Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I was interested in delivering Vermont made products to our local communities.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Great work environment. Great leadership.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Meeting people who appreciate what you do.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Family, health, and work.

Staff Member

Bill _

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
Reeve&#8217;s background in education includes six years of classroom teaching in VT public schools, a masters degree in teaching, and a variety of leadership roles in programs focused on experiential food-systems and outdoor education for youth. In 2016 when Reeve joined CAE, the role of Place-Based Education Coordinator was brand new. Since then she has relished the creative, collaborative work of building school-community partnerships and supporting leadership development and rural school transformation around community-based education.
What excites you about your work and the work of CAE?
I&#8217;m excited by the creative, collaborative work of nurturing connection, curiosity, possibility and reciprocal value between the school system and our local human and natural communities.
What brings you joy?
Joy is an essential ingredient for community well-being, so it gives me hope any time joy is prioritized, cultivated and shared. I love witnessing the kindness and confidence that blossoms for youth when they are caring for a garden or cooking together.
What brings you hope?
See above.

reeve-cropped

Reeve Basom

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I have been in Vermont since 1983. I have a degree in ecology. I have worked in public utilities for over twenty years, in operations and maintenance, before switching over to facilities maintenance. Most recently, I worked in cosmetic manufacturing and ski resort maintenance.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Helping bring food and the community together.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Family, skiing, and laughter.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
The start of each day.

Michael Bernardine

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
With a varied background of careers ranging from Landscape Designer to Biotechnology QA to Diversified Farmer, there is no question that my greatest passion is to support and enhance the working landscape of Vermont.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
What I&#8217;ve only dreamed of doing, CAE is actually doing &#8211; helping to build resilient communities that can withstand the ever changing climate while maintaining food security and local community spirit.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
When my daughters were in college I had one request &#8211; do at least one summer internship on a working farm. The world was their oyster as far as career paths went, but those internships were the thing that stuck! They have a deep understanding of food and how it gets to the table and that brings me great joy!
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
CAE collectively has a vision and a purpose to support the working lands and the communities within by providing the tools for achievement. My hope is that this continues to spread.

chandrablackmer_photoprovided_cropped

Chandra Blackmer

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Kristin&#8217;s interest in local food systems brought her to CAE a decade ago after a stint managing international aid programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Since then she has worn several hats at CAE including Finance Manager, Deputy Director, and now VFF Program Manager.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
The shared belief that a healthy and thriving local food system is possible for our community.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Good food, good music, a cozy fire, friends, &amp; family.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Farmers! And my kiddos.

staff_kristin-01

Kristin Blodgett

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I first came to CAE to use the production kitchens as an employee of one of its clients. I was impressed with the operation and was happy to come on board when a position opened with Just Cut.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Keeping locally-grown food within the community.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Cross-country skiing, birdwatching, and faith life.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Staying grounded in family, nature, and faith.

img_0977

Jennifer Cornelius

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
My path to CAE includes teaching, farming, cooking, and packaged goods production. These diverse experiences are connected by my interest in local food, agriculture, and working closely with others to achieve our goals.  My job at CAE involves working closely with food businesses to grow their business, including planning and troubleshooting production, following food safety guidelines, product and recipe development, and market research.  In this work, I teach, produce, and cook&#8211; the perfect combination of my prior work experience!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
I love seeing our food businesses find their niche and flourish.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Summer cane fruit, animals, and good food.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Small scale change.

