Current Staff

 Kostopulos Dream Foundation Staff

Executive Director - Gary Ethington, M.S., CTRS – gethington@campk.org.

Gary received his Bachelors and Masters degree in Health Science from the University of Utah. His emphasis was in Therapeutic Recreation and Educational Psychology. He is state licensed in T.R. and holds T.R. national certification. Gary grew up and attended college in northern California, then migrated to Utah to continue his studies. In 1977 Gary worked for three months as a student intern at Camp Kostopulos to finish his degree and add to his other experiences working with people with disabilities. In 1990, Gary came back to Camp Kostopulos to be the Executive Director. He had always envisioned operating a year-round camp and recreation program for special need populations, to help them enjoy life and learn from practical experiences. He has known and witnessed the growth of participants for many years. Gary oversees and manages the development of facilities and grounds, including capital building projects, programs, fundraising, staff recruitment, public relations and working with the agency’s Board of Directors. Personal interests include; backpacking and camping, fishing, horses, 4 X 4 rock crawling, cooking, historical homes and most important time spent with his wife, family and grandkids. 

Finance Director- Mircea Divricean – B.A. – Business Administration in Finance – mdivricean@campk.org  

Financials, billing, accounting, vendors, registrations and scholarships. 

 Development Director - Cheryl Smith – B.S. – Mass Communications – csmith@campk.org.

Cheryl Smith joined the staff in spring 2008 as our Development Director, following 15 years as executive director of an animal-welfare and adoption organization. She brings more than 20 years of experience in public and media relations, journalism, communications and fund-raising to Kostopulos Dream Foundation. She graduated the University of Utah in 1983 with a degree in journalism. Her responsibilities include special events, grant writing, newsletters, media relations and development/marketing of KDF programs in the community. In addition, Cheryl has a son with multiple disabilities, giving her a keen knowledge of and passion for our work to help people via therapeutic recreation, especially equine-assisted activities. Her favorite past times are camping with her photographer husband and son, writing about environmental and animal issues, riding and playing with her rescued quarter horse, walking and playing with her dogs and cats. 

Director of Operations - Mike Divricean – B.S. in Business Administration and Management – mikedivricean@campk.org

 Mike is responsible for facility renovation and improvements, equipment, service groups and volunteers, donations, network and is our website administrator. He is originally from Romania, where he received bachelor’s degrees in Law, Business Administration and Management, and in Military Science/Military Academy. He served as a government employee at the Romanian Land Forces Headquarters – Military International Relation Department for about 8 years. In 2004, Mike moved to the USA to experience new career possibilities. Shortly after arriving, he joined the Camp Kostopulos team as the Director of Operations. Mike and his wife have twin baby boys, Andrew and Patrick. When he’s not working at Camp K or at Wells Fargo, he enjoys spending time with his family, reading and traveling.  

 Program Director and Internship Supervisor - Jared Allsop, B.S., CTRS – jallsop@campk.org.

Jared, originally from Wisconsin, attended Brigham Young University for a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. After graduation in 2007 he joined the Kostopulos Dream Foundation. Currently, Jared is pursuing a Masters degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Utah. Jared is responsible for assessing new clients, as well as designing, implementing, and evaluating all Camp K programs and activities. He also is our internship supervisor. Jared is married and has three children. He enjoys spending time with his family, rocking climbing, hiking, biking, reading, and cheering on BYU football.

  Program Coordinator – Taryn Roberts – troberts@campk.org

Taryn graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She joined the staff in Spring 2010 and brings with her experience planning community based and leisure education activities for individuals with disabilities. Taryn is responsible for planning and implementing programs of the Kostopulos Dream Foundation. Her personal interests include hiking, camping, wakeboarding, scuba-diving and snowshoeing. Taryn is also an avid Utah Jazz and Utah Utes fan.     

        Community Outreach & Marketing Coordinator, Vista Worker - Eric Lund – elund@campk.org. Eric Lund is a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Criminal Justice. He is currently completing a year-long term in the Americorps VISTA program assisting with community outreach and marketing. A long-time resident of Salt Lake City, he enjoys skiing and running.

        Resource Development Co-Coordinator, Vista Worker – Melissa Droddy – mdroddy@campk.org. Salt Lake City resident Melissa Droddy graduated from the University of Utah in 1992 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and has over 17 years experience as an engineer, working mainly with material handling equipment. She is currently serving a year-long term as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer assisting with resource development and fundraising. Her hobbies include sewing and belly dancing.