Ben and his wife Victoria enjoy living a simple life on the North Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

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About Me

I’ve spent decades teaching, mentoring, and designing holistic educational experiences that connect learners to their primal roots through embodied lessons embedded in the natural world. As a consultant, I combine my LxD expertise with alternative education, participatory philosophy, and complex systems thinking to help educators unlock their potential and create lasting impact.

My Approach

Education is most powerful when it’s relational, systemic, and transformative. I draw on traditional education theory, ecological psychology, participatory philosophy, cognitive and complexity sciences, and ancient wisdom that influenced my journey to craft solutions that resonate deeply with today’s learners and educators.

What I Offer

From consulting on courses and curriculum design to facilitating workshops that inspire and empower, my services are tailored to meet the needs of educators, leaders, and organizations seeking innovative approaches to learning.

where to start

Ready to transform the way you teach and learn? You can explore my services or connect with me today to start a conversation.

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RESUME

Bio

Benjamin J. Sanford

Born and raised on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, I was immersed in the wilderness from an early age, shaping my passion for learning and training. My unconventional education includes mentorships, apprenticeships, and decades of holistic self-study across diverse disciplines, giving me a distinctive, "outside-the-box" perspective.

This foundation is enhanced by academic studies in education, learning experience design, educational technology, complexity science, cognitive science, and the natural sciences, offering a cutting-edge, integrative approach.

My mentoring and consulting practice is built on a lifetime of embodied learning and over 20 years of experience mentoring individuals and groups in primal training, liminal practices, and meta-education.

Professional Bio

Benjamin J. Sanford MS. LxD ET.

As a freelance educational consultant, I specialize in designing innovative curricula, training solutions, and learning experiences that engage learners in both digital and in-person environments. With a background in Learning Experience Design, nature-based education, and educational technology, I help organizations improve learning outcomes through tailored, strategic solutions.

Professional Summary

I’m an education consultant, learning experience designer, and mentor specializing in complexity-informed approaches to rewilding education and creating transformative learning ecosystems.

I partner with educators, institutions, and organizations to design learning environments that foster deeper engagement, embodied practice, and meaning-making in a rapidly changing world.

My work integrates cognitive frameworks, relational philosophy, evolutionary pedagogy, symbolic and imaginal literacy, ancestral wisdom, and modern learning science to help learners and educators cultivate the meta-capacities needed to navigate complexity and re-enchant their relationship with the world.

I’m seeking to collaborate with forward-thinking organizations, research centers, and educators who are reimagining education and cultivating more connected, adaptive, and regenerative ways of learning and living.

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QUALIFICATIONS

Here’s a closer look at the education, skills, experience, and certifications that ground my work—along with the audiences I serve and the interests that shape my approach. This is the foundation behind everything I offer.

    • Master’s in Learning Experience Design & Educational Technology
      Washington Governor's University

    • Bachelor’s in Educational Studies & Science Education
      Washington Governor's University

    • Independent Study in Cognitive Science & Philosophy
      Vervaeke Foundation

    • Independent Study in Complexity Science & Integral Theory
      Integral Institute, Cognitive Edge

    • Apprenticeship in Nature Skills & Education
      Tom Brown’s Tracker School


  • I specialize in designing engaging curricula and learning experiences with a specialty in adult education. I integrate systems thinking and complexity science, facilitating nature connection and mentorship programs, and leveraging expertise in e-learning platforms and instructional design to create impactful learning experiences. Some of my professional skills include:

    • Systemic & Holistic Design Integration

    • 8-E Pedigogical Design

    • Complex Facilitation

    • Instructional Design & Design Thinking

    • Usability Testing & User Feedback

    • E-Learning Module Development

    • Learner Analysis & Needs Assessment

    • Assessment & Learning Analytics

    • Emerging Learning Technologies

    • Research Methodologies & Data Analysis

    • Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Principles

    • Problem-Based Learning & Self-Directed Learning

    • Evolutionary Education Design Principles

    • Team Dynamics & Project Management with Kanban

    • Ecology of Practice Design & Implementation

    • Deep Nature Connection

    • Meta-Mentoring for Mentorship & Apprentice Training

  • I am an experienced leader and educator with over 20 years of expertise in designing and managing transformative learning experiences, coaching programs, and operational strategies. Through my work as the Founder and Director of Tribal Edge Primal Wisdom Center (since 2002), Head Instructor at Hero Lab (since 2003), and Head Coach at Primal Solutions Coaching (since 2008), I have developed a diverse skill set that includes:

    • Curriculum Design & Development: Creating innovative and engaging educational programs.

