OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

Emilyn Fox

Operations & Farm Education Manager

I have to say that my role here at WCFP is truly a dream job. I studied Environmental Studies at the University of Vermont with a focus on community-based education. After graduating and some adventuring I felt a need to immerse myself in learning a more hands-on skill that directly related to living more regeneratively. (Although at the time I used the word sustainably). I decided to learn more about farming, after all, everybody eats and much of our environmental issues arise from how we as a society feed ourselves. I spent 6 years working on a range of farms and with a range of responsibility. I love farming, pushing through tough but rewarding tasks, feeling the sense of accomplishment as you see the physical representation of all your work, bringing in a bounty of harvest, problem solving and sharing the food and land with the surrounding community. However, my original path had a focus on education, a focus I always planned to return to. Here at WCFP I get to bring my two passions, environmental education and farming, together as we form a learning farm community for both staff and visitors.  Favorite veggie...husk (ground) cherries and any veggie/fruit that convinces kids that fruits and veggies can be delicious! Favorite book…“Dirt To Soil” by Gabe Brown. Outside of work… I enjoy spending time with friends and family, hiking, biking, cooking, traveling and dabbling in ceramics and other arts and crafts. Fun fact…In 2012 I hiked over 2,000 miles as a thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail. 

Jonathan Hendricks

Assistant Operations Manager

I grew up spending a lot of time outside. Whether hiking or camping with my family, or caring for my neighbors' horses, nature has been a theme in my life.  I  came to WCFP because I wanted a job where I could work outside in nature.  Outside of work...I enjoy drinking fancy coffee and reading books. Favorite veggie…Green beans. Favorite book…”My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George.
Fun fact…I am a part-time photographer.

Edil Cunampio

Farm Property Specialist

I grew up on a farm in Panama and farming has always been a passion and lifestyle for me. We grow things like grains and root vegetables. Learning to farm here in the US over the last 12 years has been a fun and challenging adventure. After leaving Chester County Food Bank at the end of the 2017 growing season, I was looking for a smaller workplace to work but also was looking for a job where I could build relationships with people. WCFP provides the opportunity to not only build those types of relationships at the farm but also the space to inspire and empower people to take care of nature and appreciate what we have. Favorite veggies…are the summer crop vegetables. I enjoy making hot salsa with fresh summer ingredients. Favorite book… “The Holistic Orchard” by Michael Phillips. Outside of work…I enjoy reading books, taking pictures, playing soccer and playing with my family, two boys and my wife. Fun fact… I’m from an indigenous tribe in Panama and I speak three languages.

Dee Caruso

Assistant Retail & Studio Manager/Fiber Arts Educator

I am a retiree from a career in Medical Office Management in New York. I worked for four years at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia upon moving to Pennsylvania. I came to WCFP purely by accident. Driving by, a friend and I decided to check it out. Walking into the building, was for me, like stepping into a fantasy world. Rows and rows of beautiful Natural Knitting Yarn made from the sheep that were outside in the apple tree orchard. When asked to teach Knitting and other fiber arts, how could I resist working in such a bucolic atmosphere along with people who share my interests and are dedicated to the principles of organic farming and education. Outside of work...My free time consists of spending time with my family (my children and grandchildren) and friends. Also, finding time for my many interests. I knit, needlework, quilt, work in stand glass and enjoy photography, birding, music and theater. I am always eager to find new projects, learning how to do something new. Curling up with a good book is also one of my favorite things to do. Favorite veggie...artichokes. Favorite book...Picking my favorite book is like being asked to pick my favorite child! Impossible! I am an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction. I find great joy in reading, whether learning something new or just transporting myself into a new adventure. Fun fact...I am from New York having moved here a few years ago. I will always consider myself a New Yorker living in beautiful Pennsylvania.

Logan Ladd

Farm Apprentice

I've worked most of my life in warehouses and I was in need of a change. I want to own a farm of my own in due time so I needed to start learning. I decided to learn this year and after living in Pennsylvania for a month or two I found out about the WCFP Apprentice program and was lucky enough to be granted the opportunity. Outside of work...I enjoy making art in all forms, thinking, reading, walking, interesting conversations and, being from Wisconsin, the occasional cold beer. Favorite Veggie(s)...Cucumber and Onions. Potatoes too, if they count. Favorite Book..."The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Fun Facts...This is difficult to answer. Here's a few, I have the same birthday as my father, I once hitchhiked to California and then to Texas from Wisconsin with twenty dollars in my pocket. I failed English in college instead writing a 240 page book of poetry, and I really love banana milkshakes - a little too much at times. And the Wisconsin motto is nice, simple and only one word: "Forward."

Maeve Kolk

Farm Apprentice

I was previously studying biology and anthropology with a focus on hydrology, cyanobacteria, and how people relate to natural landscapes. I was really interesting in working on a farm that focuses on community building and education like WCFP and thought it would be a great way to gain more knowledge of both water management and how people relate to and shape the landscape in which they live. Outside of work... I enjoy a wide variety of art forms, basketball, and learning how to make the world more accessible. Favorite Veggie(s)... I really enjoy sugar snap peas and love making shakshuka with some added veggies! Favorite Book & Movie... I am currently reading "Care Work" by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha and really enjoying it and I also love the movie Princess Mononoke. Fun Facts... I was part of a dragking boyband dance group.

