We're excited to introduce our 2019 seasonal crew and interns. We love having new faces and fresh energy in the fields These folks have been working hard all spring and are ready to kick it into high gear for the summer season. Here's an introduction to our fabulous new crew!
Ali, Crew Leader
Hi I’m Ali. I’m happy to be back after almost 6 years. I first came to Red Wiggler Farm as a volunteer in 2012 and moved on to being a job coach for the 2013 season. After doing some traveling, I moved to DC to work on food policy issues. I’ll be returning to school in the fall to earn my Masters Degree in Public Health and Nutrition. I’m looking forward to spending the season outside working with the Red Wiggler community again!
Jessica, Intern
Hi, my name is Jessica Joers. About three years ago I moved to Maryland from Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I graduated with my B.A from Alverno College. In a few months I will graduate from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, with my M.A. in Social Innovation and Sustainability with a focus on food justice, storytelling, community building and healing.
When I am not doing academic research or gardening you can catch me reading memoirs, listening to podcasts, cooking or cuddling my dogs. I hope to take what I learn at Red Wiggler and put it to use in my very own arts café that feeds the bodies, minds, and souls of food insecure, homeless, low income, and marginalized people through fresh food, gardening and the expressive arts. I am so happy to be here at Red Wiggler and am looking forward to working and learning with everyone.
Leah, Intern
Hi my name is Leah Wodajo. I am currently a rising junior at Goucher college, with a major in Biology. Although I have no prior farming experience, agriculture is a field that I take an interest in, and working at Red Wiggler is the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge, as well as build on the necessary skills I may need in my future career. I am so happy to be here at Red Wiggler, and I am more than eager to learn what it takes to be a farmer.
Liza, Crew Leader
Hey there, my name is Liza! I'm a Richmond native up in Maryland for this season at Red Wiggler! I graduated from VCU in 2018 with a degree in social work taking a special interest in food security. During college, I worked in a restaurant and interned at a nonprofit urban garden which sparked my passion for the importance of local food systems and the needs of various vulnerable populations. This is my first opportunity to work on a farm and I am loving it! Learning new things every day while working with wonderful people has been enriching. Can I stay forever?
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, biking, photography, and have recently started rock climbing. Im always on the go, either camping in the mountains or visiting my friends and family back in Richmond. My boyfriend and I love exploring new places, so Maryland is full of adventure for us both! I'm very unsure of what the future will bring, but I'm just along for the ride and soaking up every ounce of knowledge I can while working with RWCF. Can't wait for a great season!
Todd, Intern
Hi, my name is Todd and this is my second season back on the farm. I started last year near the end of the season as a weekly volunteer and now am back as an Intern. I graduated from UMBC in 2009 with a degree in Spatial Aspects of Disaster Response (combining Geographical Informational Systems with Emergency Health Services) and worked in disaster response/hospital setting for over 10 years.
After 10 years of that I decided it was time for a career change. I had a garden growing up and have always been active in the outdoors camping, hiking, running, and biking. I started taking (and passing) the Master Gardener and Master Naturalist courses and volunteered on a care farm and community farm in Virginia in 2018. After returning home to the Montgomery County area late 2018, I got connected to Red Wiggler and the rest is history.
Outside of the farm, I can be found reading, coaching a youth cross county team, turning compost bins at the Agriculture History Farm Park, or relaxing to a good movie, TV show, or game. I have an interest in composting, genealogy/history (American Revolution and Medieval Times) and singing along to Hamilton and Les Miserables".