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  • THE LATEST

    May 4, 2023

    Interview about starting Vital Ground Farm

  • BACKGROUND

    “Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive”
    - Howard Thurman

    Board Certified Massage Therapist since 2011

    Trained in Chicago, IL at The Soma Institute for Clinical Massage and The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (now the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab)

     

    Board Certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

     

    and went on to start my practice

    Grounded Vitality

    opened for business in 2011

     

    I was committed from the start to meeting people where they are, so I built my business delivering in-home massage therapy and wellness support

    ...then came

    Vital Ground Farm

     

    Farming took over my life in 2016

     

    I couldn't get over the fact that

    healing the earth and healing ourselves is interconnected - and urgent

     

    Seeing my fellow farmers struggling with mental and physical health, I couldn't look away

     

    Vital Ground is about cultivating a nourished landscape within and around us

    Now I

    farm,

    massage,

    speak,

    write,

    consult,

    organize...

     

    ...do all I can toward creating a more just future;

    one where we all have enough food, comfort, and dignity.

    It's past time.

     

    VIEW FULL SPEAKING HISTORY HERE

    Supportive Leadership

    Bachelor of Arts - 2021

    College of Individualized Studies

    Metropolitan State University

    I spent fifteen years in college part-time while working multiple jobs to get by. This helped me develop a practical, person-centered approach to leadership. I developed a degree that combines business management with the psychology of motivation and cooperation.

     

    Some of the jobs I've had over the years are:

    Coffee Shop Supervisor

    Special Education Paraprofessional

    Day Program Counselor

    Personal Care Attendant

    HUD Housing Manager

    Credit Union Teller & Lender

    WORK HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2022

  • CURRENT PROJECTS

    2023

    Member: 2022-2023

    Community of Practice

    The Anti-Racist Farmers Market Toolkit

    Farmers Market Coalition

    Honored to be a member of the 1st Community of Practice surrounding the Farmers Market Coalition's Anti-Racist Farmers Market Toolkit released in 2022.

     

    Using the Toolkit as a lens to examine our specific Farmers Market (representing West Side Farmers Market) we meet as a group to collaboratively problem-solve barriers and identify actionable steps for advancing equity in the communities our markets serve

    I will be serving on the Board of Directors for the market where I set up my tent for the first time as a vendor in 2016.

    I've loved being part of this market every year since, both as a vendor, volunteer, and board member!

     

    In 2019, I served on the Non-Profit Committee to develop the Farmers Market into a 501(c)3 organization and stay committed to the success of this very special market.

     

    I'm excited for what the 2023 season will bring!

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