We are a five-person farm crew again this season, with Doug and Kayleigh co-managing the farm, Coleman Wadsworth and Alexis Mantis as our two seasonal apprentices, and Paula Jordan as Head Start mobile market manager.

Coleman grew up nearby in Newton, Massachusetts. College led him to the University of Vermont, where he studied zoology and agriculture. He is also a musician who plays drums in a band called the Underwater Bear Ballet. Coleman’s farming passion is fruit!

Alexis’ first taste of farming was on a grass-fed dairy and bakehouse in New Jersey. This internship earned her a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, led her to pursue small scale farming in Germany, and to the University of Maine for their sustainable agriculture program. Alexis brings experience teaching children about farming and food justice work.

Paula returns to the Gaining Ground crew for her third year as Head Start mobile market manager. Before this position, Paula was involved with Gaining Ground as an intern and was also a volunteer for more than eight years. She brings extensive teaching experience with young children, yoga, gardening, and everything in-between.

In the office, Fan Watkinson returns for her third year as outreach, recipient, and volunteer program manager. She spends time indoors and outdoors with the farm crew, volunteers, and recipients. This year, she will be working with development and office manager Amy Capofreddi.

Prior to joining Gaining Ground as development and office manager, Amy Capofreddi worked as associate director of development at Two Ten Footwear Foundation. She also spent eight years at Nashoba Brooks School of Concord as director of the annual fund and leadership development. Amy is currently co-president of the board of directors at the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, where she had been an active member of the board for five years. Amy is excited to be back working in Concord, supporting a mission that truly makes a difference to those in need.

Amy grew up in Boxborough and currently resides in West Concord with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, Amy loves to hike, cook, and spend time with friends and family.