New Recreation Center Staff

The Recreation Center welcomes additional staff and new leadership. Julie Smith will be taking over a new leadership role as Program Director of Facilities, Operations, and Retreat, and Rentals. On February 20, we welcomed Justin Landry, Program Director of Camp and Travel, and Michelle Sayre, LCSW, Program Director of Experiential Learning.

Julie Smith has been at Melwood’s Recreation Center for a year.  A native of Annapolis, MD, Julie has vast experience working in the hospitality, non-profit, and recreational fields.  Prior to her time with Melwood, Julie was the Director of Recreation for seven years for the Archdiocese of Washington. Additionally, Julie spent 20 years as a pastry chef in numerous bakeries and catering companies, and worked for an icing company training Cake Decorators and Donut Makers. Most recently, she worked for the Visitor’s Center in Annapolis assisting as a Major Event Planner.  Julie enjoys every aspect of her work at the Recreation Center, and is looking forward to her new position.

She enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and rooting on the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Redskins, and the Maryland Terrapins.

Justin Landry grew up in the camping world with his family and most recently spent five years as the Executive Director at Camp Frederick in Ohio. There, he spent time working with individuals of all ages, and partnering with local schools to offer hands-on work experience for students with differing abilities. Each year, Justin also took the lead in hosting the local county Special Education Department’s day camp for students with differing abilities in the county. 

Justin is looking forward to using his knowledge and experience of running summer camps to help continue the work that has been done with Melwood’s Camp and Travel Programs.

Justin received a Bachelor of Science from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. His favorite outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Michelle Sayre is an advanced Eagala certified mental health provider. She is trained to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. Michelle received her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland and has spent over a decade specializing in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Prior to joining Melwood, Michelle provided traditional and equine assisted psychotherapy and learning to individuals, groups, and families through her private practice, Stable Options, LLC.  In 2015, Michelle joined Maryland Recovery as its Director of Trauma Services where she developed their trauma program and continued to provide equine assisted psychotherapy.  Her work has included individual and group therapy, working with court-mandated referrals, and providing expert testimony for traumatized children and adolescents. 

In addition to her clinical experience, Michelle is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has corporate experience as an Assistant VP for Norwest Mortgage and AgriPro International, exporting agricultural equipment to central Europe.  Michelle is also a trained mediation specialist and believes in the importance of empowering individuals, families, and groups to create their own peaceful solutions.