Meet the Directors

Shelley Johnston

Office Manager

Shelley Johnston joined the Camp Balcones Springs team in Fall 2024 and brings a strong background in hospitality operations to her role as Office Manager. She keeps camp running smoothly behind the scenes—whether it’s coordinating logistics, supporting families through the enrollment process, or answering just about any question that comes through the office.

What she loves most about CBS is the positive energy that fills the air—and she can’t wait to see camp come alive when the kids arrive. Shelley enjoys bringing her operational expertise to a place where fun, growth, and meaningful experiences are the priority.

When she’s not at camp, you’ll find her spending time with her family and pets, cooking great food, getting lost in a good book, or birdwatching (she’s a self-proclaimed ornithology enthusiast!).

Maggie Pickett

Camp Director

Maggie Pickett has practically grown up at Camp Balcones Springs—2025 marks her 23rd summer at CBS. Over the years, she’s been a camper, counselor, leadership team member, and a long-time member of our full-time staff. After a brief chapter in the fundraising world, Maggie returned to CBS in 2022 to take on the role of Camp Director—and hasn’t looked back since. She’s the go-to for nearly all things camp. Maggie is especially passionate about our evening programs and plays a major role in bringing theme nights to life—whether she’s assembling light installations, painting murals, or throwing on a wildly elaborate costume. You’ll also find her teaching jewelry class or working her magic with campers who might be missing home. Fun fact: if Maggie ever goes missing, check Lake Ted—chances are she and her dog George are out on a paddleboard, leading campers on a canoe/kayak adventure!

Cate Pal-Freeman

Girls Camp Director

Cate fell in love with Camp Balcones Springs during her first summer as a counselor in 2020. Since then, she’s been a leadership team member and has now served as Girls Camp Director for nearly four summers. After graduating from the University of Redlands in 2023, she joined the CBS team full-time and has been helping lead our summer program year-round since.

Cate is especially passionate about building relationships across camp—she loves getting to know campers of all ages, mentoring counselors, and being the first to crank the music and start an impromptu dance party. You’ll often find her teaching swimming or water aerobics—and she has a well-earned reputation for ending up in the lake or pool fully clothed, just for the phun of it.

From getting launched off the blob to leading thoughtful conversations with cabins to jumping into every corner of Girls Camp, Cate brings a whole lot of energy, heart, and joy to CBS.

Jose Avila

Executive Director

Jose Avila first arrived at Camp Balcones Springs in 2013, and he’s been woven into the fabric of camp life ever since. What began as a summer adventure turned into a decade-long journey—he’s served as a counselor, leadership team member, and now holds a key role on our year-round team, helping lead Boys Camp and supporting big-picture operations across CBS.

Originally from the Rio Grande Valley and a proud Texas A&M graduate (Gig ‘em!), Jose brings a deep passion for youth development and community-building into everything he does. Whether it’s refining systems behind the scenes, jumping into a skit without hesitation, or creating space for campers and staff to thrive, he’s all about making camp a place where everyone feels like they belong.

Jose’s favorite part of every term? Rodeo Roundup—he says there’s no better way to wrap up a session. Outside of camp, he loves BBQing, reading, dancing, taking long walks, listening to music, and hunting down the best brussels sprouts Texas has to offer.

Elliot Timmcke

Boys Camp Director

Elliot Timmcke brings a wide range of experience—and a ton of hands-on enthusiasm—to his role as Boys Camp Director. After joining CBS in Summer 2024, he’s excited to step into a leadership role this year, helping guide campers and counselors alike through the full Boys Camp experience.

With a background that includes teaching elementary school, managing restaurants, and building custom wood pieces, Elliot thrives in dynamic, collaborative environments—and is most looking forward to the relationships that will take shape across camp this summer.

Outside of CBS, you’ll find him woodworking, 3D printing, and sculpting digital creations, or enjoying movie nights at home with his wife and their dog, Coco. Having moved four times before the age of 13, Elliot knows how to dive into new environments with confidence—making him a go-to resource for both new campers and returning ones alike.

Stefan Goldman

Activities Director

Stefan Goldman is returning for his third summer at Camp Balcones Springs—and this time, he’s stepping into the role of Activities Director. After serving as both an activities counselor and a member of the boys leadership team, Stefan is excited to bring his experience and energy to overseeing the day-to-day phun across camp.

Originally from South Africa, Stefan spent several years teaching before finding his way to CBS. He’s passionate about helping campers try new things, build confidence, and create lasting memories along the way. His favorite camp activities? Basketball and ziplining—especially when campers surprise themselves with what they’re capable of.

When he’s not out on the field or helping run activities, you’ll find Stefan on the golf course or playing video games with the lifelong friends he’s made at CBS.

McKenzie Thrasher

High School Programs Director

McKenzie Thrasher is stepping into her first summer at Camp Balcones Springs as our High School Programs Director—and she’s bringing both classroom experience and big energy to the role. Originally from Kansas, McKenzie spent three years teaching PE and Aquatics, ran basketball camps during summers, and is now pursuing her PhD in Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas.

This summer, she’s especially excited to create a fun, purposeful environment for our high school campers—whether they’re Senior Campers navigating their final camper summer or Work Crew members taking on new responsibilities and service-driven adventures.

When she’s not at camp or deep in her doctoral program, McKenzie is a major sports fan—baseball in the summer, football in the fall, and basketball all winter long. She’s loving getting to know Texas and can’t wait to jump into life at CBS this summer.

April Baxter

Equestrian Director

April Baxter is our Equestrian Director at Camp Balcones Springs, and brings with her a wealth of experience leading youth horse programs at camps across the country. A certified instructor in both English and Western disciplines, April has taught and competed in endurance, dressage, English and Western pleasure, polocrosse, jumping, natural horsemanship, and competitive trail.

Her love of riding started as a young girl after being diagnosed with scoliosis—she was encouraged to take ballet and horseback riding to help improve her posture. Riding sparked a lifelong passion (ballet… not so much). Today, April owns two Spanish Andalusians and spends her free time trail riding and competing with them.

A native Texan with deep roots (one of her relatives even fought at the Alamo!), April is also a proud mom of four sons and two grandsons. She’s thrilled to be sharing her love of horses with CBS campers this summer.

Diego Rius Millotte

International Liaison

Diego Rius Millotte is heading into his seventh summer at Camp Balcones Springs and his third year serving as our International Liaison. Originally from Querétaro, Mexico, Diego has done just about everything at CBS—from counselor to leadership team member to assistant director—and now focuses on helping international campers and staff feel welcomed, supported, and fully part of the CBS community.

Diego studied Business Management and International Business at Salem University in West Virginia, and he’s passionate about building bridges between cultures and making sure everyone who comes to CBS—no matter where they’re from—feels right at home. He’s especially excited to welcome new faces this summer and reconnect with returning campers and staff from around the world.

During the summer, Diego loves getting involved in evening programs and can usually be found on the soccer field—or perfecting his short game on the golf course. During Recharge, you’ll probably find him with a book in hand, recharging right alongside the campers.