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!
Mary will be returning to Quimby’s for her fourth season on staff! Mary is 19 years old and is from Narberth, Pa. Mary loves everything Quimby’s! She loves playing tennis with guests, she loves capture the flag, rolling the tennis court, yoga paddle board, working at the Store, and QC bingo! Mary always has a smile on her face and a helping hand to lend. We are so excited to be welcoming Mary for her 4th season on staff and we know our guests are thrilled too. Mary embodies the “welcome home” spirit of Quimby Country and all in her presence feel this magic. Her laughter is contagious and her smile makes all feel special.
From Mary:
I can’t wait to be working at Quimbys again this summer! It is such a beautiful place with the most wonderful people. I am looking forward to being a counselor again and being able to connect with guests and other staff. I am a freshman at UVM and I have been so lucky to spend my year in Vermont. My favorite things to do at Quimbys are swim and enjoy Great Averill, play tennis and spend time in the outdoors.
Welcome back to Quimby Country Mary! We are SO FORTUNATE you are apart of Quimby’s!
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!
About George:
So happy to have you George!
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 this season!
We are very excited to welcome Chef Bill back this season. 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. We are very fortunate to have Bill part of our Quimby Country community.
Justin started his culinary career at the age of 17 at NCUHS in the culinary arts program from there he went to New England Culinary institute and graduated in 1997 . From culinary school he traveled to further his culinary knowledge. In 2000 he moved back to Vermont and for 5 years was the Sous Chef of a local fine dining restaurant. In 2006 he became the chef owner of a small 55 seat restaurant. Since then he has traveled to the Bahamas as a free lance Chef and is currently working at the Coventry Village School. Justin enjoys sharing his culinary delights and knowledge with the students.
Justin has been cooking at Quimby’s for two seasons and we are thrilled he is returning for a third. His love of his school job is evident in the relationships he forms with Quimby staff. Justin is top notch, not only with food but also with people! Justin takes great care in the work he does for QC’s lucky guests and he also loves cooking for the staff. He is never without a smile or encouraging word to share.
Justin is a chef who prefers wearing black, he drives a motorcycle and never forgets to bring his knife bag to work. His professionalism in the kitchen is evident in the way he prepares his menu, leaves his work space and takes time to mentor young staff in the art of cooking. Some of his favorite foods to cook are anything new that he has not perfected yet! The culinary world is always growing and Justin loves all food ethnicities. But if he had to choose just one, he would say classical French cuisine with rich deep flavors!
Camden has spent the past 4 seasons at Quimby’s, being seen with everything in hand from a lacrosse stick to an archery bow to a sous chef’s knife! Camden is a bit of a Quimby ambassador, happy to help out with just about everything! Camden carries a welcoming smile and aways have a kind word to share.
Currently, Camden works in the kitchen and has developed such skills as breaded chicken parmesan to stuffed shrimp and crab. Camden makes salads look beautiful, perfecting his ability to dress, toss and accent any salad type! He also makes a mean batch of chicken fingers and fries- everyones favorite! Camden has a killer forehand on the tennis court, a nasty lay up at the basketball hoop, he is a sharp shooter in archery and makes the biggest splash out at The Rock.
About Camden:
We are grateful to welcome Camden back for his 5th season at Quimby Country!
Elsa will be returning to Quimby’s for her second season as baker extraordinaire! Elsa is nervous far from the kitchen and is often adorned with a Quimby apron covered in her days baking. Chocolate, strawberries. whipped cream, vanilla frosting and everything delicious are some of Elsa’s favorite ingredients. Always with a smile, always with a sugar cookie to share and ALWAYS up for trying something new, Elsa is exceptional in every way. Elsa also happily takes suggestions and is excited to try new recipes this season.
If Elsa isn’t in the kitchen you might be lucky to spot her at the Rock for a quick dip. We are hopeful she may share her love for music this summer and bring out her cello she keeps hidden away in her room in the Lodge. She has many talents and we certainly appreciate her love of baking! We know you will too!
A little about Elsa:
I am so excited to be baking again for Quimby Country this summer!!! I have been baking ever since I can remember and it always so calming to be in the kitchen crafting up new recipes. I like to spend my free time playing cello, crafting, being outside, and of course more baking. I can’t wait to see what this summer brings, and am looking forward to another year at Quimby’s!
Welcome back to Quimby Country Elsa!
We are excited to welcome Kalie back to Quimby’s for her second season working as waitstaff. Kalie comes from just down the road in Norton, VT. Kalie brings positivity and warmth to work each day and is excellent with always asking what needs to get done. This is an important quality in the dining room as there is always work to be done as we prepare to make our guests dining experience the best!