Colleen Crist

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
Silene&#8217;s educational background is in crop and soil science, but she fell in love with farm work early in her adult life working on livestock, dairy, vegetable farms , and orchards in Washington State, Western New York, and Vermont. Through her work on farms and her work with farmers she has become passionate about preserving the small hill farms in Vermont and believes in their positive impact on our landscape, our communities, our economy, and our connection with our food. Silene quickly came to realize that economics are the real driver of farm success and farm longevity and aims to strengthen agricultural businesses through her work so that they can thrive for generations to come. Silene also co-manages a dairy farm in Walden, Vermont and uses this experience to make her a better business planner and vice versa!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
That we support agricultural businesses and rural communities through so many avenues.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Being outside, growing things, working with animals, making things with my hands.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
That so many people still care where their food comes from, about keeping agricultural land working, and about supporting their local farmers and community members.

silene_headshot

Silene DeCiucies

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I never intended to become a bookkeeper.  In 2011, I was hired as a timber framer at TimberHomes Vermont on the condition that I would also take on the bookkeeping.  It turned out to be more fun than I expected!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Supporting local farmers without toiling in the sun/rain/heat/cold.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Learning new things and watching my kids learn new things.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Singing in harmony.

helen_doyle_headshot_12.6.23

Helen Doyle

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
With nearly a decade in natural/organic retail and 5 years in horticulture/arborist work, 7 years institutional food service and production, (2 of those in the Just Cut kitchen), 4 years combined working for local farms, 3 seasons at Atkins Field, 4 years driving with Farm Connex and the past 6 months as warehouse coordinator I have gained experience, insight, and a love for all aspects of the local food community in Vermont.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Working with a mission driven team to foster the growth of our local food economy!
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Knowing that the work I am blessed to be a part of is part of creating a more sustainable food system in Vermont.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Being part of expanding the local food landscape and economy as a source of long term sustainability in terms of food availabilty and social connection.

bob_duggan_beekeeper_website_photo

Bob Duggan

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I spent 10 years filling a large variety of roles at a fast growing online farmers market. This experience gave me a great understanding of the balance necessary to keep day to day operations running while also maintaining integrity and a clear-eyed view of the future.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
I love that the work here is supporting local farms and food systems, making local food more accessible, and includes educational and community based initiatives.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, food, watching soccer, and working together toward a common vision.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Being around lots of different people.

yarrowfought_staffshot_06.05.24

Yarrow Fought

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I have been involved in agriculture since I was in high school where my first job was working at a local veggie farm (the same my mom worked when she was that age!). From there, I continued to pursue jobs in the agricultural world and folded it into my studies at College. I worked with vegetables, flowers, and animals, building my skill sets in each to form a larger holistic view of how agriculture shapes our communities and landscapes. After a few injuries, I needed to move away from day to day farming, so took a job managing a small farm market, which allowed me to develop my customer service skills, people management, inventory management, etc. After a quick summer spent driving carriages in Acadia National Park and I was ready for the leap into logistics, which landed me here at CAE!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
I love helping to bridge the gap between the farmers/food producers and their markets. The reach Farm Connex has is impressive and an invaluable resource to so many. I feel lucky to get to work with a passionate, hard working crew of drivers and warehouse folks.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Animals, whether wild or domestic. Cows and horses bring me the most joy!
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Watching communities rally together in the best of times AND in the worst of times. We all have much more in common than we give each other credit for and recent times have brought to light the importance of community and taking care of each other. Watching neighbors and strangers step up for the greater good brings me hope.

Meryl_Friets_webPhoto_2023

Meryl Friets

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
In my pre-VT years, I spent the greater part of two decades within the for-profit greenhouse/floriculture and seafood distribution management spheres of the greater NYC metropolitan area. However, in 2018 I took a leap and applied for a contract management gig for Don Maynard, as the founder and leader of Farm Connex (when it was still an independent enterprise). Despite a steep learning curve, Don and the Farm Connex team generously and graciously helped me understand the complexities and unique challenges that VT distribution faces &#8211; and just like that: I was hooked. &lt;3
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Dreaming up better, more equitable ways to get local food into the hands (and mouths!) of our community.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
The tangible things&#8230; Like the magic of watching a full warehouse transform into an empty one! I also love working with a team who dives into the hard work we do every day with equal parts gusto, heart and humor. &#8220;It takes a village&#8221; as they say, and this is a village I am proud to be a part of.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Knowing that while we all bring different perspectives to this conversation around local food access and economic prosperity &#8211; we are fundamentally aligned in our desire to effect meaningful change in a veritable &#8220;goliath&#8221; of a system. Our unique perspectives, skills, and experience only make us stronger as a resource and a community!

