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
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.
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
Research Co-Design with
Minnesota Doctors for Health Equity
Created a "Wellness Room" for the
17th Annual Emerging Farmers Conference
Interview published by Lisa Kivirist in her book
Homemade for Sale, Second Edition: How to Set Up and Market a Food Business from Your Home Kitchen
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!