    • Program Facilitation & Leadership: Leading nature connection, mentorship, and leadership training initiatives.

    • Teaching & Instruction: Delivering accessable courses, trainings, seminars and programs.

    • Team Training & Development: Mentoring instructors, staff, and volunteers to ensure effective program delivery.

    • Operations & Logistics Management: Overseeing business operations, event coordination, and efficient resource allocation.

    • Marketing & Outreach: Building brands, managing public relations, and driving engagement through social media and targeted campaigns.

    • Coaching Expertise: Providing personalized coaching solutions that integrate systems thinking and complexity science for growth and performance.

    • Consulting & Guidance: Designing and delivering creative consultation packages.

    • Collaboration & Partnership: Working with others on dynamic projects and educational experiences.

    • Inovative Development: Creation of custom training programs and professional training modules for educators and leaders.

  • Special Skills: I specialize in designing transformative educational experiences that blend ancient wisdom with modern science, facilitating deep nature connection practices, and integrating systems thinking, complexity science, and cognitive science principles into educational design. My expertise extends to coaching and mentoring for personal and professional growth, as well as offering engaging instruction in natural science, natural history, and natural philosophy, fostering a holistic and impactful learning journey.

    Certifications

    My past life:

    • Arborist Certification

    • Massage Therapy License

    • Landmark Education Graduate

    • Robbins Madannes Coach

    • Wilderness Fusion Graduate

    • Art of Mentoring III Graduate

    • Vision Quest Protector

    Fun Stuff:

    • Scuba Level II Certified

    • Snowboard Instructor Certification

    • Hangliding Certification

    • Wilderness First Responder

    • Crossfit  Coach Level 1

    • Holistic Lifestyle Coach 

    • Instructor (Guru) in Sikal

    • Black Belts in Martial Arts: 

    • Tae Kwon Do

    • Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

    • Filipino Kali

    • Indonesian Pentcak Silat

  • I specialize in primal education consulting, focusing on alternative education, mentorship, and systems thinking.

    I work with leaders, educators, coaches and other changemakers who are involved in the evolution of education.ription text goes here

    • Exploring the intersection of nature, culture, and education

    • Reasearching, writing, and speaking on topics of primal philosophy and education

    • Developing frameworks for integrative, relational, and systemic thinking

    • Facilitating vision quests and initiatory experiences

Personal Calling

I am deeply committed to partnering with individuals and organizations passionate about transforming educational practices at a systemic level. Whether through institutional innovation, hybrid models, or alternative approaches like mentorships and experiential learning, I design and facilitate impactful educational experiences that address current challenges and inspire new possibilities. My approach blends cutting-edge research in complexity science and cognitive science with the timeless wisdom of nature and our primal ancestors, creating learning experiences that are as practical as they are profound.

i HELP YOU TO TRANSFORM LIVES

MEANINGFUL experiences with connection, growth, & purpose

The Challenge

Today’s education systems often leave learners and educators feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Whether it’s a lack of meaningful connection or outdated methods, the challenge is clear: it’s time for a change.

I can help

With years of experience in alternative education, I’ve helped educators, leaders, and organizations create learning experiences that inspire and empower. I’m here to guide you through the process of building a more effective and meaningful approach to education.

How it works

  1. Consultation: We’ll discuss your goals and challenges.

  2. Design: Together, we’ll create a tailored plan or curriculum.

  3. Transformation: Implement strategies that deliver measurable impact.

The Vision

Imagine your organization thriving with a connected, inspired team and learners who are fully engaged in their growth and development. Together, we’ll make that vision a reality.

Let’s create change together!

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me to get started.

FREE CONSULTATION