staff_corey-01

Corey Hennessey

Allyson Howell

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
Before working at CAE, I jumped back and forth between working for non-profits on trail construction and conservation and working for for-profits on accounting and finance. Somewhere in the middle, a brief stint in watchmaking helped me realize that what I really love is making systems work, whether that system is a trail network or an expense allocation. Coming to CAE allowed me to do the work I enjoy for an organization I really believe in.
What excites you about your work and the work of CAE?
I love engaging with so many parts of the agricultural community through all of CAE&#8217;s programs, and getting to hear about the impact all of our staff have had throughout that community. It&#8217;s great to be out doing something that seems entirely disconnected from work, mention my job, and inevitably have someone respond, &#8220;Oh, I know your coworker ___, and they&#8217;re amazing!&#8221;&#8220;
What brings you joy?
Outside of work, I love hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and gardening whenever the weather is above freezing. At work I derive an unreasonable amount of happiness from well-designed Excel formulas.
What brings you hope?
My time at CAE has introduced me to so many people (both in the organizations and in the wider community) who are doing so much to make Vermont more resilient, more self-sufficient, and more sustainable.

staff_kevin-01

Kevin Hudnell

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
As Fred Tuttle said, &#8220;I&#8217;ve spent my whole life in the barn, now I just want to spend a little time in the House.&#8221; I spent 17 years farming, and I&#8217;ve been able to translate my skills to administrative operations for CAE, keeping the gears turning for our staff to do their work.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
Bringing consistency to our work to make it accessible.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
My dog Chara, lilacs in spring, and the undamming of the Klamath.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
Folks ability to find humor in hard times, small acts of kindness, and the rematriation of unceded ancestral lands.

Jess Huyghebaert

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
Upon receiving a Master&#8217;s in Sustainability Science with a special focus on sustainable agriculture, I found myself working at a food coop in Western Massachusetts. This led to being hired as the Project Manager of the Morrisville Coop which brought me back to my home state of Vermont. It was in this position that I first got involved in development work &#8211; helping to increase membership and assisting with a Capital Campaign. I then spent some time doing communications, community engagement and development for an alternative transportation organization, and then for the City of Montpelier. I began my tenure at CAE splitting my time between communications and development, and now focus on the communications of development 😉
What excites you about your work and the work of CAE?
The opportunity to sustain the work of an organization whose mission is something I deeply believe in.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Family, big dogs, woodstoves, traveling, murder mysteries and working towards leaving my small corner of the world a little bit better off than it was before I got there.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
People &#8211; both those I know and not. There are so many amazingly talented, kind, and generous people out there and every time I meet or hear of one, I can&#8217;t help but feel like it&#8217;s all going to turn out ok because this person is working to make it so.

staff_becca-01

Becca Jordan

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I come from a family of class-conscious political activists who work and organize around social justice. My family also has a collective love affair with food and culture &#8212; celebrating our own ethnic and geographic identities as well those of others. My own journey has landed me in various worlds of value-added agriculture, local food procurement, co-operatively managed food service, public policy, and agricultural economics. These are all layers of knowledge and experience on top of a fundamental and soulful theme &#8212; the importance of community and sharing our joys and loves with friends and neighbors.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
On good days I get to learn about new dimensions of northern Vermont&#8217;s rural economy, and on great days, I get to help people build skills to shape their lives into something that&#8217;s economically fulfilling and reflective of their values.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
Simple and sublime food. Watching my kids learn and grow. Watching and practicing athletics. Finding love in unexpected places.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
The creative and cooperative energy which people bring to moments of crisis.

