Katrina Rose Udle
Greenhouse & Field Manager
Katrina had never farmed before coming to Early Girl but has a natural affinity with the fields. Her mother, Paula, works for a nursery and can identify any flower or tree. Katrina is well traveled. She has lived in Spain and received her Yoga Teacher Training in Nepal. Katrina has been a vegan most of her life and LOVES animals and insects of all kinds. She is also a metalsmith and makes gorgeous jewelry. Katrina recently started surfing again to get in the ocean and to channel the spirit of her guardian angel…her Dad. In her words, “I love getting to watch the plants come to life. From seeding and imagining what they’ll become, to transplanting and caring for them until finally harvesting. It’s magical to watch the farm, and each individual plant, transform.”
Marco Tocay
Field & Production Crew
Marco (a.k.a El Artista) is from the beautiful land of Guatemala and has farming in his blood. It is his way of life at home. Marco just purchased a small piece of land from his grandfather with tamarind and mango trees which he is very excited about. He is unsurpassed at understanding when something is ripe and has an eye for quality that is unparalleled. He loves the plants! One summer Marco didn’t have the heart to pull a tomato that volunteered in the corner of the greenhouse. He nursed it and wanted it to grow…we called it “Marco’s tomato” and it outgrew all the others by a mile… Marco also loves to dance and act. He was in a comedy troop back in Guatemala. He is a man of many talents with a heart of gold.
Schuyler Hadaway
Field & Production Crew
Schuyler hails from Maryland and was raised to love the great outdoors. Her parents prioritized the importance of spending time in nature as a family, whether that be planting daffodil bulbs, taking a hike in the woods, or foraging for morels. She has great tenderness in her attitude toward caring for the plants, her colleagues, and all creatures great and small.
In her words “Farming is so beautiful in the way that it connects us with the earth and begs us to do better-to improve our relationship with the soil, the plants that find their way to our plates taste almost like a revolution. Perhaps, something as simple as spinach can translate to a shift in thinking on a much larger scale, one that we might want to share with others. Perhaps, a hand-picked bouquet makes all the difference in a friend’s tough day and then inspires them to do something nice for a neighbor. In this way, farming allows us to cultivate so much more than what meets the eye, and hopefully, makes the world a better place”.
Denise LaBelle
CSA Pick-Up Manager
Field & Production Crew
Denise has volunteered with Early Girl since the business began about 10 years ago. She had a long and accomplished career as a Registered Nurse and recently retired. That nursing spirit of tender love and kindness is imparted in everything she does.
She has 6 children and 14 grandchildren! She feels blessed to be able to see them all frequently and takes advantage of every moment. Her youngest daughter, the infamous Meghan, works the CSA pick-up each week. In her words, ” I have volunteered for 8 years and still find so much to learn and appreciate thru nature. My hobbies include; gardening, cooking, baking, reading , travel and of course my family. I love my days at the farm, they are so special. They bring so much peace, joy and education. I also love meeting and talking with all the wonderful, interesting people who come to our CSA. They all add a unique and wonderful addition the farm family.”
Eleanor Cunniffe
Field & Production Crew
Eleanor is our newest staff member. She is sweet and easygoing. We feel very fortunate to have her working with us.
Born and raised on Long Island, Eleanor was influenced by her “crunchy” Moms. She grew up with siblings, cats, dogs, chickens, and a love for the great outdoors. When she sent me her resume it said “There are not many things in life that excite me and farming is one.”
Eleanor has interned on two beautiful farms. Edible Uprising Farm in the Hudson Valley and, through her studies at the Rubenstein School and Environment and Natural Resources, interned on an organic non-profit farm in Burlington Vermont.
Samantha Sathers
Field & Production Crew
Samantha is an artist and is called to be creative in the kitchen with everything we grow at Early Girl. It’s thrilling to see her collecting herbs or harvesting ingredients for something delicious she is making in our kitchen. She loves to share and make people happy through her artistry at the stove. She is also an amazing farmer with incredible strength and focus.
In her words…, ” After going to culinary school and becoming a chef I became much more interested in sustainable cooking and agriculture. I also really enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors, so farm work and farm-to-table cooking felt like a natural next step. I love everything about farming. I’ve only ever worked on EGF but I know it’s one of the most special places on earth. I get to be surrounded by beautiful plants and animals (and the coolest women) all day. I’m constantly learning from all of them. Every task requires all of you- mentally, and physically- it’s like a working meditation. I leave so filled with joy and appreciation and so so tired and filthy. It’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
Meghan Labelle
CSA Pick Up Star
Farm Stand Crew
In her words, ” My full name is Meghan Marie LaBelle . I am 25 years old I have 5 siblings and live in Sayville. I work at Stop and Shop in the bakery department and like to bring Patty goodies. I work at Early Girl farm on Friday and Saturday with my best friend Patty . I love working there because I like to see people saying hi, have a good day , have a good weekend and enjoy the weekend. I like to see their happy faces and smiles when I give them the CSA bag and extras. I love to see my mom and all the people who work there. I love them.”
Claire Orsino
Volunteer
Claire is an angel and leads a busy life devoted to the caring of others. She volunteers with hospice to help families in need of support during very challenging times. She has never farmed before but LOVES nature and gardening. She learned to do everything from fieldwork to serving our CSA customers in the blink of an eye. Her generous spirit and love for life uplift us all.
Amy Sacks
Volunteer
Amy has been a “full time volunteer” at the farm for the past two years. She is willing to do anything and is fully invested in the farm’s success. She artfully displays flowers to beautify the farm stand each week and has now started a flower farm in her back yard. We rely on her incredible energy and generosity. The farm wouldn’t be the same without her.
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