Ya know how sometimes our passions come full circle?  

If you’ve read some of my story, you may know I was a biology teacher in Southern California for six years. I taught at Jefferson High—an inner-city school with a reputation for being high-risk. Back in the late ’80s, the school made headlines for riots, and by the time I arrived, it was still a place where life was tough for a lot of kids. But I loved my job.

At the time, I lived in a tiny bungalow in Venice Beach. Man oh man I loved that cozy, little casita. Before teaching, I’d been an assistant manager at a local Italian restaurant, where I served everything from pasta to egos. Some of my regulars were movie stars, while others were working hard to become movie stars. It was fun—for a while. But deep down, I was itching for something more meaningful. The idea of teaching had been tugging at my heart for years.

I’d thought about becoming a teacher right after college, but back then, I was young, idealistic, and a little naïve. Aren’t we all?  I’d heard all the horror stories about classroom management, especially in the tougher schools. More than one person told me I’d be “eaten alive.” And honestly, I believed them. But by my late twenties, I’d grown. I wasn’t a kid anymore—or so I thought. HA. I was ready to take on the challenge.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) was in desperate need of teachers, and I saw my chance. So, I applied for an emergency teaching credential. My first interview was at a middle school. The principal took one look at me and said, “Why in God’s name would you want to work at a middle school?” Not sure how she ever got a teacher to work there with that line. She wasn’t wrong—middle school is a unique battlefield but I thought it was what I wanted. She suggested I apply to a high school where my science degree could be put to better use.

That’s how I landed at Jefferson High.

Why I Love Teaching

The students at Jefferson were resilient, funny, and full of potential. They faced obstacles most of us couldn’t imagine—poverty, gang violence, unstable homes. Some days were hard. I would fall asleep grading papers at night and one time I nearly fell asleep at 6 pm driving on the 10 freeway. Teaching was EXHAUSTING. But when I walked into my classroom, I was met with curiosity, humor, and the occasional teenage drama.

I loved showing my students how science could help them understand the world around them, how biology wasn’t just something in a textbook but something they lived every day. We studied everything from genetics to ecosystems, and the most fun we had was doing experiments in the garden. 

Teaching isn’t just about academics. And to the teachers out there, let me know where you stand on this.  It’s about building trust, listening to stories, and sometimes just giving them a safe space to be themselves. Some of my strongest memories are of kids who just showed up to class after having a truancy record willing to try…or the kids, who on a camping trip with the hiking club (that I started of course) seeing the ocean for the first time. 

My point is: teaching is a journey.  It’s a 2-way street. It’s a dance between student and teacher together developing a relationship and finding their zone for learning and support. 

Eventually, my winding path led me to farming, but the passion for teaching never left. Today, I get to combine both of these loves: growing sustainable, organic food and teaching others how to thrive. Farming and teaching aren’t so different, after all—they’re both about planting seeds, nurturing growth, and watching something beautiful flourish.

Why I’m Teaching Farmers

Over the years, I’ve helped many farmers launch and grow their own CSA programs. As a mentor, I’ve guided them through challenges I’ve faced myself—balancing work and family, building a customer base, and managing the endless to-do list that comes with running a small farm. Becoming a farm coach has added a new dimension to my work. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see other farmers gain confidence and achieve their goals.

I know firsthand how overwhelming farming can be, especially when you’re juggling the demands of a farm with life’s other responsibilities. That’s why I’m devoted to helping new farmers develop the skills they need to succeed—without sacrificing their peace of mind, their nest egg, or their family time. Whether it’s mastering marketing strategies, streamlining operations, or learning to set boundaries, I’m here to share the tools and systems that have worked for me.

Do you know someone who could use my help? I want to talk to them. Please send this email to a new farmer you may know…

Let’s Build Your Farm Together

If you’re ready to take your farm to the next level—or you’re just getting started—I’d love to help you on your journey. Let’s find practical, real-time solutions that work for *your* farm and *your* life. My goal is to empower you to run a profitable, sustainable CSA while maintaining balance and joy.

If you own a farm and are struggling, I want to help.

New farmers, would you be willing to  Spend 15 minutes with me to help me develop my new course? I promise I won’t try to sell you a thing. I need to validate my course idea and make sure I’m on track to help new farmers. And talking to you will help me understand that.

Sound like something you can do? Let’s chat! Sign up for a ‘course call’ with me, and let’s start building the farm and the life you’ve been dreaming of. 🌱

Do you know someone who may be interested in developing their farm and would want to chat with me?  

Please forward this email to a new farmer in need of support or that avid home gardener ready to make the leap and get profitable!

-stay tuned HOME GARDENERS looking to grow more food for your family. Your course is coming next-