MEET THE VITAL WILD TEAM
BROCKEN
Co-Founder, Workshop Lead, Learning Guide,
Woodworking Instruction
Brocken's myriad of life experiences have led him to develop a range of useful and practical skills. He dabbles in a wide spectrum of krafts, but his true passion and talent lies in the realm of woodwork, with an emphasis in "Ancestral Skills" and the stories that accompany them.
Brocken has also spent decades developing numerous "Essential Skills" that he is excited to share with others. Disillusionment with conventional education systems lead him to co-found Vital Wild as a way to educate, socialize, and spend increased quality time with his son, River, and help others access the important skills that conventional schools don't bother to teach.
JENNA
Co-Founder, Learning Guide, Permaculture Consultant, Membership, Bookings
With a background & training in Montessori education, Jenna has been serving children and their families for over 15 years. Passionate about local food and communal resilience, she has been diligently expanding both her garden and her land-based knowledge for over a decade. She specializes in empathy building and anti-bullying work with both children and adults, and enjoys helping others hone their writing and make it ready to share. These days, she is increasingly pulled to spend her time participating in the growing movements of 'Rewilding' & ancestral skill revival, and is elated to finally see brought to fruition the longtime vision of Vital Wild.
RIVER
"Intern"/ Primary Apprentice
For the past 10 years and some-odd months, River has been taking life by storm and giving it all he's got. He's a rough and tumble kid, with a soft side: plenty of grit, and twice as much heart. He loves building forts, chopping wood with dad, and practicing his archery. His 'internship' tasks include alphabetizing paperwork, preparing materials, welcoming new friends, providing field trip input, and general property maintenance.
RATMAN
"Security"
Three quarters red healer and one quarter beagle, 4 year old Ratman is 100% active. His primary duties are keeping the deer and squirrels at bay, but he also thoroughly enjoys playing fetch, greeting our members and 'escorting' the learners to-and-fro.
MARILYN (aka "Marmie")
Learning Support, Field Trip Planning/Chaperone,
Animal & Garden Care
Decades as a Montessori parent & grand-parent, as well as a passionate advocate for children, have brought Marilyn much growth, fulfillment, and joy. She is 'in her element' whenever children are present, and her natural ease with them shines brightly whether outdoors or with a book in her hands. She loves helping to inspire children, and supporting their curiosity and exploration. She's immensely excited to explore the possibilities and benefits of animal tending, while learning alongside the kids, and looks forward to shuttling small groups around town on their field trips out into the community.
REED (aka "Bumpa")
Site Maintenance, Kitchen Supervisor,
Foraging & Fishing Specialist
When not drooling over a bowl of freshly foraged forest bounty, Reed can be found up on the mountain, out fishing on the lake, or meticulously tending the grounds which Vital Wild calls "home". He delights in sharing his passion for the outdoors with others, and looks forward to sharing his diverse skills and knowledge with the Learners. Additionally, you may find him helping at lunch time, supervising a cooking project, or subbing for one of our core guides in a pinch.