Alison is the type of person where everyone around her just feels good, simply because she is there. We have tried very hard but we have yet to catch her without a smile on her face and a kind thing to say. To say Alison is “nice” is like saying the ocean is fairly deep. Beyond doing a great job serving camps, “Schmidty” (see below) uses her spirit and passion to keep us 100% festive for all holidays (imagine lots of decorations and festive spirit) and she leads our social committee (i.e. organizing all things fun!). Put simply, Alison makes CampBrain and all us who work here better.

We asked Alison a few questions to learn a little more about what makes her tick.

Q: My nickname growing up was…..

When I was growing up, I had a variety of nicknames; Al, Ali, Alleycat but to this day, my favourite is Schmidty 

Q: My favourite toy growing up was….

My favourite toy growing up was some New Kids on the Block dolls

Q: My favourite toy currently is….

CampBrain Web. It’s awesome!

Q: The thing I love most about coming to work every day…

The people I work with are amazing. The clients are spectacular. What’s not to love?!

Q: When I’m not at work, you can usually find me….

I’m incredibly social, so you’ll usually find me with friends. On the other hand, you may also find me curled up with a blanket, tea and Netflix.

Q: If I didn’t work at CampBrain, I would probably be….

.

Q: My special talent is….

I’m not sure if I have a special ability. I’m really nice?!? I always try to make people smile.

Q: How many times do you hit the snooze button before getting out of bed?

 Most days, just once! The thought of coffee usually encourages me to get out of bed.

Q: What is the most embarrassing music you ever owned? Do you still own it?

I used to own the Lion King Soundtrack and I listened to it a lot. Like three times a day. The CD itself isn’t very embarrassing I don’t think – the frequency of listens is what is embarrassing about it.

Q: What is one of your favourite quotes?

“If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be” Maya Angelou

Q: What word describes you best?

FRIENDLY!

Q: Ever been addicted to a video/computer game? Which one(s)?

For a long time, I loved the computer game, The Sims. I played it a lot. A LOT. One night a friend of mine and I played the game until the next morning! After that, I felt that I had done all that I could do with the game.

Q: What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?

 I had a habit of going to play outside and not tell anyone where I was going. I didn’t go far … it was actually just to my fort which was right next to my house. I would go with my best friends (my stuffed bear, Barry and my dog, Jake), a few oranges and a cookie and we would hang out in the fort for a couple of hours. I would come home at dinner only to find out that everyone had been concerned about where I had disappeared to. I never quite understood that I should tell anyone where I was going and kept doing it every day!

Q: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

 I would want to meet my grandfather. He passed away when I was only two-years-old, so I can’t say that I really met him. It would be wonderful to hear all about his life stories.

Q: Favourite smell:

I love the smell of lilacs – they smell so amazing!

Q: What I miss most about being at camp….

 I miss being able to see the stars every night. It’s not quite the same in the City.

Q: What is the farthest you have been from home?

In September of 2012, I travelled to Belize – it is quite a remarkable country. While there, I swam with nurse sharks and sting rays. Talk about being out of your comfort zone.

Q: What have we not asked? Tell us more….

I absolutely love working at CampBrain! I am so fortunate to have found a company that is so supportive and it inspires me to watch and hear people be so passionate about the work they do. Thanks to everyone who made my first year here so fantastic!