Sarah Kanchwala
Director, Apachi Evanston
Sarah Kanchwala is thrilled to be the Director of Apachi Evanston! This upcoming summer will be Sarah’s 15th summer with the JCC Chicago Family. She started at Apachi as a counselor, became a unit head, continued as the Assistant Director of Apachi Evanston for 7 years, and is now extremely thrilled to become the Camp Director of Apachi Evanston! Seeing campers have a space to be themselves, make new friends and connections under the Apachi sun is Sarah’s favorite part of camp. Working with families and staff to create a safe and welcoming environment for all is something that is extremely important to Sarah.
Sarah holds a degree in Elementary Education, with a background in English as a Second Language, and Math. She was a middle school math teacher for 8 years during the school year before deciding to leave the classroom. She is excited to become part of the full time JCC Chicago team, and she cannot wait to see campers thrive!
Petra Matanda
Manager of Operations, Apachi Evanston
Before coming to Illinois, Petra lived in the Netherlands for many years where she discovered her joy in working with children and families. This led Petra to start her journey with the J as an Administrative Aid in Early Childhood at Bernard Horwich JCC. Since then, she’s transitioned into supporting Apachi Evanston and has never looked back! She loves to help others and create an environment where campers, families and staff feel at home. Her favorite thing about summer is getting to know the ins-and-outs of camp, and having never been a camper as a child, she feels like a kid again seeing all the camp fun!
Petra is a big-time crafter. She loves to crochet and can quickly learn anything from a good YouTube tutorial.
Laura Brown
Inclusion Manager, Apachi Day Camp
Laura leads disability inclusion across all Apachi sites. With over 20 years of experience in special education, she collaborates with families, schools, and therapists to ensure campers of all abilities have incredible summer experiences.
Laura holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education, an LBS1 certification, and an Assistive Technology Certificate. With more than 15 years supporting neurodiverse and students with other disabilities, she is dedicated to using each camper’s strengths and interests to create an empowering, meaningful and inclusive Apachi experience.
Having grown up learning to swim at Mayer Kaplan JCC and attending Camp Chi, Laura has a deep connection to JCC Chicao and is passionate about ensuring that all kids can experience the joys of summer and feel included with their peers.
Beth Miller
Senior Director, Apachi Day Camp
Beth Miller has always lived and breathed camp, never missing a summer since she began attending camp at the age of 3. From being a camper at various camps, including Camp Chi where she was a SIT, her Apachi Day Camp journey started as a unit head at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi. She later helped launch and grow Apachi Northside, serving as its director for 11 years. Beth also played a key role in opening Apachi Old Town, Hyde Park, and Irving Park, driven by her passion for building strong camp communities. With over three decades at JCC, Beth’s dedication to camp is unwavering.
Now the Senior Director of Apachi Day Camp, Beth takes great pride in bringing ruach (spirit) to all Apachi locations and watching campers grow into staff who pass on cherished traditions. Beth holds an Undergraduate degree in Communications and History from the University of Kansas, a Master’s degree in Education from National Louis University, and was a former teacher. Beth is a mother of three boys, all who spent many summers at Apachi Day Camp, and she loves playing board games…mahjongg, rummikub, you name it!
Laura Brown
Beth Miller