisman Academy

BS, Recreation Management, Southern Illinois University
Tracy grew up in Southern Illinois, where she first began working with individuals with special needs and serving as an outdoor educator. For over 10 years, her professional experience has provided the opportunity to work as a wilderness therapy instructor, program manager, operations director, and admissions counselor. Tracy believes that each role has cultivated a deep appreciation and dedication for working with youth and striving to help them recognize their fullest potential. Tracy currently serves as the Admissions Director for Talisman Academy and assists with admissions at Talisman Camps. When not at work, Tracy loves spending time with her husband and son at the coffee shop, scrapbooking, taking zumba classes, and laughing until her belly hurts.

Aaron McGinley, Social Skills Instructor

MS (In Progress) Mental Health Counseling, BS Psychology and Human Services, University of Scranton
Aaron has been working with children with special needs for more than a decade, providing essential services in residential treatment facilities, group homes, and hospitals. Aaron joined Talisman in 1998, originally working as a base camp counselor and staff supervisor. In addition to being a certified lifeguard, Aaron is also an instructor in first aid, CPR, suicide prevention, and crisis management.

Amy Allen, Admissions Counselor
BS Psychology, College of Charleston
Amy has been working at summer camps for the past 7 years. Before moving to Charleston, SC she taught Pacific Northwest environmental education for four years, and managed a low ropes challenge course for a summer camp in Washington state. Since starting at Talisman in 2009 Amy has worked with the Foundations, Sight, and Teen programs. In her spare time she enjoys backpacking and playing ultimate frisbee.

Doug Smathers
BS Recreational Studies, Summer Camps Director
With a BS in Recreational studies, Doug joins us with many years of experience and knowledge of the outdoors. Doug has been working with children, young adults, and adults with varying disabilities most of his life. For the past eight years, Doug has worked at a summer camp for children with special needs as a behavior specialist. Additionally, Doug has been a Outdoor Education Instructor for many years back in Ohio. Wearing many different hats, Doug has also facilitated High & Low Ropes courses and facilitated numerous corporate, communication, teambuilding and leadership workshops. Doug enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, adventure activities, and riding his motorcycle he built.

Talisman Camps has openings for camp counselors and related summer positions, please click here for more information!