Meet the Counselors
Mac Baker
Sarah McKinnon, formally known as Mac ‘n Cheese, has been an educator and camp counselor for Blue Heron Nature Preserve since the summer of 2022.
Their lifelong love for nature playing in the north Georgia woods grew into a passion for outdoor sports such as backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing as a student of the Outdoor Academy in North Carolina.
In their free time you can find them playing in the creek, hunting for bugs, doing crafts, or playing with their two cats Goose and Nellie.
Caroline Hall
Hi! My name is Caroline Hall. During the school year, I work as a 2nd grade assistant teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. I also attend school part-time at GSU, though I originally went to Ole Miss- HOTTY TODDY!!! I love animals, and I have four of my own— 3 cats & a puppy— who are the lights of my life. I’m very passionate about music, teaching, traveling, and helping people. I usually hang with the littles and love exploring the preserve with them!
Breanna Chase
Hi! My name is Breanna and I’m an energetic and adventurous person who loves trying new things. I enjoy traveling, music, and doing arts and crafts. I like being creative, having fun, and making every day an adventure. I’m excited to get to know everyone and have a great time together!
Merrick Elyse Murphy
Merrick has been working for summer camps since she was 14. She has a passion for working with kids and is currently a student at Kennesaw State University with a major in Elementary Education.
She loves being outside and seeing new things. When outside she enjoys hiking, swimming and exploring. In her free time you’ll find her doing arts and crafts, playing with her dog Taffy, or spending time with her friends.
Jess Smith
Jessica Smith (Jess or Jessi) went to Georgia State University and graduated with a BFA in Sculpture. While there she participated in many Iron Pours and gallery shows. She grew a love for costuming and used her skills in sculpture to build Fursuits.
After graduating she started a costume business while raising her children with her husband. She sold her costumes at many conventions and still regularly attends fan convention like Dragoncon, Momocon, and Dreamhack with her family. Even though she is not currently running her business, she still enjoys fursuiting and costuming and makes many costumes for both her kids and husband.
Throughout her whole life she has also been a gamer, and plays and runs many different Role Play games like Dungeons and Dragons, Monster of the Week, and Vampire the Masquerade. She was hired as a game maker to create educational dungeons and dragons games at Acton Academy Buckhead. She has now been working there as a full time Middle School Educator for the past 4 years and has enjoyed gamifying the education experience for the Middle School and Elementary.
Katharine Pierce
Ashton White
Rylan Johnston
Hi! My name is Rylan Johnston I’m a rising junior at Georgia College & State University majoring in Special Education. In my free time, I love reading and playing volleyball. I’m so excited to be a counselor and can’t wait to meet everyone!
Jamie Hernquist
Jamie is an avid Boy Scout and enjoyer of the outdoors. He has spent countless hours hiking, camping, and appreciating nature. Having been a FCL at Blue Heron for several years, he is now joining the team as a counselor. In his free time, he goes kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking the local trails.