Meet our Team at Quimby Country

Quimby Country values its staff. We value our staff because we know we could not get the job done without the collaborative effort of our team. There are many integral parts at Quimby Country and no one part or one piece is more significant than the next.  Every hand that comes together contributes to the overall success of all we do and is a fundamental piece of maintaining the rich heritage of Quimby Country. A tremendous amount of work goes into putting together a dynamic, welcoming and competent staff. We can’t wait for our Quimby guests to get to know our staff this season. Our team looks forward to working hard to provide an unforgettable experience during your stay with us!

Lilly and Gene Devlin met in 1992 at the University of Vermont.  Gene was studying English/Education and Outdoor Adventure and Lilly was a Human Development and Family Studies major. They spent extensive time hiking and climbing in the Adirondack and Green Mountains, further developing their love of the outdoors in the Northeast. Lilly and Gene have spent their professional lives coupling their love of the outdoors with their commitment to working with children and families in both traditional and non-traditional settings. Following college, Lilly taught English as a second language for a year in a small school in the cloud forests of Costa Rica while Gene pursued his love of adventure education and led backpacking and climbing trips in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and in the pacific northwest. They returned to traditional education and worked at a character-based boarding school for 13 years, where they began their family and had three sons, Skyeler, Camden and George.  A time for change led them to become directors of a traditional summer camp for 7 years in the southern Adirondacks of New York. Their life work has led them to where they are today as managing partners and day-to-day operators of Quimby Country.  In a world that is becoming more and more difficult to unplug and connect with others, time spent at Quimby Country allows for a much-needed pause to be reminded of the value of relationships and shared time spent together in the outdoors.  Quimby’s daily programming provides rich opportunities for families and individuals to grow and try new things while being among a spectacularly beautiful place. Lilly and Gene are thrilled and honored to carry forward the traditions that Quimby’s guests have been experiencing for over 100 years. When you arrive to Quimby’s they promise you will feel its warmth and a feeling of returning home, even if it is only your first time.

What does Lilly look forward to the most in this season ahead?

I look forward to facilitating experiences in families and guests’ lives where they come to know one another more deeply through time spent in the authentic environment that Quimby’s affords.  For children to see and interact with their parents in an environment that offers little to no distractions and for parents to see their children experience freedom and discovery in ways not easily achieved back home. Quimby Country facilities these moments of growth and connection and I am honored to be a witness to these moments. I also cannot wait to swim every morning before breakfast, to sit around a campfire under a star-filled sky and to meet new friends.

What does Gene look forward to the most in this season ahead?

I look forward to welcoming our guests back this season and catching up with them and learning how we can help shape their stay at Quimby Country. I love the opportunity we have to be apart of this process in helping families and individuals have an unforgettable stay while in the Northeast Kingdom. It is so gratifying to see our guests have ‘first-time’ experiences, whether it be pulling a brown trout out of Forest Lake or standing agape while taking in the setting sun on the shores of Great Averill. There is so much to explore and experience while at Quimby Country and I look forward to sharing it all with you!

This coming season will be Skyeler’s 3rd season at Quimby Country. Skyeler is versatile in skill sets and roles at Quimby’s. He is a sharp shooter at the archery range, an avid swimmer to Sandy Beach and back, quick with hoops and agile on the tennis court. This coming season Skye will further develop his culinary skills in the kitchen, write a weekly QC blog for all to enjoy, warmly welcome guests at Quimby’s weekly traditional cookouts and be a handy man around the property.

Skye is welcoming and kind to all, always with a friendly smile and encouraging word to share. He is a spirited conversationalist, so be sure to engage him on the front porch of the Lodge for an enjoyable morning or afternoon talk!

About Skye:

We are grateful to welcome Skye back for his 3rd season at Quimby Country! 

My love for cooking started when I was a little boy watching my Grandfather throw cooked spaghetti against the wall to see if it would stick (To test for doneness) there was no turning back after witnessing that! I went to culinary school at The Rhode Island School of Design. My first job assisting a chef was on Useppa island at a yacht club in south west Florida. This is where I began to hone my skills. I then worked in Naples Florida, where I worked at The Club at Pelican Bay for five years as a sous chef. After moving up North I became the Chef at The Weston Field Club for 19 years and at the same time started my own Catering business called “The Proper Palate”. I’ve catered weddings and a long list of celebrations over the years. At that time, while I was working at the Weston Field Club, I also started to cook Sunday breakfasts for the Weston, Kiwanis club, which I have now been doing for thirty years!  I’m now, concentrating on my catering business with my wife Jane. Recently I have started a new business called Proper Pathways a hiking experience business, where I prepare a fresh lunches for hikers. I meet them at a trail head where I then guide them to a beautiful Lake, Vista or Waterfall where we enjoy lunch before heading back. I look forward to creating some wonderful creative food for everyone’s enjoyment; fresh Scones in the morning; Spanish potato torte for lunch and Peruvian chicken in the evening; are just a few of the creative dishes I look forward to sharing with our Quimby guests this season.  Quimby’s is the most positive loving place to work and I’m really looking forward to returning again this coming season!

