meet the staff

  • CARLOS & SHANDRA BARAHONA

    WORSHIP LEADER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Carlos Barahona serves as the worship leader for our organization.  He is the singer and songwriter of You Deserve and continues to encourage our campers and staff with new music each year!  Carlos is originally from Houston, Texas and moved to New York City in 2008 to work with at-risk youth and the marginalized of New York City through St. Paul's House.  Carlos has a Bachelor's in Criminal Psychology and Strategic Intelligence from Liberty University.  He is currently working on his Master's Degree from Messiah College in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  


    Shandra Barahona is the Executive Director of Empower.  Shandra holds a Bachelor's  of Science  Degree in Social Work from  Nyack College and a Master's of Professional Studies in Urban Ministry from Alliance Theological Seminary.  Shandra grew up as a camper in the Camp Comanche Program since she was five years old.  " I am so grateful for the opportunity to help young people overcome obstacles and life difficulties through the ministry of Empower. I will continue to be relentless in helping them succeed in life through the power of Christ!"


    Carlos and Shandra also work with homeless individuals in the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen, New York City with a team of young people who are committing themselves to a career in full time ministry. They also live on camp property.  Their focus is creating relationships within the community and to keep campers and staff connected throughout the school year, providing opportunities for discipleship and mentoring to those they are reaching out to.  


  • Camille Gumbs

    PROGRAM director

    Camille Gumbs serves as the Program Director of Camp Comanche.  She holds a Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Education and a Master's of Arts in Special Education.  You can find Camille leading children & youth on Friday Nights, serving during our retreats,  mentoring her fellow staff members, and being an amazing mom to her son Calvin.  Camille has a passion for God's Word, empowering young people, and  a gentle spirit that can help foster growth within our camp community that encourages all to trust God in our current circumstance as He will move us towards our full potential in Christ.  Camille will be working on generating and facilitating year round programs.  She will also enjoy getting to know the local community along with her son Calvin. Her skill set as an adaptable and focused Educator with demonstrated success in managing organized classrooms, updating records and providing both group and individualized instruction will help Camp open up more opportunities for the future.   Camille is proficient in helping advanced, struggling and special needs students enhance learning and she is experienced with special education instruction.