daniel-cropped

Daniel Keeney

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
Bethany M. Dunbar&#8217;s background is in journalism and agriculture. She is a former president of the Vermont Press Association, award winning investigative journalist, editor, photographer, and photo editor with some experience in radio and television as well. She is the author and photographer of a book of agricultural profiles and a town history book for the town of Lowell, Vermont. She and her first husband owned a small dairy farm with Jersey cows, which is what led her to concentrate on covering agricultural stories and economic trends. Covering the beginnings of the Center for an Agricultural Economy drew her to want to join this amazing team
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
I love working with my Community Connections team at CAE because we are building community every day, in ways that might seem unexpected or nontraditional. Our nimble organization allows us to try things others might not dare to do. We emphasize relationships, shared learning, care, and empathy in all that we do. Listening is at the core of our work.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
I find joy in new leadership that emerges within our community and teams. It&#8217;s exciting to see folks of all ages and demographics finding their voices and their own power to make changes in systems that no longer function well.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
I find hope in everything CAE does to try to make our local food systems work better for our farmers and our community.

me bedazzling

Bethany M. Dunbar

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.
I grew up in Watertown, New York and was active in Boy Scouts where I learned the values of citizenship in the community, nation, and world. On camp staff during the summers I instructed ecology and conservation themed merit badges. I was also involved with the Order of the Arrow, an organization affiliated with the Boy Scouts that promotes cheerful service to others. I also developed a passion for video production that I picked up while shooting high school sporting events during my formative teen years.
In 1988 I entered the communications program at Lyndon State College and in 1990 began an internship with WCAX, Burlington. In 1991 upon completing my studies, I was offered a full-time position with WCAX. In the mid 1990’s I accepted positions at KTUU, Anchorage and WAVE 3, Louisville before returning to WCAX.
My television photojournalism career encompassed a wide variety of daily stories centered around the local agricultural economy. Teamed with a reporter or solo, I covered county field-days, 4-H events, climate trends, plant &amp; animal health, food shelves, political leaders, and overarching agricultural policy governance. In 2022 I began working at Mt. Mansfield Media where I helped create promotional videos for local businesses including Monument Farms Dairy, New England Federal Credit Union, and L. D. Oliver Seed Co., where varieties of grass seeds are blended specifically for the northern New England climate. We produced a documentary for the Vermont Forest Products Association. I also assisted in marketing efforts for regional equipment supplier United Ag &amp; Turf and local  retailer Guy’s Farm &amp; Yard.
The best days of storytelling were those spent with local folks sharing their efforts in overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. In 2024 I pivoted to work more closely with local agricultural producers. A delivery driver with CAE FARM CONNEX was an ideal next step. I am proud to help local producers thrive and provide Vermonters with greater access to locally produced agricultural products.
I am inspired daily by my daughter Ella and son Lucas. I live in Albany with my wife Cindy  where we enjoy going for walks, working outdoors, growing our garden and spending time with family.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?
I am excited about participating in the local and hyper-local economy.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)
The night sky brings me joy.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)
I am inspired by my daughter, Ella, and son, Lucas. They give me hope.

img_8597

Lance MacKenzie

What excites you about your work and the work of CAE? 
Working with producers as well as being involved with moving local product around the region. A great crew here to work with.
What brings you joy (work or otherwise)? 
Work related see above. Hiking, gardening, most anything outdoor related.
What brings you hope (work of otherwise)? 
I am in hopes we will moving swiftly into a much greener world.

Don Maynard

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I worked at Cabot Creamery for over 25 years and I worked at Buffalo Mountain Market Co-op.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
The people and the fact CAE has local farmers they get things from.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
I love hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Family.

Eugene McAllister

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.  
Colin graduated from Sterling College with a degree in Sustainable Agriculture. Post-graduation, he&#8217;s worked at a few flower farms and recently began doing landscaping. He hopes to find a career in restorative ecology!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
CAE is such a force for local economies and food security.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Writing fantasy and playing rugby!

