Prospective Families Directors
Mark Transport
Owner/Director
Brings a lifetime of experience to the Crestwood family with over 25 years of directing camps. In addition to Crestwood, he has owned and directed multiple camps including Camp Wah-Nee and Camp Taconic. He is well respected in the camping community as a consultant and as a mentor to aspiring camp professionals. Mark received a dental degree from NYU, graduating in the first six year BA/DDS class in the country, and practiced dentistry for over 25 years before focusing on camp full time. For the past three years, Mark has been the president of the Long Island Camps and Private School Association (LICAPS). Mark has served on a number of philanthropic boards including SCOPE, which sends over 700 of deserving children to camp each summer. He works closely with the American Camp Association (ACA) and is on a committee that arranges events for its members. He has served as a board member at Temple Beth Torah. Mark resides in Dix Hills with his wife Meryl, who graduated from the University of Maryland and worked in advertising and marketing for many years. Their daughter Jillian attends the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University. Their other “daughter” Lola is a Golden Doodle who enjoys playing with her friends at Crestwood.
Mark Hemmerdinger
Owner/Director
Began his career at Crestwood as a pre-schooler. After many summers at camp and a degree from Cornell University, Mark began a career as a summer day camp professional. Mark rejoined Crestwood as a Director in 1998. He served as the President of the New York State Camp Directors Association (NYSCDA), past president of LICAPS (Long Island Camp and Private School Association) and as a board member of the American Camp Association (NY & NJ-Section). Mark is a frequent speaker at many camp conferences and seminars. His wife Jessica is a Middle School Special Education teacher and is now assisting in directing Crestwood. Their children Lena, Alex and Anna all attended Crestwood’s school and camp. Mark also stays active in the community coaching youth basketball, floor hockey and was a board member of the Plainview Little League.
Jeff Deutsch D.C.
Director
Joined Crestwood in 1999 after a successful career caring for children and adults in his own Chiropractic practice for over 20 years. His wife, Tanya, directed our Arts and Crafts program for 12 years. Both of Jeff’s children, Jenna and Danielle, attended Crestwood and subsequently worked as counselors.
Stephanie Steiner
Education Director
Stephanie is the Director of our year round private school and in the summer is the Director of our preschool camp program. Stephanie developed her skill with young children, parents and administration by working in a variety of positions at Crestwood since starting here in 1997. During the summers at Crestwood, Stephanie began as a counselor and then Group Leader and during the school year, Stephanie has taught music, parent and child, toddlers and nursery, prior to becoming our director. Stephanie holds a BFA in Education and a Masters in Early Childhood from CW Post. Stephanie’s husband Joe is also a certified teacher, professional musician and a former Crestwood staff member. Their sons, Matthew & Austin, both attended our school and look forward to camp every summer.
Ken Korder
Associate Director
Ken is a graduate of SUNY Cortland with a teaching degree in Physical Education, and also holds a Masters Degree from Penn State University in Athletic Administration. Ken recently retired from a career as a Physical Education teacher at Hewlett High School, where he was recognized for excellence as both an instructor and athletic coach. Before starting his teaching career, Ken gained notoriety as an outstanding coach in NCAA Division 1 Basketball, having twice guided teams to National tournaments. His summer camp background is extensive and is a big contributor to the Crestwood program.
