Decades of Experiential Leadership
Ecotopia 501 Corp in Sherman, Connecticut is a nonprofit experiential health and wellness organization founded by educator and leader Jeff Rump, who brings over 30 years of award winning work in camps, outdoor education centers, youth development, and environmental organizations such as Clearwater, Pegasus, the YMCA, and Catholic Charities. Ecotopia's mission focuses on social and emotional health through nature, guided by Maslow's framework and grounded in a proven record of transformational community impact.
Guided by Purpose
Ecotopia 501 grew from Jeff's vision to bring the best of experiential education into one integrated farm and forest campus, where people of all ages can discover their better nature. Co founder and farm manager Maria Cavalcante adds lifelong farming experience and training in Access Bars, EFT tapping, and Reiki, which deepens the emotional and spiritual care present in every program. Together, this leadership team anchors Ecotopia in grounded practice, cultural humility, and practical, nature based healing.
The 4 A's Journey
Across three decades, our leadership refined a simple question, what actually helps people heal and grow. The answer became Ecotopia's 4 A's, Animals, Adventure, Agriculture, and Arts and Healing Arts, all sequenced using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Participants first experience safety and trust, then belonging and confidence, and finally a renewed sense of purpose. Each corporate retreat, school visit, and trauma recovery program continues this journey, creating ripples of resilience in families, workplaces, and communities.
How Ecotopia Began
Ecotopia 501 emerged as Jeff and Maria combined decades of leadership, farming, and healing arts into one experiential farm.
Healing Journeys
Veterans and first responders rediscover calm, trust, and purpose through animals, forest challenges, and shared campfire circles.
Growing Resilience
Students, special needs groups, and seniors build confidence, friendship, and joy while tending gardens and creating art.
Cultures That Care
Corporate teams strengthen psychological safety, communication, and shared purpose through immersive 4 A's leadership experiences in nature.
Impact That Multiplies
Revenue from corporate programs directly scholarships trauma survivors, veterans, and underserved groups, turning every booking into community healing.
Jeff Rump
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Jeff Rump is a results‑driven nonprofit CEO with over 30 years of leadership experience building high‑impact programs and strategic partnerships. He has raised more than $25 million by aligning mission‑driven initiatives with corporate, foundation, and community stakeholders. His work consistently strengthens teams, improves well‑being, and generates measurable social impact.
As Founder of Ecotopia 501 Corp, Jeff brings his expertise in experiential learning, Maslow‑based development, and nature‑centered healing to create programs that enhance performance, resilience, and connection. His leadership includes transformational growth at Pegasus, where he doubled programs, tripled earned revenue, and built top‑tier organizational performance.
Jeff previously led Horizons at Sacred Heart University and Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, producing nationally recognized outcomes and high‑visibility events featuring artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Aretha Franklin. Mentored by Pete Seeger, he is known for values‑based leadership and creating partnerships that deliver meaningful, mutually beneficial impact.
Maria Cavalcante
Co‑Founder & Property/Farm Manager
Maria Cavalcante brings a lifetime of agricultural experience and holistic healing expertise to Ecotopia 501 Corp. Raised on a farm in Brazil, she developed deep skills in land stewardship, animal care, and sustainable living—foundational elements that now shape Ecotopia’s Animals and Agriculture programs. Her leadership ensures the farm remains a nurturing, inclusive, and restorative environment for all participants.
As Co‑Founder and Farm Manager, Maria oversees daily farm operations, animal well‑being, garden development, and the creation of sensory‑friendly spaces for youth, seniors, trauma survivors, and individuals with special needs. Her intuitive, compassionate approach helps participants feel grounded, welcomed, and emotionally safe.
Maria is certified in Access Bars Energy Healing, EFT Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), and Reiki Energy Healing. These modalities enrich Ecotopia’s Arts & Healing Arts programming, allowing her to integrate trauma‑informed, whole‑person wellness practices that support emotional expression, mindfulness, and personal growth.
Certified Public Charity
This certificate confirms Ecotopia 501 Corp’s official registration as a public charity in the State of Connecticut. It verifies full compliance with state regulations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and eligibility for charitable contributions that support our mission of healing, community connection, and experiential wellness.