meet the staff

  • JOSHUA & KASEY VELEZ  

    FACILITY MANAGER & WATER FRONT DIRECTOR 

    Joshua Velez is also a former Camp Comanche camper and now serves as the Facility Manager at Empower Retreat Center. Joshua and his wife Kasey, along with their two children Jaeylnn and Jordan, live on the property year round.  Joshua is not only a Facility Manager, but also works closely with mentoring campers and junior staff. His contagious smile eases the nerves of new campers and staff. He also helps with sharing his skill sets to teach children in becoming self reliant with light carpentry skills and mechanics. 


    Kasey serves as the Water Front Director and works closely with all staff, campers and retreats, to ensure the general safety while enjoying Empower's aquatic activities at Heart Lake.  You can also find Kasey helping out in the office, kitchen or dining hall.  She has a heart to serve and recruit others to join in our programs.

  • 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.