Who’s Who at Beam Camp?

Brett Ricard

Brett Ricard (he/him) is the Co-Director of Beam Camp, where he works year-round to help bring ambitious, collaborative projects to life. Brett began his journey at Beam in 2011 as a dishwasher and has since worn many hats—including chef, counselor, operations manager—before stepping into his current leadership role alongside Pearl Cohen. Before joining Beam, Brett worked with a New York City-based theater company, focusing on social-emotional learning, project development, and facilitation. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the City College of New York. Outside of camp, Brett is deeply committed to community-building—both through Beam Center and within his local Brooklyn neighborhood. In his free time, he organizes fundraisers, hosts community events, and creates spaces that foster connection and collaboration. His enduring love of camp is rooted in a passion for creativity, authentic relationships, and the transformative power of building remarkable things together.

Pearl Cohen

Pearl Cohen is the Co-Director of Beam Camp, working alongside Brett. With three summers in this leadership role, Pearl’s connection to the camp is deep-rooted—she’s been part of the community since she was five. Over the years, she’s taken on a variety of roles, from camper to assistant chef to staff director, gaining hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of the camp’s operations. After spending 15 years as a camper, beginning in 2005, Pearl transitioned to the kitchen in 2017 as a kitchen assistant. In 2021, she took on the role of Staff Director, and in 2023, she became Co-Director. In this role, Pearl works closely with campers and their families, ensuring each summer is smooth, enriching, and memorable. Pearl’s passion for working with young people, ignited at Beam Camp, has evolved into a lifelong commitment to supporting and empowering kids. When she’s not at camp, she’s pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, with plans to graduate in May 2026.

James Cafaro

James is the Beam Camp Project Director, working alongside leadership staff to oversee the design and fabrication of our Big Project since 2025. James has a long history working with metal and wood to create spectacular installation pieces and public art pieces. At camp in 2025, James, working alongside the rest of the project team, designed the camp curriculum and lead groups of camper aged 9-17 through the project making process to complete our Theater of Giants.

Michal Mandil

Michal (she/her) is the assistant project director at Beam Camp. This past Summer she helped direct the building of the Theater of Giants and lead the development of each session’s shadow puppetry plays. Michal is a trained woodworker and furniture maker. She also received her B.A. in sculpture and literature from Lewis & College in 2019. Outside of Beam, she teaches private woodworking classes out of her studio and makes custom furniture. Along with woodworking, Michal loves to draw with pastel crayons and play soccer (especially with kids!)