What Makes Our Team Special
Our all-female staff of coaches and mentors are passionate about helping girls discover their strength, find their voice, and build lasting confidence.
For over 13 years we have trained young women in youth development principles to empower girls and create leaders. Our leaders are athletes, artist, leaders in their communities.
Many of our coaches started as Athena campers themselves, creating a continuous cycle of mentorship. The women drawn to our unique organization come with a passion for empowering girls.
Our 1:6 ratio for youngest campers ensures every girl gets the attention she needs to thrive. Our directors are in close contact with parents and communicate regularly.
Meet the Women Who Empower
Aby Ryan
CEO & Founder
Aby Ryan is passionate about nurturing, uplifting, and empowering women of all generations and backgrounds.
With a rich history of coaching elite athletic teams, developing impactful programs for non-profits, and founding her own company, Athena Camps, Aby has consistently created spaces where girls and women can connect deeply, share stories, and cultivate collective wisdom. Aby is currently expanding her expertise through training with Sister Stories. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to fostering meaningful connections among women in supportive and inclusive environments.
Aby Brayton Ryan was selected as one of 101 people in DE.CODED – A HUMAN ATLAS OF SILICON VALLEY. This multi-media project, commissioned by the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, celebrates extraordinary individuals whose contributions have had lasting impacts on the region and beyond. Selected through a year-long nomination process led by grassroots leaders and researchers, Aby’s inclusion reflects her dedication to community and her role as a catalyst for positive change.
Marissa Pule
Director of Camp Operations
Marissa Pule joined Athena Camps in 2013 as a Coach. Now entering her 11th season as a Director of Athena Camps, Marissa is also Director of Camp Operations. In the off season, Marissa is a regional manager with Recess 101, training new coaches while continuing to coach PE to Kindergarten through 5th grade students all over the South Bay. Marissa grew up in a large family (10 siblings) playing softball, volleyball, swimming and her favorite, soccer. Through her years of playing team sports, Marissa learned how to be a leader and more confident, and she hopes to instill those qualities in her Athena campers.
Susan Tuthill
Director of Business Operations
Susan Tuthill joined the Athena Team in 2022. She has worked for over 25 years consulting for companies and providing insight, direction, and hands on assistance in a myriad of ways. As Director of Business Operations for Athena, Susan oversees Human Resources, Customer Service, and Accounting, along with many behind-the-scenes aspects of Athena Camps. She is passionate about the vision of Athena in empowering today’s girls to be the strong, healthy women of tomorrow. As a mom of three boys, Susan keeps busy watching her sons compete in basketball, swimming and lacrosse. In her spare time Susan loves baking, scrapbooking, and swimming.
Sara Hetrick
Camp Director, Los Altos
Sara Hetrick has been behind the scenes of Athena Camps since its founding in 2011 and is now entering her 3rd summer as a Director. She feels so lucky to spend her summers with the strong Athena Team and our courageous campers over these many years. In the off season, Sara has her Masters in Education and is a Science Teacher. Growing up, she was a dedicated athlete and competitive swimmer for over 10 years. She continued swimming in college at UC Davis and is passionate about supporting girls in sports. Film photography, drawing, and listening to music are other hobbies she loves in her free time. She is so excited to return to camp this summer and share her love of Athena Camps with the 2024 campers!
