People
Our team of talented wilderness instructors works behind the scenes all year round to bring our programming to life.
Year-Round Staff
Jed Jordan
Founding Director
Aspiring tracker, devoted farmer, and fearless wrangler of details
Rachel Bortin
Year-Round Camp Director
Hiker, biker, birder, and tireless outdoor adventurer
Melissa Blake
Lead Instructor
Melissa is one of the founders of our preschool program and a long-time Primitive Pursuits staff member.
Danielle Prizzi
Program Coordinator | 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.
Sean Cornell
Program Coordinator | 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.
Lyla White
Ithaca Forest Preschool Coordinator | Lead Instructor
Barefoot explorer, silliness seeker, and master multitasker. Lyla run Ithaca Forest Preschool during the school year and Growing Wild during the summer.
Megan Pugh
Director of Marketing
Passionate designer, strategist, vegan chef, and aspiring yogi
Monica Bosworth
Lead Instructor
Alternative educator, bird lover and friend to native plants
Ian Statema
Lead Instructor
Ian’s work with nature connection began in his youth with his extensive backpacking.
Liz Jesch
Lead Instructor
Creative kid whisperer, community advocate, and singer of songs, Liz is looking forward to another summer in the fields and streams.
Fionna McSweeney
Summer Day Camp Director | Lead Instructor
Fionna is a year-round lead instructor and our summer Day Camp Director
Rey O’Rourke
Lead Instructor
Rey is thankful for the environmental education and outdoor exploration time she received as a child that shaped who she is today.