For about 10 years, I have farmed in various forms including both urban and rural operations, developed farm to school curricula and programs, trained farm staff and interns, started my own farm business, and supported former refugee and New American farmers gain access to land and education. Since 2011, I have worked in the nonprofit sector, specifically around food systems. Currently, I am a tenant farmer working collaboratively with a woman landowner on various production and conservation projects in the Loess Hills.

Being part of the Center team allows me to be part of a positive and supportive working environment that focuses on the health and vibrancy of rural communities and, even more specifically, supporting our farmers and food system development. I love meeting new people, traveling to new rural communities, and doing whatever I can to help farmers get into the field (literally and figuratively!) and actualize their land tending goals and aspirations.

I love rural life; being in a relationship with and belonging to the land. For seven seasons, I have lived in rural southwest Iowa, and tending land is an important practice for me and influences all aspects of my life.

In my spare time, I love hiking in the prairie, seed saving, music, and most of all being a mama to my two kiddos—Catalpa and Mira.