People

Our team of talented wilderness instructors works behind the scenes all year round to bring our programming to life. 

Year-Round Staff

Sarah Chaffee

Sarah Chaffee

Lead Field Instructor
Sarah is so excited to be back for her 7th summer with Primitive Pursuits! The wooded world was the background to many of her adventures as a child, which included creek wanders in search of frogs, building forts and fairy houses, and countless other experiences that had a lasting impression on her.

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Ben Bookout

Ben Bookout

Photojournalist
Ben is a local artist and photographer. He is passionate about the arts and enjoys sharing this passion with students.

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Jed Jordan

Jed Jordan

Founding Director
Aspiring tracker, devoted farmer, and fearless wrangler of details

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Danielle Prizzi

Danielle Prizzi

Lead Instructor
Heroic homesteader, humble herbalist, and wild food enthusiast, Danielle is a full time staffer who serves as an inspiration to campers and summer staff alike.

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Sean Cornell

Sean Cornell

Lead Instructor
Fire wizard, primitive bow hunter, wilderness chef, and keeper of legends, Sean is a year round staffer who sets the bar and inspires our summer staff.

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Megan Pugh

Megan Pugh

Director of Marketing
Passionate designer, strategist, vegan chef, and aspiring yogi

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Melissa Blake

Melissa Blake

Lead Field Instructor
Melissa is one of the founders of our preschool program and a long-time Primitive Pursuits staff member. Her background includes Melissa completed a graduate program in Environmental Education at the Teton Science Schools in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a two-year mentorship with master tracker Jon Young.

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Lyla White

Lyla White

Lead Instructor
Barefoot explorer, silliness seeker, and master multitasker. Lyla run Ithaca Forest Preschool during the school year and Growing Wild during the summer.

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Liz Jesch

Liz Jesch

Field Instructor
Creative kid whisperer, community advocate, and singer of songs, Liz is looking forward to another summer in the fields and streams.

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Ian Statema

Ian Statema

Field Instructor
Ian’s work with nature connection began in his youth with his extensive backpacking.

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Jesse Worden

Jesse Worden

Field Instructor
“Finding Primitive Pursuits was the best mistake of my life”

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