Amanda Simonetta, M.S.Ed. 

Executive Director

As a former School Counselor with a Masters Degree in Education, Amanda has worked with hundreds of children in need. As Director of Institutional Giving at The New York Foundling, one of New York City’s largest social services agencies, she managed a grant portfolio of over $3 million, supporting programs to help disadvantaged youth. Perhaps most importantly, Amanda is passionate about camp. She loved her childhood summer camp so much that she eventually got married there. When the opportunity arose to start a camp for foster children, Amanda couldn’t wait to be a part of it. She became Camp Felix’s first on-site Camp Director and Program Administrator. As Executive Director, Amanda is working to expand the profoundly meaningful work of The Felix Organization. 

Myra Scheer 

Creative Consultant 

Myra Scheer's life and career were forever changed after meeting with Sheila Jaffe and Darryl McDaniels in the spring of 2006.  Since that day, she has been an integral part of realizing Felix’s mission. Myra started her career as an assistant to the owners of Studio 54, the world-famous disco, where the dance floor was the star. She says she has come full circle with Felix, where the children are the stars. Myra’s enthusiasm and passion have guided Felix since its inception and helped grow Felix's anchor fundraiser DANCE THIS WAY. She explains: "I love bringing that part of my youth to the youth of today as we celebrate dance to enrich the lives of children growing up in the foster care system.”  Myra’s not-for-profit experience includes working with the Rainforest Fund and Foundation for nearly twenty years. 

Tiffany Araya 

Program Director

Tiffany has had the special opportunity to experience the full Camp Felix evolution by starting as a camper at age 12, becoming a CIT at 14, volunteering at age 16 and finally becoming a counselor at 18 years old. Her time at Camp Felix both as a camper and counselor holds a profound place in her heart. Recently graduated from the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Women's Studies, Tiffany is proud and grateful that she can continue to work with her Felix family beyond camp at the Felix Organization. Tiffany hopes to bring Felix's message to the world and accomplish their mission with her genuine love and care for the children and with the insight and knowledge she has gained from being part of this family. 

Sapphire Tucker 

Manager of Marketing & Development

Sapphire received her B.S. in Human Health, Performance, and Leisure Studies with a concentration in Sports Medicine & a minor in Psychology from Howard University. She believes her mission in life is to help others become their best selves, and this includes foster youth. Sapphire is the co-founder of a mental health organization, Mind Your Mental, which is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. She joined Felix in 2020 as the Operations Manager and fit right in. She is dedicated, open-minded, flexible, and always eager to help. Sapphire's ultimate goal is to positively and consistently change the lives of others.

Scott Duquette

Masters of Social Work Student