We are very excited to welcome Chef Bill back for his 5th season at Quimby’s. Bill brings a wonderfully positive spirit to the Quimby kitchen. Bill loves the Northeast Kingdom. When he isn’t cooking you can find him going for a hike or taking out a kayak for a spin on Great Averill. Bill never misses a sunset or appreciation for the beauty that surrounds him. We are incredibly  fortunate to have Bill part of our Quimby Country community. He is family!

Welcome back Chef Bill! 

George is returning to Quimby’s for his second year on staff. We are excited to see George out and about this summer, facilitating activities for our guests as well as helping out from time to time in the kitchen with Chef Bill and Justin. George is a frequent face at Quimby’s, always smiling, with a basketball, tennis racket or beach towel in hand. George is happy to help in all areas of Quimby’s, whether helping a guest move luggage into their cottage, driving a guest in the golf cart out the The Rock, in helping set up for a cookout, or in teaching a young child how to properly hold a bow in archery. George loves all sports so be sure to ask him to toss a lacrosse ball, rally on the tennis court, play a little one on one at the basketball hoop or swim to Sandy Beach and back! He needs to get in shape for football season next fall anyway!

So happy to have you George!

Ruby will be returning to Quimby’s following her one- week wonder in 2023. We are thrilled to welcome Ruby as a full time staff member this summer as she is bursting with creative ideas and enthusiasm for the summer ahead.  Ruby comes with loads of experience working with children and we know our QC kids will love her energy and joy. Ruby always seems to have a smile on her face and is genuinely interested in people, happy and interested to talk about just about anything. In fact, Ruby is happy to do just about anything too! She says, if there is weeding or baking or cleaning to do, she is happy to help. Our plan is to not pull her too far from the guests though as we know that is where she really shines.

Ruby comes from Middlebury, VT and is currently a junior in high school.

We are thrilled to welcome Ruby this summer and so happy she will be a part of the QC team. Welcome Ruby.

Hi, my name is Conor. I am currently a Junior at the University of Vermont studying Wildlife and Fisheries Biology with a minor in Geospatial Technologies. This past summer I had my first experience at Quimby’s with my dad and brother. I have since been up two more times and can’t seem to get enough.
I have always had a love for the outdoors that was strengthened by attending summer camps as a kid. I loved being able to be creative and have fun outside. I have worked at two day camps previously and enjoyed helping guide kids of all ages to have positive experiences outdoors, from kickball to campfires. I look forward to helping out on all fronts this summer  being part of the Quimby community.
We are so happy to welcome Conor to Quimby’s this season. Conor is so versatile in skillset that you will see him playing dodge ball one moment and toting a fishing rod the next. No matter the activity, Conor is always with a smile to share, a great Quimby quality and one we are so thrilled to share with our guests this season!
Welcome Conor! 

Sam comes from Middlebury, Vermont and just finished up his junior year at the White Mountain School in New Hampshire. Sam has been a part of the Quimby family for 6 years but always as a visiting friend. This summer will be his first season working on staff. We wish we could have Sam the whole summer through but he will just be joining us for a few weeks to kick of the High Season in late June and July. Sam will be helping out in the kitchen, serving in the dining room and will also be seen out and about leading activities with our other counselors. Sam is versatile in skill set and his energy and enthusiasm will be contagious!

Welcome Sam! 

I am 17 years old and a junior in high school. I live in Connecticut with my mom and dad. I’m the Head Chef’ Bill’s son! I’ve been coming to Quimby since 2020 with my dad and this will be my second real year working here. Last season I spent the late summer and fall shoulder season helping out where help was needed. This will be my first summer living and working at Quimby’s for the entire High Season. I love listening to music, working out, and playing basketball.

We are excited to welcome Aaron back to Quimby’s as a full time employee for the High Season. Aaron brings wit, energy and fun conversation to any space! He also has a smile that makes you feel right at home. Aaron will be joining Quimby’s waitstaff team and helping out in the kitchen from time to time, alongside his father, Chef Bill.

