Our camp staff

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.

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. 

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.

Tanya Guido

I am a Native Hawaiian. Mother to 4 humans, they are my resume;

Justice 27, UCSB global studies major with a minor in LGBTQ studies. Currently works at the San Francisco Aids Foundation.

Christian, 21 currently studying music at SFSU and the only percussionist in the SFSU Orchestra.

Vinnie, 19 an academic scholar studying molecular biology and Asian studies at SFSU, hopes to cure HIV one day.

Dominic, 11 current middle schooler with all the potential for me to guide him on the path he chooses.

I’ve been in service to my community for 20 years. I am an artist of repurposed and natural elements.

I am a singer in a local band

I’ve been a middle school yearbook teacher for 20 years.

I have a passion for inclusion, equity, and kindness.

Jules Brooks

Jules grew up in Midcoast Maine and moved to New Hampshire to attend Antioch University New England where she studied Elementary Education with a concentration in Holistic Special Education. She has since taught Kindergarten and First grade at the Westminster Center School and has worked as a nature-based educator, summer camp director, mentoring coordinator, and served as a member of a local farm to school committee. Jules is passionate about nature-based and play-based education and finds joy in sharing her love of nature with her students. She believes in creating a warm and welcoming environment for children where they can learn through movement, play, and modeling. She is excited to share stories, songs, and delight in the natural curiosity of early childhood. She looks forward to sharing the joy of learning and creating a safe and nurturing environment for your amazing children! 

In her free time, Jules raises pigs, chickens, and rabbits and enjoys spending time growing and preserving food. She loves to bake, knit, sew, and make soap.  

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.