20220813_1211332

Colin Netzley

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
A graduate of the Evidence-based Coaching Certificate Program through Fielding Graduate University—Kate O&#8217;Neill has been working with non-profit organizations, experiential education, and higher education for more than two decades. With a degree in Multicultural Education and an M.Ed in Supervision and Administration, Kate&#8217;s passion is helping people.
Some special areas of focus for Kate have been equity &amp; inclusion, leadership development coaching, supervision skills training, risk management, and supporting mental health in the workplace. She was also a leader for many years in the youth development space working with youth conservation corps and summer camps.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
I believe in CAE&#8217;s mission and I like creating supportive and purposeful places to work where people feel valued and engaged.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Family dinners, spending time on a river with good friends, contributing,  travel, and learning.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Spending time with kids always lifts my spirits and brings me hope!

Kate O’Neill

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I have lots of experience working in commercial kitchens, I have tons of experience working in gardens and handling and processing vegetables. I have a passion for good healthy food and providing our children healthy options at school.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
I get to provide many children and adults with a healthy option in schools and institutions.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Gardening, hockey, and football.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
There&#8217;s a brighter future.

staff_josh-01

Joshua Peets

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Growing up on a dairy farm in this community and continuing to operate the farm has always informed how I approach my off farm work. Having this lived experience has taught me many valuable lessons about local food and agriculture. I have been fortunate to work in agriculture and local food systems for the last 25 years and working with community members and farms is incredibly rewarding.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Seeing the growth of our community, the success of local farms and both the challenges and opportunities this work presents.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Seeing the joy that local food has by brining people together while sustaining our communities.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Seeing all the progress we&#8217;ve made in local food and agriculture over the last 20 years and how that work has brought the community together and built resilience.

jon_-_cropped

Jon Ramsay

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Food, art, and community drive everything I do. When I was 5, my mom tried to channel my creativity into a career path. I responded incredulously with “but mom, art is my life.” Since then I’ve carried that passion, love, and determination with me. I have combined formal degrees in visual arts and urban planning &amp; policy with a diverse professional background. I bring the joy I experience through food, art, and activism into the work I do in this world. Initially this was cooking and baking in local kitchens, running retreat center kitchens and gardens that filled their pantries, to a later career path integrating community engagement, placemaking, and technical marketing assistance to food producers and growers. I joined CAE in 2017 and am able to combine my love of food and respect for farmers with creativity and design skills to tell the story of CAE and our local food system.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
We are actively creating a different path forward for a variety of sectors within the food system.  I love that CAE champions an agricultural economy while understanding that deep community relationships are a part of that. Each of us is an integral piece in the local food system, and in our communities.  It’s incredible to be part of an organization that is working from a place of abundance, and interconnection.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Intentionally creating community, bringing bright colors into every space I am in, making food with love and sharing meals, putting googly eyes on everyday objects, cuddling with humans and pets.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
People sharing their skills and passions with the world. Art &amp; activism. Imagining a more interconnected and compassionate future. Seeing people grow food and share meals. The fearlessness and determination to create a better world that I see in today’s youth.

staff_lylee-02

Lylee Rauch-Kacenski

Neal Renaud

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Murphy has a background as a wilderness guide and an archery and hunting instructor.  He drives for Farm Connex part time and spends the rest of his time gardening, hiking, and building simple and affordable tiny houses (the kind on wheels) at Dandelion Housing Project.  He cares about local food, local lumber, and local affordable housing.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Murphy enjoys working with farmers and food store staff to keep Vermonters connected to healthy fresh food.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Murphy loves the beauty of driving through Vermont in all seasons and the challenge of driving through Vermont in all weather.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Murphy derives hope from the small daily kindnesses of working in a small collaborative team.