Melissa Smith

Engagement Manager/Co-Owner

Raised in the suburbs and trained in physical therapy, my journey in farming began twenty years ago when I married my husband and business partner, Drew. His contagious love of agriculture first brought us to create Willow Creek Orchards back in 2002, and then in 2018 inspired me to dig into learning about regenerative organic farming and establish WCFP. I believe farming truly integrates the power of taking care of nature and each other, which creates opportunities for wellness in mind, body and soul. I enjoy raising our three teen-aged daughters, as well as Shetland sheep (among other animals) and I am an aspiring (albeit clumsy) fiber artist. I hold a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College and an M.B.A. from the University of Scranton. Favorite veggie…Roasted Brussel sprouts with sea salt and bacon. Favorite book… “Grit” by Angela Duckworth. Outside of work…I enjoy a lazy morning with a big cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends either biking, paddle boarding or hiking. Fun fact…I’ve swam with sharks off the coast of Belize in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2022

WCFP Seasonal Internships 2022: Spring/Summer/Fall

The Seasonal Internship Program at WCFP is a hands-on work-learning program focusing on small-scale regenerative organic farming and farm-based education, with an emphasis on the dynamic connections between food, fiber and the environment.

[SPRING INTERNSHIP]: March -  Mid-May 2022
[SUMMER INTERNSHIP]: Mid-May -  August 2022
[FALL INTERNSHIP]: Late August - November 2022
(*Qualified candidates may be considered for 2 consecutive segments of the season.)

RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to Education & Community Manager and Assistant Farm Operations Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
•    Interns work alongside WCFP leaders on our 135-acre farm in the fields, raised bed gardens, pastures, shoppe and studio. Daily activities range from weeding, mulching, raised garden bed care and vegetable harvesting, mowing, plant and property care, wool processing, pruning, trellising, animal care, pasture setup and breakdown, and opportunities to lead co-workers, garden volunteers, farm visitors and u-pick customers.
•    The Internship Program highlights the following topics: Introduction to Basics of Regenerative Organic Farming, Considerations of Farm-Based Education, Introduction to Fruit Production, Considerations for Raising Sheep, Wool Processing Fundamentals and Raised Bed Vegetable Production in our Seed to Share Garden™.
•    The Interns will be trained and support/lead WCFP Educational programming for diverse audiences on a range of farm-based education topics as available.
•    Interns participate in at least one off-farm tour or off-farm speaker experience. These occur within the region during each of the Spring, Summer & Fall Internship time frames with organizations such as the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) overseen by Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA).

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Genuine interest in Regenerative organic farming and strong physical and mental work ethic.
•    Responsible and internally motivated to learn and improve one’s skill-set and knowledge-base.
•    Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work well with others, including co-workers and the public.
•    Prior agricultural experience is not required, although any work or study in the field of food or agriculture is a desirable attribute of Internship applicants.
•    Experience with education recommended and experience in fiber arts a plus (interest in both a must).
•    Must be 18+ years of age, pass a Background Check and have a Valid Driver’s License (1+ year driving experience preferred).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•    Lift/move up to 50lbs, unassisted.
•    Carry, bend, kneel and stand for long periods and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

POSITION TYPE/COMPENSATION:
•    Tuesday – Saturday, 8am – 3pm; (approximately 30 hours/week); rotating Sunday duties.
•    Candidates may complete this internship for college credit.
•    $11/hour paid bi-weekly; Deduct $60/week if electing on-site housing at our renovated farmhouse.
•    Veggies from staff garden as available.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES: Submit resume to Melissa.smith@willowcreekfarmpreserve.org AND complete our online application below to be considered for a 2022 Seasonal Farm Internship.

*Applications are reviewed once received and qualified candidates will be interviewed and offered positions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply Early!

JOB TITLE: Retail & Studio Manager (RSM)

PRIMARY FUNCTION: To oversee and implement all Retail and Class/Studio educational activities 
of WCFPs LBFS.  The RSM will be responsible for supporting the Owner in curating local products and leading the farms interactions with the public.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
1.  Implement all retail activities for LBFS.
2. Invest in creation of WCFP weekly Happenings & develop knitting/crocheting/fiber arts classes based in LBFS.
3. Create curriculum/experiences for students of all ages in our LBFS Studio and expand fiber arts programming for private and public events.
4. Champion WCFP LBFS Crew to develop confident, informed and thoughtful fiber artist educators.
5. Lead WCFP U-Pick Crew to oversee u-pick sales of fruit throughout WCFP.
6. Foster a positive work environment while honoring WCFP Learning Community values.
7.  Additional duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. H.S. diploma; B.S./college credits desirable.
2. 2-3+ years’ experience in similar role which includes teaching/management experience.
3. Demonstrated expertise in fiber arts with skills including knitting, crocheting, felting, etc.

POSITION TYPE:
1. Full Time, Year-Round: 30+ hours/week; Tuesday – Saturday (Off Sundays & Mondays)
2. Compensation: Competitive Hourly Wage; Commensurate with experience; 2 weeks paid vacation; 10 paid holidays; unpaid time off negotiable
    *ADDITIONAL ARTIST CREW & U-PICK CREW SEASONAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2020.

    ALL INTERESTED CANDIDATES: Submit resume and cover letter to:melissa.smith@willowcreekfarmpreserve.org