Growing Together: Ashokan Gears Up for a Full Year of Learning, Celebration, and Music

As we step into a new year, the Ashokan Center is buzzing with energy — and for good reason. With a full calendar of school visits, weddings, retreats, public events, and music & dance camps ahead, we’re growing our team to meet the moment and better serve our community.

Behind every unforgettable Ashokan experience is a dedicated group of people working with care, creativity, and deep love for this place. As our programs continue to expand, we’re excited to share a few highlights that reflect how we’re preparing for a vibrant year ahead.

Strengthening Health & Wellness at Ashokan

We’re thrilled to welcome Christine Cox as our second full-time nurse in the Health Office. Christine brings a wealth of experience as a registered nurse, along with a strong commitment to sustainability, patient education, and holistic wellness. With a background spanning both clinical care and healthcare regulatory compliance, she adds valuable depth to our year-round health support.

Christine will be working closely with Colleen to ensure that students, campers, guests, and staff are thoughtfully cared for — especially during our busy school seasons and Music & Dance Camps. As our campus stays lively throughout the year, having a strong, compassionate health team is essential.

Expanding Our Events & Music + Dance Team

As our public events and camps continue to grow, so does our Events Department.

We’re excited to celebrate Autumn Foster, who has stepped into the role of Music & Dance Operations Coordinator and Public Events Customer Relations Manager. Autumn has long been part of the Ashokan community — first as a camper, then in many behind-the-scenes roles — and brings deep experience, leadership, and heart to supporting campers, musicians, dancers, and guests. From registration questions to on-site care, Autumn helps ensure every visitor feels welcomed and supported.

We’re also delighted to welcome Hobit Lafaye and Zernoff Wlodarczyrnoffhk as On-Call Event Staff.

Hobit brings a rich background in outdoor education, behavioral health, photography, and community arts, along with a lifelong love of nature and music.
Zernoff, a longtime local with roots in Shokan and Olivebridge, brings years of experience in film production, logistics, and creative problem-solving — along with a deep connection to the land and community Ashokan calls home.

Together, this growing team helps us host everything from intimate retreats and joyful weddings to large-scale festivals, dances, and concerts.

Looking Ahead to a Full Year at Ashokan

With a strong and expanding staff in place, we’re ready for a year filled with:

Residential and day school field trips
Weddings, conferences, and retreats
Public events, concerts, and dances
Music & Dance Camps for all ages and levels

Each season brings new faces, returning friends, and shared moments of learning, creativity, and connection — and we’re grateful to everyone who helps make it possible.

If you’re curious about what’s coming up, we invite you to explore our full calendar of events and camps:

👉 https://ashokancenter.org/events/

Whether you’re visiting with your class, celebrating a milestone, deepening your musical practice, or simply coming to enjoy a beautiful evening of music and dance, we look forward to welcoming you to Ashokan in the year ahead.