12.17.24_murphy_robinson

Murphy Robinson

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Lotty has held a few positions at the CAE within the Just Cut program in sales and program management. Currently, Lotty is the Food Hub Account Manager, working to strengthen relationships with institutional customers and food producers throughout Vermont and the region for our Just Cut and Farm Connex enterprises.
Prior to joining CAE in 2017, Lotty has been working and volunteering in a variety of capacities in local food systems and sustainable agriculture in Vermont since 2010, including a tenure managing farmers’ markets, serving on the Hardwick Farmers Market Board and Johnson Community Oven Committee, and working in hospitality and customer service. Lotty lives in Johnson with her husband and young son, where she enjoys hiking with her family and dog, gardening, cooking, and creating.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Working with the farms and food producers and supporting them in getting their raw and processed products into the institutional market or into the hands of new customers.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Raising a family in Vermont&#8217;s rich agricultural landscape, picking berries, and making homemade tortillas.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Small-town Vermont communities and the strength and resiliency experienced during hardship, say a flood.

staff_lotty-03

Lotty Roozekrans

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I previously worked in operations, development, and membership at a media arts nonprofit called Pittsburgh Filmmakers, which supported local artists through education, resources, and working space. When I moved to Vermont with my family to pursue a dream of working with the land, I was eager to translate my nonprofit skill set to support the local agricultural economy, which I believe to be one of the most important ways to sustain a future for our community and our planet. I am also excited to use my 20+ years of photography experience to create beautiful images for CAE.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
I am excited to support the work of CAE with clear systems of data usage and engaging language, design, and imagery.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
My two kids fill my heart with joy and giggles. I also greatly enjoy analog photography, working with my hands, gardening, flowers, nature, and dogs.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Working towards a sustainable future for my family, the community, and our planet and working with like-minded folks at CAE who also believe in a bright future brings me hope.

Kel_Headshot_10.19.2023-1

Kelly Stokes

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
Katt began farming in the NEK in 2009, working at over a dozen operations over the years, from veggies to Christmas trees to cut flowers. The bulk of her career so far has been in Vermont&#8217;s value-added dairy industry, where she helped grow Sweet Rowen Farmstead over 12 years, got a taste of real organic at Butterworks Farm, and help start 5 Generations Farmstead Creamery in West Glover. Katt has written grants, business plans, and loan applications for numerous farms since 2012, and is excited to bring her steadfast commitment to Vermont&#8217;s local food system to her work at CAE.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
It is a true privilege to work with this team of amazing, thoughtful, and dedicated folks to build more equitable, resilient, and vibrant communities and food systems. It is a joy to lend my efforts to our shared vision of world where everyone can thrive.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Dogs, cows, growing flowers, making my world more beautiful, and exploring the fields and forests of the NEK.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Neighbors helping neighbors, and all those who work to make the world a better place.

12.17.24_katt_tolman_01_4x6_katt-edits

Katt Tolman

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I grew up on a dairy farm in Greensboro. I have been on my father&#8217;s ancestorial farm in Albany for over 30 years now. I run a hobby farm with my wife and 4 kids. I was a founding board member of CAE when it was named the Center for a Biobased Economy.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Delivering high quality local products to local store.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Happy content kids and evenings in a hot sauna.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Community.

Neil Urie

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I came to CAE thanks to the recommendation of a person who, at that time, helped me identify places where I could start my journey in this area. Since then, I have sought to contribute with a positive and resilient attitude, always being willing to support in whatever is necessary. I firmly believe in the importance of adding value, even through small gestures, to contribute to the success of the team and the objectives of the organization.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
I am excited by CAE’s commitment to the development of small entrepreneurs and farmers, as well as its dedication to strengthening the community. The opportunity to be part of an organization that actively works to support these sectors and generate a positive impact is something I value greatly and that aligns with my own values.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
I am happy with the simple things in life: sharing moments with others, enjoying the beauty of flowers, especially sunflowers, which always bring me joy. I love a sunny day and getting lost in the tranquility of the sea or a lake. Those little things are what fill my heart.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
It brings me hope to connect with empathetic people, those who seek to make the world a little better with small acts of inspiration and kindness. Being surrounded by nature, with its beauty and tranquility, reminds me of what is essential. I am also motivated by having the opportunity to learn and grow every day, as I move towards my goals. Above all, I have great faith that, no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a way to make them possible.

