Farm Staff

Meet our staff

At Spring Brook Farm‚ our staff is highly experienced in the areas of outdoor‚ environmental and/or agricultural education. The staff’s experience in working with both children and agriculture provides an unparalleled learning experience for urban youth.

Eric Johnson‚ Executive Director

Eric is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Farms for City Kids Foundation and the Farm. This includes overseeing staff‚ budgeting‚ planning‚ trouble-shooting‚ and working on the Farm and in the fields. Eric has been with the Foundation since its inception in 1992.

Rob Macri, Education Director

Rob is responsible for the overall design and management of the Education Program. Rob joined the Foundation staff in 2002 and received his Masters in Education/Environmental Science in 2004. He can be found in the small animal barn or sharing his knowledge of the woods with the kids.

Micaela Barbour‚ Educator

Micaela received her BS in Dairy Science from the University of Vermont and participated in the school’s “CREAM” Dairy Management Program. Micaela joined the Farm family in 2005 and serves as Primary Animal Educator.

Billie Lambdin‚ Assistant Educator/Evening Activity Coordinator

Billie received her BA in Healing Arts and Environmental Science from Goddard College in Plainfield‚ VT. In order to further integrate teamwork and problem-solving opportunities with the Farm experience‚ Billie will focus her evening activities around adventure-based games and challenges.

Zach Fonner‚ Assistant Educator/Gardener

New to the Farm in 2008, Zach graduated from the University of Puget Sound in 2005, earning a B.A. degree in International Political Economy. He spent two years with Peace Corps Zambia teaching sustainable agriculture. Zach will be working in the barns as well as co-managing the garden.

Curt Allen‚ Field Foreman & Chief Sugar Maker

Curt is instrumental in field and equipment upkeep‚ milks in the dairy barn and also serves as the Deputy Fire Chief with the Reading Volunteer Fire Department. Curt has been a Farms for City Kids employee since 1993.

Gary Vittum‚ Operations Manager

Gary uses his love and knowledge of the Farm to keep it running efficiently and looking its best. He also can be found talking and laughing with the kids in both the dairy barn and dorm. Gary is the Chief of the Reading Volunteer Fire Department.

Rachel Oakes‚ Herdsperson

Rachel joined Farms for City Kids in the spring of 2006. She manages the health of all farm animals‚ a task that includes maintaining the herd’s nutritional requirements‚ milking and breeding. Rachel‚ a 2004 graduate of the University of Vermont‚ was also a member of the school’s “CREAM” program.

Michele Palazzo‚ Herdsperson

Michele joined the Farm in Spring 2008. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2000 with a BS in Dairy Management, participated in their first "CREAM" program and worked at their teaching and research facility. You will see Michele every afternoon with the kids, teaching them the proper techniques to handle the cows and their milk for the Farm's cheese production.

Karen Barr‚ Head Cook

Karen uses her culinary skills to make delicious home-cooked meals for the students and teachers. A Reading native‚ Karen previously managed the kitchen at Reading Elementary School for 10 years. Karen joined our team in 2004.

Kristin Haney‚ evening Cook

Kristin joined the Farms For City Kids team this year bringing with her many years of experience in the kitchen. Kristin has over 7 years experience working with the Upper Valley Senior Center and Meals on Wheels. She can COOK!