Our camp staff
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Our camp staff *
Cameron Ajanku
Cameron is a musician, artist, drummer and former member of Sankofa Dance Theater. He has worked in afterschool programs and taught drumming and music classes as an interdisciplinary artist.
Sammy Burhoe
Sammy Burhoe is an interdisciplinary teaching artist with 7 years of experience leading youth in creative learning. He is passionate about amplifying youth voices and skill development for all. As a printmaker and storyteller, he produces artwork, music and performances that make time for grief and joy. When he’s not examining bugs or doodling, he can usually be found napping or talking to his cat.
Ellen Denny
Ellen started teaching at The Center at Orchard Hill in 2004. She has been building connections with Monadnock area families since her completion of Master’s of Science from Antioch New England University. Ellen has cared for children 6 months old to 18 years, assisting students in developing a variety of life skills, including gardening, cooking, and upcycling clothes. Her latest adventure was leading the farm to table lunch program at LEAF Charter School. Her mentoring style is rooted in a land ethic and a philosophy of continuum of care. She loves that The Center’s camps are a time for friendships, games, and rejuvenating at the pond.
Marty Castriotta
Since Marty landed in the Monadnock Region, twenty-five years ago, most of his work has been focused on growing food, ecosystem design and issues of food security. Over that time, he has taught groups of all ages to enjoy farm fresh food as well as farm and forest excursions. Marty believes that the lessons embedded within ecosystems can help us to co-create a culture of abundance by designing with regeneration in mind. Marty has taught numerous camps and afterschool programs at The Center. More recently he has taught environmental science at LEAF Charter School. Currently he teaches Agroecology and Permaculture Design at Keene State College.
Yumiko Ito Sandoe
Yumiko Sandoe is a public school art teacher with diverse experience teaching art in NH, NY, and Japan. She also has led summer camps at The Center for many years.
Eleanor Elbers
Eleanor leads and directs Day Camps at Orchard Hill and mentors child and youth programs. She is a long-time advocate for inclusion for all children and families. She continues to find immense joy in empowering all ages and stages as they are given space to explore culture, self, and their own gifts to the world. Eleanor is an active presence in our community festivals throughout the year.