I am a network leader and freelance food systems strategy consultant specializing in regional food security strategy, food systems thinking, and equitable food systems network development. I work with individuals, organizations, and coalitions to strengthen regional food systems by developing strategies to expand the availability of regional foods through communities, planning and leading food systems partners through participatory convenings, educating partners about food system policies, and by building trusting relationships among food system stakeholders. As the founder of the Hudson Valley Food System Coalition, I brought together more than 100 food system stakeholders and guided them through the development of a regional transdisciplinary coalition to work across sectors.The mission of the HVFSC is to realize a more equitable and regenerative Hudson Valley food system by connecting food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management practices while encouraging the use of our region's food resources to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our community.

Chair of the City of Poughkeepsie Common Council.

Elected to represent the 2nd Ward residents toward the collective progress of the City of Poughkeepsie.

Dutchess Outreach acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief services in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need.-Promotes organization development through fundraising, program & project development, policy research, and advocacy. -Acts as public-facing representative for organization at speaking engagements throughout the region.-Chief grant writer with over $300,000 awarded in grants over the past three years. -Spearheads and tests new models of fundraising to encourage financial sustainability and to diversify funding.-Assists in the creation of programmatic budgets and budgets for grant award purposes. -Monitors executed grant contracts to ensure timely reporting and outcomes. -Administers all Public Relations and Communications - creating written materials, graphic design, and layout for both print and electronic Annual Report. Developed brand new website in collaboration with website developer. Drafts and distributes all press releases and maintains presence on social media with noteworthy success.-Staff Liaison to two Board Committees: Public Relations and Development.-Facilitates staff and board through organizational development activities to stimulate productivity and effectiveness. -Works collaboratively with community members, other mission-driven organizations, local schools & colleges, businesses, and local public officials to improve conditions in Dutchess County and to help to cultivate a shared community vision & expression.

Dutchess Outreach acts as a catalyst for community revitalization and exists in Dutchess County as an advocate and provider of hunger and relief services in order to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to fresh, healthy food, and the support they need.

Over the course of this experiential education program, more than thirty local fellows will co-develop and pilot regenerative solutions to pressing challenges and opportunities in the Hudson Valley. In the process, they cultivate inner clarity around personal essence and purpose, become equipped to collaborate deeply with a diverse group of stakeholders, deepen their knowledge and understanding of their places, learn and develop widely applicable tools and processes in design, communication, and problem solving, and grow the confidence to put these tools and this wisdom to use in the building of a future that works for all. Most importantly, participants form deep and lasting connections with their fellow local stewards, and join an ever-growing and diverse network of people working for a positive future for the Hudson Valley.

The Pattern Fellows Program is an innovative leadership program started by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress in 2007 to expand the horizons of those already acknowledged as leaders in their communities and disciplines. The program helps participants to gain a more intimate knowledge of the region and encourages them to explore regional approaches to their work.Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization whose mission is to promote regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.

Zero to Go is a zero waste carting B Corp focused on reuse, composting and recycling by providing zero waste event services in the Hudson Valley and consulting services for everything related to waste in commercial and residential settings.-Created and implemented social media and marketing strategies to promote mission and awareness.-Increased Zero to Go’s audience on social media platforms.-Acted as a public facing representative of Zero to Go.-Educated public, staff, and volunteers on responsible waste disposal and best practices.

Obercreek farm is an organic, sustainable, vegetable farm and CSA serving the Hudson Valley and New York City Communities.-Updated and maintained Obercreek’s social media accounts and presence.-Primary writer and photographer for social media platforms.

-Successfully implemented sales and service model to achieve company goals while providing comprehensive customer service to gain new business and maintain existing customers

-Trained incoming Baristas on Company Policy, Culture and Barista job functions -Supervised staff while implementing new policies to all others on the job

Sales and Marketing

-Customer service, registration and administrative duties-Management of accounts, advertising and trip planning-Website and file maintenance