Our Team

Michael and his brother created the ESF Camps in 1982 and established the first Dream Camp located in Hartford, CT at Trinity College in 1998. In 2002, they founded the second Dream Camp location in Philadelphia, PA. Michael is a graduate of Villanova University with a B.S. in Communication. He is also a graduate of the Disney Institute’s People Management, Customer Service, and Creative Leadership Programs. He has a Black Belt in Tang Soo Do karate from the Tang Soo Do Mo Doo Kwan Federation. Michael also competed on the professional tennis circuit for two years as an amateur. In 2004, Michael was inducted into the Villanova University Athletic Hall of Fame. Michael serves on the Board of Directors of The Vetri Foundation for Children, Temple University's Board of Managers, and Acting Without Boundaries (AWB).

Lafay attended Lincoln University of PA (one of the oldest HBCUs in the nation) where he earned a B.S. in World History and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Principal Certificate). He worked in Philadelphia for 15 years as a middle school history teacher and instructional coach, mostly in urban charter schools run by KIPP. Lafay has an infectious energy and superb ability to connect with students and staff to quickly earn their respect.

My dream for Dream Camp is that all scholars acquire skills and experiences that enrich their lives and impact their communities in a positive manner!

Fun Fact about Lafay

Lafay likes to try foods from different cultures while supporting Liverpool soccer!

Dani Nicoletti has worked in education in Scranton, Chicago, Newark, and Philadelphia since 2002. Inspired by students, families, and team members throughout her career, she has taught, run year-round programs, presented to her peers, developed curriculum, provided leadership development to students and staff, and created community outreach programs, and she continues to challenge herself to learn. Dani has been with Dream Camp since 2006 and has served as Assistant Principal at Smedley Elementary, the home of our ASA program, since 2011. She always strives to be at her best for those around her and bring joy to every person she encounters. Her students and staff know they can trust her and rely on her to make things happen.

Haley attended Temple Univeristy where she earned her B.S. degree in Human Resources at the Fox School of Business. She joined ESF as an intern in the TOPS/HR department in January 2023. After seven months, Haley came to ESF Dream Camp Foundation as our Program Coordinator. 

My dream for Dream Camp is to give every single child that walks through our doors new opportunities and a space place to truly be themselves.

Fun Fact about Haley

Haley was born and rasied in Scranton, PA and is now a proud resident of Philadelphia!