Welcome to Quimby Country!

Aaron!

Stay tuned for more about Lilian!

Welcome Back to Quimby’s Lilian!

The moment we met Ghena we knew she was going to be a great addition to Quimby’s! Ghena embodies kindness, she loves her time in nature, she values community and connection, she believes in working hard and putting her best effort forward and she has a smile that lights up a room. Ghena is inquisitive and loves to learn so she no doubt will take time to get to know all of the wonderful Quimby families. She will make our guests feel right at home and brighten everyones stay.

About Ghena:

I’m Ghena and I am currently a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, a boarding school in New Hampshire. I’m originally from Virginia, but I have found home in New England! I’m a road biker and I love anything to do with bikes! I also love nature and exploring the great outdoors. I am really excited to be joining Quimby’s this summer. I stayed at Quimby’s as a part of a school trip last year, and I fell in love with Vermont and the amazing community at Quimby’s. I hope to make everyone who stays at Quimby’s feel welcomed and at home. I really felt the abundance of care and warmth present at Quimby’s during my stay and I look forward to continue to practice and nurture it as a part of the team this year!

Welcome to Quimby’s Ghena! We are so excited to welcome you to Quimby Country!

Chantal will be returning to the Northeast Kingdom following a long hiatus. We are excited to welcome Chantal back to her childhood home. Chantal will be wearing many hats this coming season and we are confident she will bring expertise, enthusiasm, humor, hard work and warmth to Quimby’s each day. She understand what Northeast Kingdom hospitality is all about and our guests will certainly feel welcomed and cared for by her presence.

A bit from Chantal:

Howdy new work fam! I’ll start at the beginning… I was born and raised here in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom, usually riding around town on my 4-wheeler or snowmobile. I absolutely love the outdoors, mostly swimming and hiking. When I was a teenager, we moved to Connecticut. After high school I went to Culinary school and now have over 20 years of hospitality experience. I am very much looking forward to cooking outside on Tuesdays and then checking out the karaoke scene. dancing and star gazing sounds like a great way to end any day. I’m very much looking forward to waking up on a lake and making amazing memories with and for our guests.
Can’t wait to meet you all!

Welcome Chantal! We are so happy to have you join us this season! 

Stay tuned for more about Jayla!

Welcome Chantal! We are so happy to have you join us this season! 

Jon Jon not only brings enthusiasm to learn and grow in the kitchen but also an infectious smile that will light up any space. Jon Jon shared that he values the opportunity to cook for others because he sees it as an opportunity to show his care for others. He is excited to bring this passion to the Quimby kitchen and to provide our guests with only the best. He looks forward to trying new recipes and some old family favorites as well. We welcome Jon Jon to Quimby Country and feel confident that he will embrace the QC wacky cake as if he created the recipe himself. We cannot wait to see what Jon Jon will create this summer but we can absolutely say that no one will not go to bed hungry!

A bit from Jon Jon:

Hi! I am a recent Middlebury College graduate from Bangkok, Thailand, and this will be my first summer at Quimby Country. In Middlebury, I work as a drum and percussion teacher, and can be found playing musicals at the local community theater or with my band. Cooking has always been a big part of who I am, and while I was at Middlebury, I would frequently be cooking for friends, no matter the occasion. Being in the kitchen cooking with my mom has always been a cherished memory, and I am excited to get the opportunity to continue in a kitchen in the Northeast Kingdom! I look forward to being able to be a part of the Quimby community and meeting you all very soon!

Welcome Jon Jon! We are so excited to have you join us at Quimby Country!

Jennifer is returning for her 5th season at Quimby’s. Jen is conscientious, hard working, and eager to give her best every day on the job! She workes incredibly hard through all of Quimby’s seasons, from early summer to late fall.  We are excited to welcome back Jen as she cares about the work she does and the employees she works with and the guests she works for.

Jen shares:

When I am not at Quimbys you will either find me ìn the cow barns or in with my horses, caring for them or behind my drum set rocking it out. Or out for runs exploring the nature most likely training for a 5k

Welcome back Jen! We are excited to have you back this season.

This summer will be Hayahn’s 2nd season working full time at Quimby’s. We have gotten to know Hayahn over the past few years and he has been a great person to call on when extra help has been needed. He has helped in the dish room, on the archery range and with various projects on site like wood chopping and delivery of wood to cottages. He has a playful spirit and is always first to raise his hand to participate in games like dodge ball or kick ball. Hayahn loves to stay busy so we are confident he will love his work at Quimby Country!

