Chris VanderPal, M.A.

Camp Director

"Ms. Chris" received her Bachelor's Degree from Northern Illinois University and her Master's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Her passion for teaching and children has lead her career in education to last twenty years...and counting! Chris is currently the lead preschool teacher at The School of Saints Faith, Hope and Charity in Winnetka and chose a career in teaching because she wanted to play a role in creating a learning environment that facilitates and nurtures a child’s love of learning. Imagine Day Camp​ 2024 will mark Chris' 22nd summer leading and instructing at a day camp; her favorite part is seeing the smiling faces every morning! 

Nikki VanderPal, M.Ed.

Director of Operations

After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2016, Nikki immediately dove into her Master of Education program at DePaul University. Nikki says her passion for education stems from her family of teachers in addition to spending over half her life working directly with children. After completing her student teaching placement at Deerfield High School, Nikki graduated from DePaul University in June 2018 and is currently an English Teacher at Garcia High School in Chicago. Nikki's other experience includes 20 years combined as a camp counselor, teacher and camp director, as well as coaching at New Trier High School. Her favorite part about camp is witnessing the amazing growth that happens in six short weeks!

Lisa Trukman (Dennison), M.Ed.

Program Coordinator

Lisa has always had a passion for teaching and children. After graduating from Illinois State University with her degree in Elementary Education, she went on to receive her Master of Education degree from Concordia University. Lisa has been a first grade teacher at John Mills Elementary for fifteen years and counting, and has also spent over a decade both teaching and directing summer day camps. Her favorite part about camp is seeing the strong friendships made between campers and staff! Lisa is extremely excited for the continued growth of Imagine Day Camp and can't wait to meet the new campers! 

Maggie Metzger (Simons), M.Ed.

Program Coordinator

Maggie earned her Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree from Santa Clara University before pursuing her Master of Music Education degree from VanderCook University. After graduating in 2019, Maggie, a Loyola Academy alum, was hired as their new Choral Director, achieving her dream job! In addition to directing her five choirs, Maggie also moderated two a cappella groups through the school and loved bringing her passion for music into camp every year. Maggie's favorite part of camp is seeing the connections made between campers and staff.

And a very special thanks to graphic designer Wren Lively for creating our beautiful logo!

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