Dynamic leader in Regenerative Agriculture with 25 years of expertise in organic farming, nonprofit programming, and international development. Proven ability in team management and guiding producers through certification processes while balancing rigor and accessibility. Skilled in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and stakeholder management, driving team performance to achieve sustainable growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director (Seasonal)
Dillon Farmers’ Market
Dillon, MT
01.2024 - Current
Increased vendor participation by 40% through strategic market expansion initiatives.
Enhanced community partnerships to boost market visibility and customer engagement.
Ensured compliance with local regulations for a secure market environment.
Managed logistics for operations, including grant writing and event planning.
Facilitated effective communication with vendors and city-market relations.
Founder and Executive Director
Bee Haven Gardens
Dillon, MT
01.2024 - Current
Founded and led a successful agricultural education site, driving strategic initiatives that enhanced community engagement and educational outreach.
Cultivated partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to expand resource availability and funding opportunities.
Designed and executed innovative curricula and workshops tailored to farmers, students, and educators, increasing knowledge retention and practical application.
Spearheaded program development and implementation to promote sustainable farming practices and agricultural literacy among diverse populations.
Advocated for agricultural education policies at local and regional levels, influencing legislation and securing grants to support organizational growth.
Utilized data-driven approaches to assess program outcomes and continuously refine strategies to meet evolving community needs in agricultural education.
Established strategic vision for sustainable gardening practices, enhancing community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Directed all operational aspects of garden management, ensuring optimal plant health and resource utilization.
Student Tutor and Substitute Teacher
Montana Youth Challenge Academy
Dillon, MT
01.2023 - Current
Developed and implemented personalized tutoring plans to support at-risk high school students in improving academic performance and building confidence.
Facilitated classroom management and instructional support as a substitute teacher, ensuring continuity of learning for diverse student populations.
Collaborated with teachers and counselors to identify learning gaps and tailor interventions for at-risk students, enhancing engagement and retention.
Utilized effective communication and motivational techniques to foster a positive learning environment for students facing academic and personal challenges.
Monitored student progress through regular assessments and provided constructive feedback to promote continuous improvement.
Adapted lesson plans and teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of at-risk high school students, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
Maintained detailed records of student attendance, behavior, and academic progress to support individualized education plans and reporting requirements.
Facilitated community service projects with students.
USDA Seed Potato Inspector (Seasonal)
Montana Department of Agriculture
Dillon, MT
01.2024 - 01.2025
Conducted thorough inspections of seed potatoes to ensure compliance with USDA quality and health standards, reducing the risk of disease spread.
Collaborated with USDA regulatory agencies to enforce seed certification protocols and maintain industry standards.
Performed detailed field evaluations and laboratory testing to assess seed potato viability and genetic purity.
Prepared comprehensive inspection reports and documentation to support USDA certification and traceability requirements.
Implemented corrective actions and provided recommendations to growers to improve seed potato quality and yield.
Vibrant Lives of Montana
Dillon, MT
01.2024 - 01.2025
Designed and delivered educational workshops integrating mindfulness, sustainability, and regenerative practices.
Coordinated grants, outreach, and curriculum supporting agricultural and personal resilience.
Fostered partnerships across rural Montana communities to increase food system equity.
Directed daily operations and strategic initiatives to enhance program delivery and client engagement in a wellness education studio environment.
Managed cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of educational workshops and community outreach events.
Facilitated partnerships with local organizations to expand wellness education access and community impact.
Event Coordinator
Montana Organic Association
Montana
01.2023 - 01.2024
Managed logistics, communications, and outreach for statewide organic conferences and events.
Built relationships with farmers, brands, certifiers, and advocacy partners.
Supported organizational strategy promoting organic integrity and public education.
Managed end-to-end event logistics, including vendor negotiations, scheduling, and attendee communications to ensure flawless remote event delivery.
Facilitated virtual networking sessions and workshops that fostered collaboration among Montana Organic Association members and stakeholders.
Monitored industry trends and integrated sustainable practices into event planning to align with the Montana Organic Association’s mission.
Program Director, Beginning Farmer & Rancher Training
Community Food and Agriculture Coalition
Missoula, MT
01.2021 - 01.2023
Directed statewide mentorship and training programs for new agricultural producers.
Supported business planning, land access, and organic certification preparedness.
Built a strong network of service providers, educators, and peer mentors.
Owner/Operator
Ploughshare Farm
Moiese, MT
01.2007 - 01.2020
Spearheaded daily operations and strategic planning for a successful organic production farm, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
Implemented innovative organic farming techniques that increased crop yield by 25% while maintaining environmental stewardship.
Managed all aspects of business operations, including budgeting, marketing, and supply chain logistics, to optimize farm performance.
Cultivated strong relationships with local markets and distributors to expand organic product reach and brand recognition.
Oversaw compliance with organic certification standards and regulatory requirements to maintain farm accreditation.
Directed a team of farm workers, providing training and leadership to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
Developed and executed marketing campaigns that boosted direct-to-consumer sales and community engagement.
Analyzed market trends and adapted crop production strategies to meet evolving consumer demands in the organic sector.
Crew Leader
Montana Conservation Corps
Helena, MT
01.2004 - 11.2004
Supervised daily operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
Mentored team members, fostering skill development and enhancing overall performance.
Coordinated scheduling and task assignments for optimal resource allocation and productivity.
Resolved conflicts effectively, maintaining a positive team environment and high morale.
Trained employees in time management and proper ways to complete job duties.
Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to safety guidelines and promptly addressing potential hazards.
Served as the primary point of contact between crew members and upper management, relaying important information as necessary.
Sustainable Agriculture Educator
Peace Corps of the United States
Guatemala City, Guatemala
09.2000 - 12.2001
Worked with Spanish- and Q’eqchi’-speaking communities to implement integrated pest management and organic farming practices.
• Developed bilingual educational tools and trained farmers in sustainable, culturally-relevant techniques.
• Supported cooperative development and extension outreach in rural villages.
Developed and implemented sustainable agriculture training programs for local communities as a Peace Corps Volunteer, enhancing food security and environmental stewardship.
Collaborated with farmers and community leaders to promote eco-friendly farming techniques, resulting in increased crop yields and soil health.
Facilitated workshops on organic pest management and water conservation practices, empowering participants to adopt sustainable agricultural methods.
Conducted needs assessments and tailored educational materials to address specific challenges faced by rural agricultural communities.
Monitored and evaluated project outcomes to ensure alignment with Peace Corps sustainability goals and community development objectives.
Built strong partnerships with local organizations to support ongoing agricultural education and resource sharing.
Utilized participatory teaching methods to engage diverse audiences and foster long-term behavioral change in farming practices.
Advocated for sustainable agriculture policies and practices through community outreach and capacity-building initiatives within the Peace Corps framework.
Education
Master of Science - Regenerative Organic Agriculture
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA
12-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
University of Montana
Missoula, MT
06-2000
Skills
Agricultural Audit Preparation & Documentation
Program Leadership & Staff Management
Microsoft Office, CRM Tools
Farmer Technical Assistance & Education
Public Speaking & Curriculum Development
Wholesale, Retail, CSA, Urban and School Gardens, and Direct to Consumer Marketing
Board of Directors Participation and Management
Non-profit, For-Profit, and Government Grant Writing
Executive Director (Part time) at The Jordanian Society for Desertification Control & Badia DevelopmentExecutive Director (Part time) at The Jordanian Society for Desertification Control & Badia Development