A little about Hayahn: 

Hi Im Hayahn. I’m originally from Korea (The nice one in the south) Now I live in Canaan, just down the road from Quimby’as. You can usually find me inside drumming, eating, watching tv, or outside doing who knows what. I enjoy playing drums, being outside, playing sports and sleeping.

I’m looking forward to being a Quimby employee because I love it at the resort! Quimby Country is in a great place and it is just so peaceful there.

Welcome Back to Quimby Country Hayahn! We are so happy to have you! 

Renae will be returning to Quimby’s for her third season! Renae will be working in our housekeeping department, doing her best to help make cottages, the Lodge and the laundry room shine! This comes easily to Renae as she always has a smile on her face and an attitude of helping and giving her absolute best. Renae brings warmth and laughter wherever she goes and makes any work environment a happy place to be. We are so fortunate to welcome her back for her third season at Quimby’s.

When Renae is not working she loves to soak up the sun down along the shores of Great Averill.  She is always glowing!

More from Renae:

I am so excited to be returning to QC for my third season! I discovered the world of seasonal work 4 years ago after years of working as a travel agent and with Amazon.com. I have since worked in Florida, California, Vermont and Ohio. Always looking for my next adventure! My roots and family are in West Virginia but my true loves are traveling and the great outdoors. In my down time I enjoy soaking up the sun, long walks, biking, camping, reading a good book and watching sunset after sunset! I was drawn back to QC not only for it’s beauty and simplicity but because Lilly and Gene are truly the heartbeat of QC and what makes it such a special place…I know I am with family when I am here!

Welcome back to Quimby Country Renae! We are THRILLED to have you apart of the QC family. 

Marianne is from TN and has been a science teacher for the past 9 years. She is taking time to travel and has been welcomed to Quimby as a new housekeeper. She enjoys reading, swimming, and learning new interests. She looks forward to exploring all Quimby has to offer and being available to help guests have a welcoming and relaxing space. She is traveling with Harvey her GSD, who enjoys being outside as much as she does!

We knew there was something special about Marianne from the beginning. She exudes kindness and care and pays special attention to the little things. This comes to know surprise given her years of teaching young people. We are fortunate to have her join the Quimby community as we know she will share the same kindness and care with our guests. Teachers from other classrooms have specifically asked Marianne to help them organize and structure their own classrooms because of how she manages her own classroom. She is well organized, intentional with her choices and creative in ideas and spirit. We know Marianne will be an excellent addition to our team and an exceptional housekeeper for our guests and our cottages. Welcome Marianne! 

We are THRILLED to have you apart of the QC family. 

Hi, I’m Pam,

This will be my 3rd season working at Quimby’s. It’s a pleasure to go back each year. There is always an amazing staff and I could just watch and listen to the loons all day long. My favorite time is Saturday afternoon, watching the guests pull in, mom and dad get out of their vehicle and take a deep breath and all their cares are gone, the kids all unload their bicycles and away they go. It’s like taking a step back in time.

My husband and I retired here to Norton, VT in May 2021. We’d been coming up to Island Pond for 14 years to visit family. We fell in love with the beautiful landscape, the incredible nature and the quiet. We love all seasons here, each one brings something new, snowmobiling in winter, perusing this beautiful state on our Spyder as soon as the weather is warm enough, and hiking and kayaking. We love working outdoors, spring and fall cleanup, and tending to our new vegetable and flower gardens. I love to watch our springtime returning families to our pond, Canadian geese, ducks (mergansers and hooded mergansers, mallards, wood ducks…). I also love to knit, sew and quilt and I always have a puzzle in the works. Our daughter was married here in Norton at our property, and she knew she wanted to have the wedding party stay at Quimby’s as soon as she saw the cottages and met Gene and Lilly. We also held the welcome gathering here for our guests the night before the wedding. Gene and Lilly were most gracious and accommodating. And now, 1 ½ years later, the thing we love to do more than anything else is visiting our new grandson, Charlie. ❤️

We are THRILLED to have you apart of the QC family Pam. 

Gary lives with his wife Pam down the road from Quimby’s in Canaan. He has been a part of Quimby’s for about 8 years and cares deeply for it. Gary has often been willing to step in where needed, whether helping with a plumbing issue, a need in the kitchen, or in the dish room. In recent years Gary has worked hard to keep the lawns looking their best. He can be seen atop his mower, weaving his way between trees, fence posts and fields. You know when Gary has shown up to work because he always leaves things better than he found it.

