Background: Co-owner, Waterpenny Farm in Sperryville; director, Rappahannock Nature Camp; member, Rappahannock County School Board representing the Piedmont District since 2008; member, Rappahannock League for Environmental Protection Education Committee; former vice president, Rappahannock Friends and Lovers of our Watershed (RappFLOW); member of Unitarian Universalists of the Blue Ridge; former volunteer, Rappahannock County Public Schools’ PTO Playground Committee and Headwaters after-school program; lives in Sperryville with her spouse, Eric and son, Isaac. Eldest son, Nick, attends Carleton College in Northfield, Minn.
The Spark: I have been fortunate to have a supportive family and a lot of good teachers and mentors in my life who helped inspire my interest in the environment and community service. I was fortunate to go to a college where I could design my own major and think about what really mattered to me. My spark comes from a love of the earth and the world we live in. In my high school yearbook, I chose this quote from E.B. White: “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”
Proudest Achievement: I’m most proud of our two sons, Nick and Isaac. We raised our kids in a way that allowed them to explore their interests and develop into their unique selves. They are humble, creative and give me hope for the world. I think having a farm to grow up on and living in a small community has provided them with many opportunities. On our farm, Eric and I have been able to make our living since 2000 growing and direct marketing high quality pesticide-free food for the community in a sustainable way. Our unique long-term lease arrangement at Waterpenny Farm allows us to live and make a viable farming career in Sperryville. It’s hard work and long hours, but we’ve found a formula to make it work.
Biggest Challenge: I wear a lot of different hats so finding time to meet all my responsibilities can be a challenge. I enjoy all of my roles in different ways, but to keep everything going you have to find balance and stay healthy. I love being in the woods and river at Rappahannock Nature Camp for four weeks each summer, exploring with the kids all day. To balance that, I find picking flowers on my own on the farm into the evening to be a great way to unwind. My work with the School Board is very community-connected, and feels like a meaningful way to give back to the community and support our kids’ schools and Rappahannock’s future. Being self-employed, and having a supportive partner in Eric, gives me the opportunity to manage my workload in a productive way.
Why It Matters: My “epiphany” came when I realized one’s daily connection to the earth is through the food we eat. That’s why Eric and I started Waterpenny Farm. Whether it is providing access to nutritious food, kids knowing and respecting the place where they grow up, or just experiencing the wonders of nature, I believe it is important for people to have authentic connections to the world around us. That theme is foundational to my work.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: The combination of the natural environment and those who live here make this a very special place. People pitch in and work hard to make this a strong and vibrant community. They respect the environment, and are willing to help those in need. With our schools and local programs providing so many opportunities, it is a wonderful place to raise kids.
