Our Year-Round Team
Eric - he/him
Founder / Wild Foods Taste Tester
Program Director / NYS DEC Guide / Archery Coach
Eric is the Program Director for The Rewilding School. He develops our programs, trains staff, and much, much more.
Eric graduated from SUNY Environmental Science magna cum laude with a B.S. in Natural History and Interpretation and minors in Environmental Writing and Rhetoric and Recreation Resources Management.
Prior to founding The Rewilding School in 2016, Eric had a decade of teaching environmental summer camps in New York, residential outdoor education in California, ancestral skills in Oregon, and teambuilding in Massachusetts and right here in Westchester. He also founded and directed the Muscoot Naturalist Summer Camp. When not out in the woods Eric enjoys cooking, swing dancing, and trying not to buy everything in used bookstores. ​
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Devyn - she/her
Administrative Director
Devyn joined The Rewilding School in Spring 2021, where she provides vital administrative support to ensure the well-being of staff and participants. She currently holds a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and English, alongside a minor in Professional Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She gained valuable experience as an administrative professional in educational organizations prior to joining The Rewilding School, making her a critical asset behind the scenes. In addition to her role, Devyn also serves on the board for our co-op, guiding strategic initiatives. She currently works remotely in Florida and enjoys quality time with her family, along with outdoor activities like kayaking and camping. Devyn and her husband welcomed their first child in Spring 2023, adding to their joy and adventures.
Jessie - she/her
Forest Preschool Director/Croton Point Site Supervisor
Jessie’s naturalist passions jumpstarted in 2016 as Program Director Eric’s mentee. When we started The Rewilding School in 2017 she joined us as an instructor. Together they spearheaded most of The Rewilding School programs. Jessie combines her love of nature with her enthusiasm for teaching and is continuously inspired by the way kids and nature teach her as much as she strives to nurture them. She aspires to continue her path as an Outdoor Educator specializing in Ethnobotany, Wildlife Biology, and Child Psychology.
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Elijah - he/him
Marsh Sanctuary Site Supervisor
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Elijah’s naturalist interest came from years of participating in science research programs and field studies of super organisms. After learning about The Rewilding School through his little brother's impactful experience with nature, he knew he had to be a part of it. His great experiences with The Rewilding School have directed him towards studying psychology and childhood education in order to be the best teacher he can be. Joining the team in the summer of 2022, Elijah has been given the unofficial title of “games master” for his constant desire to keep things fun. Since joining, his favorite skills to share with students have been fishing, camouflage, friction fire, and sword fighting.
Cynthia - she/her
Admin
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Cynthia joined The Rewilding School in Spring 2025, bringing over a decade of experience in program management, student services, and organizational support. She holds a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from SUNY Oneonta.
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Cynthia is inspired by The Rewilding School’s mission to cultivate belonging and to create meaningful connections between nature and people for students of all ages. She enjoys creating clear organizational systems, fostering positive relationships, and supporting impactful learning experiences. Outside of work, you can find her spending time with family and friends, watching sports (Go, New York Liberty!), finding new trails and places to explore, and reading.
Gary - he/him
The Archery Guy
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Gary began meeting and working with Eric around 2017, and officially joined The Rewilding School in 2019. He grew up in the Bronx and ended up in Yonkers where his outdoor experience began. His neighbor taught him how to shoot a shotgun and handle hunting dogs. Those experiences got him into archery, fishing, camping, and hiking.
Gary teaches our traditional archery program and guides both young and old archers into this wonderful sport. Along with archery, his other interests include fishing, hiking, and camping. You’re just as likely to see him on one of our campouts as on our range. As he slows down he’s looking forward to more fly fishing. Even if there's not a bite, he gets to enjoy the outdoors.
Elena - she/her
Preschool/Seasonal Program Educator
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This will be my second Wild Summer at The Rewilding School, and I’m so excited to return! I’ve worked and volunteered with several nature-based organizations in the area, where I’ve had the chance to research, steward, and teach about our local flora and fauna. I have a special interest in ethnobotany and love inspiring the next generation to get curious (and excited!) about plants and the many ways we connect with them.
Our Marsh Sanctuary Team
Haley Cooper she/her
Outdoor Educator - Preschool
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Haley joined the Rewilding School in Fall 2022, but has been working with children in a school, camp and coaching setting since 2012. She was born and raised in Stamford Connecticut, and is currently studying psychology at Norwalk Community College. She’s inspired to become a child psychologist with her passion for learning more about the brain and making a difference in children’s lives. Her love of nature and the woods began when her parents brought her and her brother hiking as babies, and continued when she became a girl scout throughout elementary school. Her hobbies include playing piano, hiking with her dog, camping, gardening, and cooking.
Lynn - She/Her
Outdoor Educator - Preschool
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I’m Lynn, and I’m thrilled to be part of Wild Summer! I have a background in Biology and am wrapping up my MA in Chaplaincy. I’m a naturalist, a serious bird nerd, and a longtime educator. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with people of all ages to help them find joy, comfort, and connection with our more-than-human family. I also teach at Chappaqua Friends Nursery School. I’m so excited to explore this incredible planet through the eyes of your amazing children. When I’m not working, you can find me gardening, reading, or playing games with my daughter.
