Meet Our Outdoor Education Family
Jason Marker - Outdoor Education Program Director
jmarker@ymcanyc.org
Joined our team: August 2008
Jason hails from the 1st state of Delaware but has worked in MN, KY, NY, MA, OH and came back to NY to join our team. Previously he was the Outdoor Education Director at a YMCA facility in Massachusetts as well managing outdoor programs in other states. He has a degree in Outdoor Education with an emphasis on Ropes Course Management and a coaching certification for baseball/softball.
Dani Ersalesi - Instructor / Summer Day Camp Director
Joined our team: February 2008
Hi ___________! My name is Dani and I’ve been working here for 3.5 years. I’m originally from Clifton, New Jersey and have a degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Environmental Science and Anthropology from Ramapo College of New Jersey. I have a rabbit named Mama Mabel and I love to hike and learn about the forest around us!
Elyse Dull - Instructor
Joined our team: February 2010
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Background: Elyse attended the University of Dayton and earned her degree in International Business. She became a camper at YMCA Camp Ernst in 1998 and transitioned into staff in 2002. Elyse continued to work at YMCA Camp Ernst until 2008. She also served on the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Teen Board. She is committed to the outdoors, and she is passionate about the camp environment.
Interests: She is interested in travel and has spent time in India and visited Rome, Italy. She loves learning about new cultures, reading books, playing crosswords and listening to NPR.
Kristen Jendras - Instructor
Joined our team: February 2010
Hi, my name is Kristen and I’m from Garden City, New York. I studied art in college and you will most likely find me offering a craft project for early birds or choice time. I love to go kayaking when the weather is nice. My favorite season is winter—the more snow the better! I also love animals and hope to have a farm one day. And lastly, if you ever find yourself at Starbucks and happen to bring me back an iced chai tea latte, I will be your friend forever : ).
Eric Braxton Smith - Instructor
Joined our team: September 2008
Eric Smith’s middle name is Braxton. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on a Tuesday. It was raining. He has lived in 5 different states. This is his 3rd year at Greenkill and he thinks your shoes are cool (look down). He has built working bugles, a ukulele, and has plans to build a cookie tin banjo, a mountain dulcimer, and a standing bass. Eric holds a world record, being the 1st and only person to clear “The 7” on the Wibit. He also attended the University of Alabama, the defending NCAA Division 1 Football National Champions. Roll Tide Roll!
Jesse Wells - Instructor
Joined our team: January 2010
Hello! Good day to you and yours. I have been an employee of the New York YMCA Camp, Greenkill since January of 2010. Before that I worked at a different camp in Ohio with our current Outdoor Education Director. When he moved here, he insisted I come with...and so I followed. As a graduate of the Ohio University with a degree in Outdoor Education I find passion in the work I do here at Greenkill. My favorite outdoor activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, climbing, watching sunset / sunrises, sleeping and teaching children. My Grandpappy back in Ohio was the one who was mainly responsible for my interest in the outdoors. He would walk with me and teach about what we saw as we walked. I have a special interest in reptiles. I have an allergy to bees, that’s probably good to know too.
