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

Jed Jordan

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

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Melissa Blake

Melissa Blake

Lead Instructor
Melissa is one of the founders of our preschool program and a long-time Primitive Pursuits staff member.

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Danielle Prizzi

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.

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Sean Cornell

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.

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Lyla White

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.

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Megan Pugh

Megan Pugh

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

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Ian Statema

Ian Statema

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

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Liz Jesch

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.

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Fionna McSweeney

Fionna McSweeney

Summer Day Camp Director | Lead Instructor
Fionna is a year-round lead instructor and our summer Day Camp Director

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Rey O’Rourke

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.

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