Camp Chai

Kayleigh has been dedicated to the field of summer camp since 2013, following a meaningful career in informal education as an interpreter with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Her passion for outdoor education stems from early camp experiences in Massachusetts and later summers spent at softball and field hockey camps. With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation, Kayleigh is an advocate for environmental and outdoor education, believing in the power of nature to inspire and engage.

Kayleigh brings specialized expertise to Camp Chai, holding certifications as a Wilderness First Responder, Texas Master Naturalist, North Texas Master Birder, and in Mental Health First Aid. She is also an active American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation Visitor and a participant in the ACA National Mentorship Program, furthering her commitment to high standards of safety, inclusion, and camper well-being. Her vision for Camp Chai is to foster a warm, inclusive, and impactful environment where campers and staff alike can be their most authentic selves and thrive in a safe, supportive space.

Known for her love of friendly competition, Kayleigh’s favorite camp traditions include Color Wars, relay races, and teaching campers the art of fire-building to craft the perfect s’more. She is also deeply committed to supporting the camp’s staff, guiding them as mentors to help develop their leadership skills and grow into confident young adults.

Outside of camp, Kayleigh enjoys bird-watching and adding to her life list of species, camping with her husband and their three dogs, and staying busy with baking, reading, gardening, and cultivating her unique carnivorous plant bog.

Tara Ohayon has been a part of the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center in Dallas since she was three years old. She grew up at J camps, going on to work every summer while pursuing a degree in Special Education. She taught in the public schools before returning “home” to the J full time over twenty years ago. Tara is currently the Director of Early Childhood and a Camp Director, Supervisor of Youth/Teen Programming, and member of the J Agency Management Team. Tara has been recognized as a visionary director, gifted parent educator, worker with children and master trainer of staff. She has facilitated change and growth in her staff and believes in a coaching style of leadership. Tara believes that the foundation of her work begins with relationships and knows that each of us can make a difference in the lives of others. Tara loves that her children are now staff at camp!