Gary has a twinkle of the eye that makes all feel welcomed and cared for. We are grateful for the hard work Gary brings to Quimby’s and his keen attention to detail.

Pam has been a part of Quimby’s family for many years. Pam and her husband Gary live locally, just a few miles down the road in Canaan. They are huge animal lovers and share their home with their cat and dog, often taking in stray animals in need. They are those kind of people; always looking for ways to help others.

We are grateful for the hard work, kindness and support Pam shares with Quimby’s each day she is with us. Pam started off helping with housekeeping and in recent years has managed the laundry facility. It is a big job for a little person and Pam gives 110% each and every day she comes to work. Pam cares about Quimby’s guests and she cares about its staff. She folds bottom sheets to perfection and makes sheet sets look like they have been professionally ironed.

We could not do it without you Pam! Thank you for your hard work!

Stay tuned for more info on Larry!

Partners

Quimby Country is proud to partner with a number of excellent businesses in the area to bring an array of exciting offerings to our guests. Please take a moment to learn more about our partnerships and the experiences we will be offering our guests this season.

Joshua Adams is the owner and Operator of Great Drake Angling & Outdoor Adventures LLC. Josh is one of the finest instructors and guides you will ever meet.  His teaching methods are proven to make learning easy for clients of all abilities, and his perpetual smile and friendly demeanor always make for a fun day on the water.  Josh’s passion for hunting and fishing is contagious, and a day spent on the water, or in the woods with him, will leave you with a yearning to try it again.

Quimby’s is very excited to partner up with Josh this season to offer our guests drift boat tours down the Connecticut River and wading tours.

For more information on availability and fees, please click here or contact [email protected] (Please make all reservations through Quimby Country)

Mischa Tourin is the owner and lead instructor at Sterling Mountain Guides. Mischa found his love for climbing 20 years ago when the Burlington Rock Gym opened in Essex, Vermont, and his father took him to climb outdoors at Cathedral Ledge in New Hampshire. Since then, Mischa has pursued a career in outdoor education and continued to climb in Vermont, out West and around the world. Mischa is certified as a Single Pitch Instructor by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), an Outdoor Educator by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), and is a trained Wilderness First Responder.
When he’s not leading climbing trips, Mischa guides at-risk youth through social and emotional struggles as the Outdoor Program Director at a small alternative high school. He serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Vermont’s climbing access non-profit organization, CRAG-VT. Mischa’s favorite climbing memories include learning trad in Red Rock Canyon in Nevada, traversing granite alpine ridges in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, hand jamming in Indian Creek, Utah, projecting routes in Catalunya, Spain, and exploring alongside the wonderful community of climbers in Vermont.

Mischa is very excited this season to offer daylong rock climbing trips at Black Mountain to Quimby’s guests.  These trips will be available for both shoulder and all-inclusive family camp guests, however, availability is limited, so please be in touch to express your interest. Trips are offered to both adults and children.

For more information on availability and fees, please click here  or contact [email protected] (Please make all reservations through Quimby Country)

Jonathon is the owner and operator of local bike shop Spoke ‘N’ Word in Colebrook, NH. Jonathon will be supplying a fleet of bikes that will be available for rental at Quimby Country this season. When not out riding on the road or trails, Jonathon can be found tuning up bikes at his shop or spending time with his family. We are thrilled that Jonathon has offered to provide guided mountain bike trips to Circuits Frontiers in Hereford, Canada this season. We will be offering this service to our guests on Monday during our shoulder and all-inclusive family camp weeks.

For more information on availability and fees, please click here or contact [email protected] (Please make all reservations through Quimby Country)

TJ Dezotell is a Vermont native, born and raised in Derby, Vermont.  TJ has an extensive background in outdoor recreation and a deep love for sharing the natural world with others. We are fortunate enough to be partnering up with him. If you would like to learn more about TJ and other services he offers, please feel free to check him out at https://www.thegibbsguides.com

Arada returns to Quimby’s for her second season as our massage therapist. Arada offers a welcoming and relaxing environment for our guests and is especially attuned to each guest’s specific needs. Her genuine warmth and kind spirit offers an immediate calm. We are grateful to share her knowledge, expertise and warmth with our guests.

Arada is a certified massage therapist and yoga instructor.  She is a graduate of Green Mountain Massage School and is well versed in multiple modalities including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Reflexology, and Thai yoga massage