Our Leadership Team

Dan Sheridan - President, Sustainability Director

Dan Sheridan was born and raised in the mid Hudson valley in a large family in a small town. From a young age his facinanition of wild foraged foods, plant medicine and ecology inspired him to follow a career in environmental science and forestry. In the start of his second year at SUNY Cobleskill Dan was in an accident requiring extensive reconstructive spinal surgery. During the three years of recovery he spent his time reading and researching methods of self suffiency, primitive survival, and native plant identification. Once able to start walking and driving again he began his life as a volunteer working with solar cities biogas innovators and praxtioners learning new applications of ancient methods for more sustainable waste management, volunteering at Chapel of Sacred Mirrors as their herbalist, gardener, and running a tea lounge at monthly events. After 3 years of local volunteering and regular physical therapy Dan choose to start traveling the county working with small communities and non profit organization creating permaculture plans, teaching classes on gas digester, and sharing his hand crafted teas. At the end of 2019 Dan Sheridan joined the team of the Amenia Regenerative Center first as our Sustainability Director and then joined the board as president of the organization.

Seth Henry - Vice-President

I am Seth H. Henry, i am, a lifelong political peace and environmental activist. I work under the name of Green Man Landscapes, which is a Native, Habitat and Edible gardens landscape company. That work is not only my business but also my passion. The ARC gives me a chance to work to pass that along to others.

Jan Shuster - co-founder & Board Member

Jan grew up on Long Island and went to City College of NY and graduated with a degree in Architecture.

He is interested in indigenous architecture, natural building, and energy conservation. He ran the Outing Club in college, and became an avid bicyclist, backpacker and canoeist.

After college he bicycled across the US, completing about 8500 miles in 90 days. After college he began his career in architecture, and became an advisor to a Boy Scout Explorer Post climbing Mt. Washington, rock climbing in the Shawangunks, and summitting Mt. Ranier. Upon moving to New Paltz he coordinated a hiking program at the Mohonk Preserve.

Jan began work as a tax preparer for 16 years before retiring. He enjoyed helping people plan for their financial needs.

With his interest in planning, natural building, and gardening he was drawn to Permaculture and graduated from a course given in Ithaca N.Y.

He lives in a self built, wood heated, off grid solar home.
One of the founding members ARC, he now is a board member.

Jan says: "I became a tax preparer because I didn't find architecture creative enough!"

Hilary Oak - Treasurer

Hello! I am an artist and surface designer with a small business called Cheerful Strength. I have a background in costume design, arts administration, and non-profit management. My experience includes serving as the executive director of the St. Lawrence County Arts Council, and providing bookkeeping support for CoSM - the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors.

I'm committed to the work of ARC because I am deeply concerned about the health of our planet. Working with ARC is a direct and immediate way I can serve the Earth, and help folks learn to live with greater care and respect for the land through sustainable practices.

Ethan Moran - Acting Secretary, Production Manager

Hi I'm Ethan (he/him), the production manager at ARC.

I have been passionate for decades about nature, connection, food, and how events can bring them all together in a beautiful way. Being at ARC and getting more connected to nature and myself has been a deeply rewarding experience I yearn to pass on to others.

I have over a decade experience in the food industry, logistics industry, and over 5 years working in festivals and events. I was drawn to ARC due to my love of nature + sustainability, my general thirst for knowledge, and my desire to produce sustainable events on the land.

Lars Healy - Greenhouse Manager

Hi! I'm Lars (he/him), the new greenhouse manager at ARC.

I love art, music, and of course, being outside. I was drawn to ARC for everything the land and its stewards have to teach the world about ecology, permaculture, biology, survivalism, herbal medicine, plant identification, and much more, and am excited to be a part of the action. When I'm not living in the woods here, I like to do mutual aid and travel to see friends.

Nicole Zazzarino - Trail Manager

Nicole grew up in the area, a native of Pawling, NY. Initially drawn to ARC by a profound & long-held curiosity for mushrooms, the move to trail manager was a natural one. She learned (and is still learning) all she needs to know by helping her uncle maintain his 200 acres in the Berkshires. When not at ARC, she's a science educator at an independent school in Westchester.