Kat she/her
Outdoor Educator - Preschool​
I recently graduated from the Child Development MA program at Sarah Lawrence College, where my thesis focused on the importance of play in natural outdoor environments. I’ve worked in various childcare settings, but nothing quite like The Rewilding School—which is why I’m especially excited to spend time in the woods this summer!
Wild Summer gives me the chance to put my research into practice and help foster meaningful connections between children and nature. I love stargazing and swimming, and though I’m new to hiking, one of my first hikes was Breakneck Ridge—possibly an ambitious start, but totally worth it!
Justin - He/Him
Outdoor Educator - Preschool
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I've worked with young children as a camp counselor at Teatown Lake Reservation, where I led nature-based activities for preschoolers, and as a teacher for the Somers Soccer VIP program, helping young kids build confidence and coordination through play. I'm excited to be part of Wild Summer because I love helping children explore the world around them, and teaching them how to care for it starts with curiosity and shared discovery. My favorite outdoor activity is hiking; there's nothing better than getting outside and seeing what nature has to offer.
Silke (Any Pronouns)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
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Hi, I’m Silke (pronounced silk-uh), and I use any pronouns! I started at Rewilding in 2022 as a CIT, then became an apprentice nature educator. Since then, I’ve spent a year in Denmark cycling, kayaking, and exploring wildlife, followed by a summer in Japan teaching at a youth center in Iwate. I’m thrilled to be back and can’t wait to explore Marsh Sanctuary with our campers. I love climbing trees, playing games, and turning nature into art and stories.
Steph
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer
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Hi! I’m Steph, and I’m so excited to return to Rewilding’s Marsh Sanctuary for my third Wild Summer! I love hiking and exploring New York State’s wildlife, but what I look forward to most is being part of this fun, supportive community of educators and campers. Here’s hoping we can get to those wild wineberries before the birds do!
Emlyn (She/They)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
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Nature has always been a central part of my life. I’ve gone on countless camping trips, hiked wherever I could, and recently started honing my plant identification skills. I’m currently studying Anthropology at SUNY Oswego and hope to become a librarian.
If I’m not on dry land, I’m probably on my paddleboard! Some of my favorite paddling spots are Little Sodus Bay (Lake Ontario), Lake Clear, and Piseco Lake. I’m so excited to spend the summer outdoors—with a touch of the fantastical!
Our Croton Team
Jackie - (She/Her)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
Hey all! I’m Jackie, and I’m so excited to get outside with you this summer! This will be my third Wild Summer with Rewilding, and I’m especially looking forward to teaching crafts and skills like leatherwork, shell drilling, and stone tools.
I recently completed my Master of Arts in Teaching and have spent most of my life learning from and enjoying nature. Some of my favorite ways to be outside include hiking, camping, rock climbing, and kayaking. I can’t wait to see you this summer!
Etta
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
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My name is Etta, and I’m so excited to be returning for my second Wild Summer with The Rewilding School! I’m an elementary school teacher with a Master’s in both General and Special Education, and I also serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster with a co-ed Scouting America troop. You can usually find me outdoors camping, hiking, and identifying wild plants and animals.
When I’m not outside, I’m often knitting, crocheting, playing the New York Times Games, or getting lost in a good book—especially in a cozy used bookstore. I can’t wait to spend the summer exploring, learning, and creating memories with your child!
Nick - (He/Him)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
After one year as a CIT and three years as an assistant teacher, I’m excited to step into a lead teacher role this Wild Summer. As far back as I can remember, there’s always been something special about being in the woods, and that passion has only deepened through my time at The Rewilding School. I love helping students discover ethical, respectful ways to interact with their natural surroundings—especially when it involves getting hands-on.
Some of my favorite skills to teach include primitive fire-making and spoon carving. Outside of Rewilding, I’m a mechanical engineering student at Clarkson University. My hobbies include mechanics, blacksmithing, mountain biking, offroading, and primitive survival skills. I’m really looking forward to sharing
Kiara - (She/Her)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
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I recently graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Over the past school year, I worked with students from kindergarten through fifth grade at local middle schools through the YMCA’s morning and after-school programs. The summer before that, I was a head counselor with second graders at Camp Summer Fun.
I’m excited to be part of Wild Summer because it gives me the chance to share my love for nature in a fun, outdoor learning environment. When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking with friends and going line dancing!
Jess - (She/Her)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
Hi! I’m Jess, and I’m thrilled to be joining Wild Summer 2025 as an apprentice educator. I spent the last three summers as a CIT and, before that, was a Rewilding camper myself. I’m so excited to help create the same kind of memorable experiences that made this place so special for me. A fun fact about me: I’ve completed 18 Junior Park Ranger programs across the United States!
Eleanor - (She/Her)
Outdoor Educator - Wild Summer​
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I’ve been fascinated by botany and mycology for as long as I can remember, with a growing love for wilderness survival skills and bird call identification. I began volunteering with The Rewilding School several years ago and officially joined the team as a counselor in June 2025.
I love teaching crafts and wildlife identification—and every now and then, some light sword fighting! When I’m not exploring the woods, I’m likely reading, working on miniature crafts, worldbuilding fantasy stories, or playing the organ (or any random instrument I can find).