About Kalie:
Welcome back to Quimby’s Kalie! We are so excited to have you back!
We are excited to welcome Blake back to Quimby’s for their second season on staff. Blakely has a smile that will light up a room and brings abundant energy to our guests experiences at Quimby’s! Blake is joining the waitstaff team this summer and is eager be a part of a new area at Quimby’s. Blake worked as a counselor their first summer and will no doubt bring warmth and care to our guests in the dining room. Blake returns to Quimby’s with Ziva and is eager to bring her out on a paddle board again this summer. Blake loves the idea of adventure and returning to Vermont is something they have thought about all year long. Blake loves to crochet, hike, read and jump in Averill Lake at the end of the day!
Hi there! My name is Blakely, or Blake for short, and I am 21 years old from Grand Junction, CO. I am pursuing a degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM where I live for most of the year.
A couple fun facts about me:
- I love to do any kind of crafts or anything with my hands. Currently I am obsessed with crochet, and am trying to do a temperature blanket for 2022!
- I am majoring in psychology and minoring in history, two subjects I really enjoy.
- My best furry friend is Ziva, who is a task trained service dog who helps me when I need her. She’ll be joining me at QC and is very excited to run around Vermont for the summer!
- I also have two more dogs back at my parents house, Samwise and Rosie.
- Over my life I have been to almost 15 summer camps, where I have fallen in love with the camp environment.
- My favorite color is yellow!
- I love to go hiking with Ziva in my free time, since moving to Albuquerque I have had so much fun discovering all the trails. I can’t wait to be able to explore all the hiking around Quimby’s this summer. I am most excited to be able to meet everyone at QC and make lifelong connections!
- Whenever I get the chance for a long weekend I love to go camping far away from everything and just be in nature for a few days. Nature truly is the best medicine!
Welcome BACK to Quimby Country Blake! We are excited for you to return and to help us create magical moments for our guests!
We are excited to welcome Olivia to her first summer on staff at Quimby’s. Olivia joins our waitstaff team. Olivia will be a senior in high school and comes all the way from Miami, Florida. She and her father bought a house in Norton, VT where they spend their summers. Olivia loves to play the guitar and sing, she enjoys hiking and she is an avid artist. She has a warm and welcoming smile and will no doubt make our guests feel right at home during meal times. Olivia is a team player, happy to help in all ways and we are so excited for her to join the community.
About Olivia:
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida, but about a year and a half ago my dad decided to buy a house in Norton, VT- and now Vermont has my heart. I play guitar and sing during my free time, and I draw a lot! Last summer I spent a lot of time playing guitar in my ‘backyard’ (a wonderful forest), and ended up making an EP! I’ve always loved nature, whether it be Miami’s beaches or Vermont’s mountains, so working at Quimby’s will be a dream come true. I’m working hard to apply to the University of Vermont, my dream school, and I can’t wait to one day live up in Vermont full time. I’m so excited to meet Quimby’s staff and our guests, and I feel very lucky to be accepted into this community!
Welcome to Quimby’s Olivia!
Jennifer is returning this season as a full time employee and kitchen helper! Jen was part time last season and primarily worked at Quimby’s just through the fall. She worked incredibly hard through Quimby’s wedding season which is a busy time to be at Quimby’s. We are excited to welcome Jennifer for the full season this year! Jen is conscientious, hard working, and eager to give her best every day on the job! She is a senior at Canaan High School, graduating in June of 2022.
Jen shares:
I live on a dairy farm with my 3 horses and I also raise 2 cows. When I have free time I also love playing drums.
Welcome Jen! We are excited to have you back this season.
This summer will be Hayahn’s first 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 to Quimby Country Hayahn!
Renae will be returning to Quimby’s after taking a year away to live and work in the west and midwest. We are thrilled to welcome Renae back to Quimby’s. 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 second season at Quimby’s.
When Renea 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 welcomed back to QC after being here for the 2021 season! I discovered the world of seasonal work 3 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!
I’m stoked about this opportunity to live and work at Quimbys for the season; not only does this open a door for me to spend some time in an unfamiliar area, but I can’t wait to meet all the new faces. Though the woods are just a quick 10 minute drive from my home in Utah, I can’t wait to be within feet of them at all times.
A little about myself:
Gary lives with his wife Pam down the road from Quimby’s in Canaan. He has been a part of Quimby’s for about 6 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.