meet Camp taylor's
robust healthcare team
Dr. Kavin H. Desai
Medical Director
Dr. Desai completed his medical training in Pediatrics and Cardiology at Stanford University and holds an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professorship there in Pediatric Cardiology. His clinical practice is based at Lucile Children’s Hospital Heart Center in Palo Alto and at the Hayward Sleepy Hollow Medical Offices and San Leandro Medical Center of Kaiser Permanente.
He has been Medical Director of Camp Taylor since its inception in 2003, overseeing all aspects of healthcare for our organization. He is committed to assuring that all of our campers get the best possible medical care, while allowing them to focus on making unforgettable memories. We are grateful for his unwavering support and expertise in creating a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
Dr. Nina Zook
camp physician
Dr. Zook has served as a medical volunteer staff with Camp Taylor since 2020. She is currently in her Pediatric Cardiology fellowship at Stanford and is completing additional advanced training in Pediatric Electrophysiology.
"I love camp because it gives kids the chance to be themselves without fear; they see kids who have the same scars, the same stories and the same fight. I feel passionately about educating campers about their own congenital heart disease, promoting skills for owning their medical care and transitioning into adulthood."
Jen satariano, n.p. Director of nursing
Jennifer Satariano has been a dedicated volunteer at Camp Taylor for over 20 years and absolutely loves being part of the camp community. Working with kids has always been close to her heart, and she looks forward to camp each year as a special time filled with connection, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
Professionally, Jennifer brings over 25 years of emergency medical experience to camp. She worked as an Emergency Room nurse for 10 years and has spent the last 15 years as a Nurse Practitioner in both the Emergency Room and Urgent Care settings. She is certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), ensuring she is highly trained to care for children in any situation.
Jennifer is passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and fun environment where every camper can thrive. She feels honored to be part of Camp Taylor and is grateful for the opportunity to serve families year after year.
heart education
because when you understand its less scary.
Heart Education is woven throughout every Camp Taylor session and offered multiple times during camp, led by our healthcare professionals. These classes are designed for both heart campers and siblings to better understand congenital heart disease, including medications, future procedures, and physical limitations, while reframing that knowledge in an empowering, hopeful way. Campers learn through hands-on, age-appropriate experiences such as exploring heart models, immersive VR journeys through the chambers of the heart, Z-Space 3D learning, and for older groups, pig heart dissections to connect anatomy to real-life care.
We also partner with leading healthcare institutions, including Stanford, to bring cutting-edge research and specialty labs directly to camp. Campers meet researchers and physicians, learn about emerging treatments, and even participate in activities like creating beating cells and exploring the future of bio 3D printing. When kids understand why they take medications or why a future surgery may be needed, fear often gives way to confidence. Our hope is that through Heart Education, children feel less isolated in the real world, more secure about their condition, and more connected to a community of peers and professionals who truly understand what they are facing.
