More About Us

Sunshine Mermaids is supported by three women on the Board of Directors who have learned to exhibit confidence, integrity, and respect through pushing their personal limits. Their experiences throughout life have driven them to help young ladies learn to push themselves, learn leadership, and learn to be more aware of their impact. Whether its a day camp or an over night camp, the girls form lifelong friendships that keep them coming back for more adventures.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit our proceeds have benefited city and county parks, 10 local entities, and 11 non-profits including:

  • American Association of Suicide Prevention
  • Joan Kroc Center
  • Girls Empowerment Camp
  • Play it Safe
  • La Mesa Parks
  • San Diego Humane Society 

Want to donate to our 501(c)(3) non-profit?

All donations are tax deductible! 

Donations can be made via PayPal by clicking below.

 



 

Our Staff and Volunteers


All Camp Counselors and Volunteers have been trained and received a certificate through American Camp Association, are certified in Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid and have passed a Background Check via LiveScan (same background check required for school employees)

 

 

Jessica Harned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica is the Camp Director in charge of scheduling awesome camp adventures, training and instruction, logistics, and camper public presentations.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Science degree and is an EMT instructor. She has been teaching diving and snorkeling to kids for over 15 years.

Previous to Sunshine Mermaids, Jessica worked as the Director of Public Safety for Diving Unlimited International and as a Park Ranger for County Parks.

Cynthia Medina

“I believe in empowering all children to become strong, loving, and caring individuals and to become life-long learners.”

 

Cindy is the lead Camp Counselor for Sunshine Mermaids. 

Cindy has her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education; english and a Master’s in Education; literacy. She has had the pleasure of teaching English, ESL, and reading at the middle and high school level for 12+ years in New Mexico. She moved to San Diego two years ago and has been tutoring, teaching ESL, and English online. Besides tutoring and teaching, she loves all the great activities San Diego has to offer. She loves taking long walks, hiking all the great trails in San Diego, spending time at the beach, and could spend all day at the pool!

 

 

 

 

Mugabe Miller

Mugabe is the Lead Camp Counselor for the Ocean Knights Adventure Camp for Boys.

Mugabe Miller is a shining face for all the campers to see each morning. Mugabe oversees our Ocean Knights program and brings the passion from his youth into every day excitement for the Knights. An avid athlete, Mugabe brings his experience instructing Spanish and Taekwondo to the Knights for a well-rounded camp experience fulled with knowledge, fun, and safety. Mugabe is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and aspires to become a Pediatric Physician’s Assistant. When he is not at camp or taking classes, Mugabe works as an EMT.

 

 

 

Natesha Harned

Natesha been the technical board member of Sunshine Mermaids for 2 years. Natesha is currently a cyber security analyst and engineer. While she is not usually apart of the camper’s experience you may be able to catch her at our fundraising events!

A Mermaid herself, she is excited to encourage the development and growth of each Mermaid she meets. 

When she is not splashing around in HTML & CSS, Natesha enjoys hiking, reading, going to the beach, and traveling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miguel Vidrio

Miguel Vidrio is our excellent transportation aficionado. If it has wheels, he can drive it… and safely!  He is amazing at getting our Mermaids and Knights to each of their numerous activities and moving our vehicles all around San Diego, as needed. But, that is not all! The campers love seeing Miguel, listen to, and respect him because they know he is looking out for them. Seldom a smiler, this transportation counselor has eyes like a hawk! Miguel loves helping all people and helping Sunshine Mermaids and Ocean Knights with the kids to provide a positive role model falls right in to that passion. When he is not at camp, Miguel works as an EMT.