Executive Director
Shannon Forshee
Shannon is the Executive Director of Camp Fish Tales. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Psychology in April 1998 from Grand Valley State University and her Masters of Education in April 2002 from Saginaw Valley State University. Shannon was a special education teacher in the Bullock Creek School District from 1998 until 2007.
Shannon has been a volunteer with many regional charity organizations such as Camp Fish Tales (Board Member 2016-2018), Make-A-Wish, and Share the Memories. She enjoys traveling, running outdoors, reading, and spontaneous adventures. She resides in Midland, Michigan with her three children.
Camp Director
Tim Rinner
My name is Tim Rinner. I am ecstatic to be this years Camp Director! Camp life has always been a special part of my life. My older brother is disabled and over the years I have been part of his life and well-being. Growing up my goal was to always include my brother and his friends in any activity they wished to try. I’ve been involved with camps since my teenage years. My heart has always been with the disabled community and their families and friends. I am a father of three and enjoy sharing with them the outdoors and all it has to offer. I look forward to meeting everyone this camp season and being part of the campers favorite camp memories.
Maintenance Supervisor
Ken MacConnell
Ken MacConnell is our maintenance supervisor at Camp Fish Tales. He was born and raised on a dairy farm in Alpena. He moved to Kawkawlin in 1973. He retired from General Motors in 2009. He is a Vietnam Veteran and retired from the Army National Guard in 2005. He is the Trustee for Kawkawlin Township. He volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Carriage House and Heartland Hospice for Veterans. He has 4 children, 10 grandchildren and resides at home with his wife, Sue.
Camp Counselors 2024
Ryan Bauman
Hi! My name is Ryan Bauman. I have been a Counselor for Camp Fish Tales since 2019. I am so excited about being a counselor for 2021 at Camp Fish Tales. I have an Associate’s Degree in Child Development and in Fine Arts. I developed a passion for helping people at a young age when I had cancer and then heart failure later in life. I use that passion and compassion with each camper at Camp Fish Tales. With each camper, I enjoy helping them develop and express their unique skills and abilities through all the activities that we participate in at Camp Fish Tales.
Diana
Hey! I’m Diana and I’m from Mexico, I feel very excited and curious to see other places and meeting all of the campers and counselors, hoping them to see me as a new friend:)
I’ve been living in towns surrounded by nature since I remember, so I really enjoy outdoor activities.
It’s a pleasure to offer my help for CFT,
I’m ready and excited for new challenges and to acquire new skills.
See you soon at Camp Fish Tales 2024! 😉
Stephanie
Hi! My name is Stephanie Hernández. I´m 24 years old from Puebla, Mexico. And right now I´m studying Graphic Design.This is the first time that I´m going to be so far of home, doing what I love ,and that´s helping and taking care of others. I consider myself as someone funny , kind, brave and determinated to learn new things everyday. It´s going to be a pleasure to talk and share with all of you about the place I come from, please feel free of asking me about everything.
I can’t wait to meet all of you. And for all the campers, parents and families of CAMP FISH TALES, be sure that this summer it´s going to be AMAZING.
See you soon!!!!
Taylor M.
Hello! My name is Taylor and I’m 19 years old. I was born in Midland, Michigan, and I’m currently enrolled in Alma College’s pre-medicine program. I love cheerleading, playing tennis, reading, and being around people. My goal for my future has always been to help people, whether it be through medical issues or advocacy, and I think Camp Fish Tales is going to really be the start of this for me. I cannot wait for camp this year, and I’m looking forward to meeting everyone!
Alivia
Hi! My name is Alivia Edsall and I’m 18 years old. I am from Bay City, MI, I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in business management at Northwood University in Midland, MI. I love anything outdoors, especially swimming and kayaking. I consider myself family-oriented, hardworking, compassionate, and, responsible. Growing up my sister got diagnosed with leukemia, from aiding my sister I gained experience as well as a passion for caring for others. Being a part of something that helps so many people is a mutually beneficial opportunity to grow and learn. I have a strong understanding of how this position can really change the lives of others. I am so excited to contribute to the success of the team. I can’t wait to help children and adults have a fun camp experience! See you soon!
Nere
Hello, my name is Nadia Nereida, but I prefer to be called Nere. I am originally from Mexico, from the city of Puebla. I am studying for a degree in international trade. I am 20 years old, and I live with my family of four, we are a very loving and fun family. I am a person who likes to help others, to be kind and empathetic with everyone. I hope to have a lot of fun this summer, and at the same time, to learn and teach new things to the people around me. This will be a new experience for everyone.
Connor
Hi, I’m Connor Douglas. I’m from Bay City Mi I’m 18 years old and a senior at John Glenn High School. After I graduate I want to apply for an apprenticeship to become a pipe fitter. Currently, I attend Bay Arenic Skills Center. I spend half of my day in the welding program, & half of the day with regular classes. I’m looking forward to meeting new people at camp. I enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and hunting.
Pamela
Hi everyone! My name is Pamela González, I’m 21 years old, and I’m originally from Mexico. I’m currently a psychology student with a soft spot for creative and artistic things. Friendship and kindness are things I really value, so I’m excited to get to know you all and get to grow, learn, and have a wonderful summer by your side.
Olivia
Hello! My name is Olivia Mayer and I am from Midland MI, and graduating from Dow High in 2024. Next year I will be attending Northern Michigan University, in Marquette, MI, to major in Biology with a concentration on ecology. I am an only child and I live with my parents and cat, Ruby. I love being outside, camping, backing, and fishing, and I love art and crafts. I have volunteered at a day camp over the past six summers and have worked with peers with special needs throughout all of my school years. I am looking forward to camp and meeting everyone!
Felipe
Greetings to all! My name is Felipe and I come from Colombia. I’m 27 years old and I’m excited to meet other campers and counselors this summer. I hope to form a great team and make great friends! As a musician, I greatly enjoy creating and sharing music with those around me. It is a true pleasure and honor for me to be here at Camp Fish Tales. I am excited to share musical moments with all of you, sing together and have fun with songs.
Nikki
Hello! My name is Nikki Rooseboom. I am 23 years old and this is my first year as a counselor at Camp Fish Tales. I am studying elementary education and special education at Saginaw Valley State University. I graduate this coming December with my bachelors degree. I enjoy hiking, biking, reading, writing, traveling and hanging out with friends. I am also on the competitive public speaking team at school. My passion has always been to help people of all ages and abilities. I am so excited to grow as a person, counselor, and educator at Camp Fish Tales with the campers, and other counselors. See you at Camp Fish Tales!
Board of Directors – 2024
Chair
Mallory Herbert
I was born and raised in Bay City, MI. I attended Michigan State University where I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Environmental Economics and Policies. Currently I work for Trinseo in Midland as a Supply Chain Planner. I was involved in volunteer activities at the camp in college. I also worked in Pinconning for the last 3 years and recognize the potential for local businesses in that community to get involved with the camp.
Vice Chair
Brandon Krause
Brandon Krause is the Register of Deeds for Bay County, MI. He has served his community for 13 years through several political positions including Beaver Township Trustee, Bay County 1st District County Commissioner and currently the Bay County Register of Deeds.
Brandon is a graduate of Delta College and also of the Saginaw Valley State University Michigan Certified Public Manager program.
He currently holds positions on the Michigan Certified Public Managers Board of Directors and the Property Records Industry Association (PRIA) Board of Directors. Brandon, also served his community as a peer mentor for MSU 4H Tech Wizard program for grades 3-5, 2018 United Way Campaign Chairman and as a coach of various sports for 17 years.
Brandon resides in Auburn, MI with his two beautiful daughters Courtney & Caitlyn.
Treasurer
John Haag Sr., CPA/ABV, CVA, CFF
John Haag is a Managing Principal at Yeo & Yeo, a leading Michigan advisory firm. He leads the firm’s Business Valuation and Litigation Support Services Group. He is also a member of the Tax Services Group and Yeo & Yeo’s Career Advocacy team. He is based in the firm’s Midland office.
John has been involved in many organizations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. In addition to serving as Treasurer for Camp Fish Tales, he also serves on the board for the Midland Noon Rotary Club Foundation and is President of the Mid-Michigan Multisport Club.
Secretary
Ryan Howell
Ryan D. Howell serves as HR Director – North America for Dow. In addition to his focus on strategic planning, Ryan is a passionate teacher and coach, and has developed and facilitated several leadership and career development programs for Dow, Dow Corning, and Hemlock Semiconductor.
After growing up in Gladwin and Midland, he attended Saginaw Valley State University and completed his B.B.A. in Finance. In 2015, Ryan relocated with his family to Wales and served as Dow’s HR Leader for the United Kingdom – where he was a key contributor to leadership and talent development in Europe, The Middle East, Africa, and India.
He previously served seven years on the board of directors for Family and Children’s Services of Midland and two years on the advisory board for Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works. Ryan, his wife, and two children have been Freeland residents for more than 10 years and are excited to join the Camp Fish Tales family!
Martin Szeliga
Martin Szeliga is a Technician for AT&T and Executive Vice President and Legislative Coordinator for Communication Workers of America (CWA Local 4108).
Born in Stalowa Wola, Poland, Martin immigrated to Canada at the age of 9, where he spent most of his childhood before moving to the US at age 17.
Prior to joining AT&T, Martin spent 4 years in Japan with the US Marines as a Rifleman. Martin earned a BA in Business with a Major in Management from University of Phoenix, and attended Grad School for Human Resource Management at Central Michigan University.
Martin is the Vice President of the Pinconning Athletic Boosters, helps coach youth baseball, and has spent time on various Board of Directors, such as United Way of Bay County. Additionally, Martin is known in the Great Lakes Bay Region as the Airborne Angler, and provides many anglers in the area with valuable information and imaging through his ice flights.
Martin resides in Pinconning with his wife, Tera and their three children, Raven, Josie, and Max.
Kara Neuman, RN, BSN
Kara has worked as a registered nurse for MyMichigan Health for almost 24 years. She currently serves as the manager for Inpatient Case Management for Midland and Alpena where she leads a team of RN casemanagers, social workers, throughput coordinators, and case management assistants. She is proud to have worked in several different disciplines throughout her career at MyMichigan Health.
Kara was born and raised in Rose City, MI. After graduating from Ogemaw Heights High School, she attended Ferris State University where she obtained her Associate degree in Nursing. She then went on to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Saginaw Valley State University. She enjoys travelling, hiking, camping, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She has been part of the Midland community since 1998 where she currently resides with her husband and two daughters. Kara is honored to serve on the Board of Directors for Camp Fish Tales and is looking forward to being part of the Camp Fish Tales family.
Robbie Waclawski
Robbie has been a development officer with Special Olympics Michigan for almost a decade. With more than 27 years in the non-profit world, he has experience working with at-risk youth and people with disabilities through a variety of programs.
Born & raised in Kalkaska, he later attended Northern Michigan University. In his spare time he enjoys volunteering with Knights of Columbus, the Midland Noon Rotary club, and at local Special Olympics events. He is an active member of the Greater Midland Tennis Center and can often be found participating in any number of outdoor activities.
He previously served on the board of Sacred Heart Academy, and was treasurer of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan where he served for 5 years.