Isabel Villarroel

What excites you about your work and the work of CAE? 
Contributing to a community.
What brings you joy (work or otherwise)? 
Being around loved ones and creating things.
What brings you hope (work or otherwise)? 
Compassionate efforts for the benefit of humanity.

Lorenzo Whitcomb-Paulson

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I worked in the restaurant family business for 25 years and knew it would be a great fit.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
Brings people together as a community.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
Family and friends.
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Less hate in the world.

Malayna White

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE. 
I grew up in beautiful Montgomery, Vermont, surrounded by dairy farms and I&#8217;ve always been interested in both people and food. I studied sociology at UVM from 2008-2012 and then spent about 5 years living in the Burlington area &amp; working at various non-profits. I realized after working in healthcare &amp; human services (and education) that something was really broken in our &#8216;systems.&#8217; I decided to change tack and start from the ground up&#8230;Literally! 
In May of 2020 I was working at High Mowing Organic Seeds and looking for housing. I landed on a farm in Wolcott and grew there during the 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons. In 2021 I vended small batch homemade kombucha at the Hardwick Farmers Market and fell in love with Atkins Field. In early 2022 the role of market manager opened up. I applied &amp; was accepted and I&#8217;ve been doing that work ever since. The role expanded in early 2024 and now I am the Local Food Coordinator here at the CAE and it&#8217;s the best job I&#8217;ve ever had! I love working at the intersection of people, food, and land; it&#8217;s amazing to see the positive impact that this work can have on a community.
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
I am a food enthusiast (everything from growing, cooking, sharing, and/or eating it!) I am excited to be working at the CAE, where a lot of amazing work is being done every day in the food and agriculture scene. I hope to increase awareness of, access to, and use of healthy, delicious, locally grown foods in our region. If we prioritize buying/spending locally &#8211; we support the local economy as well as our regions farmers and small business owners. I feel strongly that food plays a critical role in increasing peoples connection to the land and to each other.
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
There are so many reasons to be joyful! A find a lot of joy in the small everyday pleasures of good conversation, reading, sunrises and sunsets, bonfires, swimming, hiking, camping, seeing live music etc. And also my rescue dog Luna; she brings me a lot of joy!
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
This community! I have witnessed (&amp; personally experienced) so much caring and resilience here since 2020. I have seen first hand what is possible when a group of individuals is committed to a mission and willing to dig in &amp; do the work. Hardwick has a special place in my heart and I&#8217;m so grateful to be a part of what&#8217;s happening here, especially as it relates to the local food scene!

hayley_web_image

Hayley Williams

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.  
I grew up on a small goat farm in Craftsbury VT, at the end of a class four road and have always been surrounded by hardworking and down to earth people. I love jobs that let me work with my hands and need a good attention to detail. Before I came to CAE I worked as part of a close knit warehouse crew for an online farmer’s market, where I received, sorted, packed, and shipped a wide range of locally grown and produced food!
What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE? 
My job can be challenging and exhausting, but I have a lot of fun doing it knowing I’m part of a team that always has each other’s back. I love supporting small farms and local businesses, and it’s always satisfying to see food move from farms I know to the stores where I shop!
What brings you joy? (work or otherwise) 
I love to go barefoot! Nothing is better than sinking your feet in the dirt on a nice sunny day 🙂
What brings you hope? (work or otherwise) 
Being part of a community that can laugh and be free together. Sometimes hope can be hard to find, but good company always makes it easier.

Jess Huyghebaert

Administrative Operations Manager

She/Her/Hers

FOLLOW US: