Our Staff

Originally from Bucks County, Sam began his farming career in central Virginia in 2010. After two growing seasons, Sam became the Farm Manager for Project GROWS, a youth oriented, educational non-profit farm from 2012-2016. With hopes of getting back to his roots in Bucks County, Sam left VA to manage the River park Farm in New York City. There he cultivated a unique set of production skills involving high quality, chef inspired produce. Over the years he has not only matured into a strong farmer but has developed a passion for teaching and growing a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable generation of young farmers and community builders.

Ben Crooke is from Bucks County. He grew up on a local dairy farm where he learned to love working with cows, equipment, other livestock and the land. Being raised in the barn, field, and farm shop by a supportive, loving family instilled in Ben a great passion for farming. Active in local and state 4-H programs, Ben showed and judged cows and attended leadership conferences. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Animal Science, then for seven years worked on his family’s dairy farm and with his own dairy herd. More recently Ben ran his own dairy supply business, supplying dairy farmers in a 10-county area. After selling the business, Ben joined Carversville Farm Foundation in 2022 as the crop farmer/mechanic. He grows hay and other crops and fixes equipment on the farm. Some of his favorite things to do on the farm are helping others solve problems and creatively plan for what’s next in crop and livestock production. His wife and four young, energetic children are a constant source of strong support and inspiration. Ben really enjoys working with an upbeat, positive team on the farm, to produce healthy food for people in need.

Brenna grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She went to school for Equine science and found her love for working outdoors through working with horses. After graduating, she worked on a small, organic farm and that is when her love for farming began. She started at Carversville Farm Foundation in spring 2022 and enjoys everything that is done here in support of the farm`s mission. She has taken charge of the production of the shitake mushrooms, which has become one of her favorite things to grow and harvest. She hopes to have her own small, sustainable farm one day and use all of the knowledge that she is learning at Carversville Farm.

Matt's farming journey began over 15 years ago with what he thought would be just a few backyard egg-layers. Often referred to as “the gateway drug to farming,” those first chickens quickly led to the addition of two family milk cows, Leah and Naomi - and from there, his passion for sustainable agriculture only grew.

‍
In 2014, Matt turned that passion into a profession, becoming the assistant manager at a farm in Upstate NY. By 2018, he advanced to the role of Farm Manager, overseeing the production of high-quality, pasture-raised meats and organically certified eggs. In 2022, he moved to Bucks County to manage a neighboring CSA, where he expanded operations, and introduced pork, chicken, turkey, and lamb to the farm’s offerings.

‍
Beyond farming, Matt has always been driven by a deeper purpose - using agriculture to serve others. He has worked at two non-profit farms, one serving individuals with special needs and another assisting those overcoming addiction. These experiences reinforced his belief that farming is not just about growing food; it’s about cultivating relationships, fostering resilience, nurturing the land for future generations, and ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most—values that align perfectly with Carversville Farm Foundation’s mission.

‍
Matt joined Carversville Farm Foundation in December 2024, eager to bring his experience and passion to a team that shares his commitment to food equity and sustainable farming. He looks forward to many years of growing not just food, but opportunity and impact for the farm’s partners and the communities they serve.

‍

Stephanie became CFF's first employee in 2014 and has been the Farm Administrator ever since. She holds a Communications degree from Millersville University and worked in Marketing before the farming world presented itself the opportunity of a lifetime.  She is involved in all aspects of CFF except the actual farming, although she isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty!  She handles everything from accounting to placing equipment and seed orders, to onboarding new staff, vendor negotiations and more.

Tony grew up in South Philadelphia and South Jersey. After college, he tried on many careers from being a librarian to working at one of the world’s largest consulting firms.  He soon discovered that he was an entrepreneur at heart.  He founded two successful companies in the human capital market (HCM) field that he manages to this day. Soon, the success of these companies allowed Tony and his wife Amy to financially support various non-profits focusing on inner city children and education.  

In 2013, feeling that just writing checks wasn’t enough, Tony and Amy decided to become social entrepreneurs and founded Carversville Farm Foundation (CFF), a not for profit 350 acre farm located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  They wanted to apply their skills, time, and money to take direct action to help alleviate hunger in the greater Philadelphia area.

Knowing that only the richest one percent of our country can afford to purchase the most expensive, best tasting and healthiest foods available, they thought, ‘Why shouldn’t the underserved experience the same thing?’ and CFF was born.  The farm produces the best organically certified vegetables, pasture-raised meats and eggs available anywhere.  Everything is custom-grown and predictably available for donation to community kitchens and free farmer’s markets.  In addition, CFF provides onsite food and nature-related education and tours.  All products and services are provided to our partners free of charge ,year-round.  

‍

Kenny’s passion for the environment began along the Jersey shore, where he spent much of his childhood hiking, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. As an avid outdoorsman and competitive tennis player, he always knew he wanted a career that kept him active and connected to the land. During his senior year at Ramapo College, an internship as a farm crew member at M.E.V.O. in Mahwah, NJ sparked his interest in vegetable farming—and soon after, he realized this was the career path he wanted to pursue.

What excites Kenny most about Carversville Farm Foundation is being part of an experienced, motivated team dedicated to growing and giving the highest-quality food to those who need it most. His passion for fitness and nutrition ties directly to the mission—he believes that access to fresh, locally grown, organic food empowers people to thrive and become the best versions of themselves.

Outside of farming, Kenny enjoys staying active, whether it’s playing tennis, fishing along the beach, or wading through creeks and rivers.

Nicole’s roots are  in Levittown, PA, where she developed a deep appreciation for creativity, hard work, and community. She initially pursued an Art degree at Bucks County Community College before her adventurous spirit led her to Philadelphia in search of new career experiences. There she managed a small sandwich shop, took on the fast-paced world of bike delivery, and broke barriers to become the first woman on a small, but rapidly growing, dispatch delivery team. While she found fulfillment in these roles, she longed to be outdoors, working with her hands and reconnecting with the land.

‍
That desire brought her back home, where she found her true calling in sustainable agriculture. She began farming at a small family-owned organic non-profit, where she honed her  skills in renewable farming, and deepened her connection to  the local community. With every season, she continues to grow - just like the crops she nurtures.

‍
Nicole is passionate about sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and making a meaningful impact through farming. As part of Carversville Farm Foundation, she is dedicated to ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most, all while fostering a deeper respect for the land. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond the fields, as she strives to build a healthier, more sustainable future for the global community - one harvest at a time.

‍

Maggie has always felt at home in nature. Growing up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, she developed a deep love for animals and the outdoors, which led her to pursue a degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management at Delaware Valley University. She graduated in December 2024, eager to turn her passion into meaningful work.

In March 2025, Maggie joined Carversville Farm Foundation as a seasonal livestock farmer, excited to gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming. After the 2025 growing season, she officially came on board as a full-time member of the Carversville team — a transition that reflects both her dedication and her growing commitment to the farm’s mission. She’s particularly drawn to the connection between ethical animal care, conservation, and providing nourishing food to those in need.

Maggie is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside experienced farmers, learn from their expertise, and contribute to a mission-driven team. She looks forward to growing her skills, making a difference, and exploring how conservation and regenerative, organic farming can work together to build a healthier, more sustainable food system.

Ryan hails from Westminster, Maryland where he developed a deep appreciation for history and community. While studying Political Science and History at The George Washington University, a part-time job at a local farm sparked his passion for regenerative agriculture - setting him on a path from city life to hands-on farming This passion led him to a ranching apprenticeship in Montana, where he gained a deeper understanding of sustainable food systems and land stewardship.

In the Spring of 2024, Ryan joined Carversville Farm Foundation, drawn to its mission of providing nourishing, healthy food to those facing hunger. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that his daily work directly improves people’s lives - helping to create a more equitable food system. Beyond farming, Ryan continues to share his love for agriculture as a social media coordinator for the very same farm where his journey began, bridging the gap between farmers and the broader community by telling the stories of those who grow our food.

Ryan is proud to be part of a team dedicated to making fresh, organic food accessible to all, and he brings both passion and purpose to his role at Carversville Farm Foundation.

‍

Ken is a lifelong resident of Hilltown, Bucks County, and a proud graduate of Pennridge High School and Moravian University, where he earned a B.A. in History. His deep roots in the local farming community began at age 14, working on area farms harvesting hay and grain. Over the years, Ken has gained extensive experience in beef production, lamb and wool husbandry, sheep shearing, and feed manufacturing.

He spent over a decade managing a racing stable of 18 Standardbred trotting horses and later ran a historic farm museum where he practiced traditional, horse-powered farming. Whether working with livestock, restoring agricultural heritage, or supporting sustainable practices, Ken’s life has been devoted to the land and those who depend on it.

Outside of farming, Ken’s love for teamwork extended onto the soccer field, where he played and captained at the youth, high school, collegiate, and club levels, including international tournaments. He now enjoys time with his beautiful wife - his elementary school sweetheart - and their two daughters. Together, they attend Moravian Central Church in Bethlehem, a congregation rooted in social justice and equality.

Ken brings his lifelong dedication to agriculture and community to Carversville Farm Foundation, where he is proud to support its mission of growing fresh, organic food for those in need.

Ryan is an organic vegetable farmer at Carversville Farm Foundation, where he is committed to growing nutritious, sustainably produced food for communities in need. Growing up in New Jersey, Ryan developed a deep connection to nature and gardening, sparking a lifelong passion for regenerative agriculture and food equity.
With experience on market and CSA farms, as well as a background in organic horticulture, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and a dedication to farming practices that nourish both people and the planet. He believes in the power of plants and music to thrive together, transforming lives and finding inspiration in the natural rhythms of the land, blending his love of farming with a deep respect for the environment.

‍
At Carversville, Ryan is proud to be part of a team that works to ensure fresh, organic produce reaches underserved communities. By growing high-quality vegetables with care and intention, he helps advance the farm’s mission of making healthy, delicious food accessible to all.

‍

Zach has a passion for land management. A lifelong local and lover of the outdoors, he graduated from DelVal University with a degree in business administration. Zach enjoys managing extensive properties and his previous experience includes five years at Pleasant Valley Farm in Hopewell, NJ. Now at CFF he keeps the property ship-shape, with close attention to every detail. Zach says his favorite part of working at CFF is the positive work culture, which he himself embodies by always being willing to lend a hand. Zach simply cannot get enough of the outdoors, so after a day of working outside on the farm, his favorite pastime is hiking and exploring with his beloved yellow lab.

‍

Wendy’s passion for agriculture, conservation, and community runs deep. Growing up in a small New Jersey farming town, she spent summers picking vegetables on her uncle’s farm and winters helping in her family’s butcher shop. As the granddaughter of a wildlife conservationist, she learned early on the importance of stewarding the land and supporting local food systems.

Raised in a home where the door was always open to those in need, Wendy understands the power of a shared meal and a helping hand. That same spirit of generosity is what led her to join the Carversville Farm Foundation team in the Spring of 2025 as Digital Communications Specialist. In her role, Wendy is dedicated to telling the story of CFF and its partners–ensuring the mission of providing fresh, organic, sustainably grown food to those facing food insecurity reaches and resonates with more people.

With more than 25 years in marketing communications, Wendy brings a passion for strategic storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects. She’s honored to support the Carversville mission and to be part of a team working toward a more equitable, sustainable food system. Her work focuses on elevating voices, amplifying impact, and making the heart of CFF’s mission not only visible–but deeply felt.

Grateful to be part of such a meaningful mission, Wendy finds balance in time spent with her family, getting her hands in her garden, and running agility courses with her two Shih Tzus.

Owen grew up just a short drive away, in Abington, Pennsylvania. He majored in environmental studies at Towson University and competed on their NCAA swim team. After graduating, he began looking for a career in the environmental field and learned of CFF.

Since coming on as an apprentice in February 2022, Owen grew into a full-time livestock employee, gaining hands-on experience across the farm’s animal programs. As of December 2025, he stepped into the role of Assistant Livestock Manager — a reflection of his dedication, growing expertise, and leadership in animal care and farm operations. He has a particular interest in animal welfare and livestock production and enjoys the purpose-driven work to produce and donate as much as possible.

Owen says he is grateful for the opportunity to learn from all of the experienced people here, and excited to continue pursuing a career in livestock farming.

Matthew Tomlinson grew up in Bucks County with a deep appreciation for real, organic food and a strong commitment to giving back to the community. As Carversville Farm Foundation’s dedicated delivery driver, he plays a vital role in connecting the farm’s sustainably grown produce and pastured proteins with the people who need it most in the local Philadelphia area.

‍
Matthew takes pride in ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches underserved communities, finding fulfillment in the. the gratitude of those who benefit from his deliveries. His work is more than just transportation - it’s about bridging the gap between sustainable farming and food access, making a tangible impact on people’s lives.

‍
With an educational background in English, Matthew values creativity and storytelling, which he expresses through his artistic pursuits as a musician and cartoonist. He is proud to be part of a mission-driven team working to create a healthier, more equitable food system for all.

‍

Steven Tomlinson is a farmer and designer dedicated to advancing organic and regenerative agriculture. With a degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute and a Permaculture Design certification, he blends creative problem-solving with ecological land stewardship.

Steven began his farming career in 2009 as an apprentice on several organic vegetable farms. From 2012 to 2016, he founded and managed Great Road Farm in Skillman, New Jersey, where he grew high-quality vegetables for Agricola restaurant in Princeton and co-authored the Agricola Cookbook.

As the Farm Director at Carversville Farm Foundation, Steven plays a vital role in developing and shaping the farm’s mission-driven model—growing nutrient-dense food using organic practices to supply community kitchens and food pantries across Greater Philadelphia and Bucks County. He’s proud to lead a team of passionate farmers dedicated to nourishing people, regenerating the land, and building a more equitable food system.

Rooted in both design and agriculture, Steven brings creativity and systems thinking to everything he does—cultivating farming systems that are resilient, productive, and deeply connected to community.

Callie is a 10-year-old dilute calico domestic short-hair cat who joined the Carversville Farm team in early 2017 after being adopted from the Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska. She may have had a rough start – over six months in the shelter, a failed adoption, and a reputation for being less than fond of other animals – but we saw something special in her: fierce independence, sharp instincts, and a whole lot of untapped potential.

Callie quickly proved herself as an exceptional mouser, but we knew she couldn’t handle the whole farm solo–though we’re pretty sure she would’ve tried. She needed a partner she’d tolerate (or at least not chase off the property). Enter Eli: a timid tabby with impeccable manners and no desire to start drama. Somehow, his quiet vibe won her over. They’ve been an unlikely formidable, pest control dream team ever since - keeping our barns rodent-free and running smoothly.

Though Callie carries herself with serious "business-cat" energy - running a tight ship with zero tolerance for rodent nonsense – she’s surprisingly friendly with people. She’s often the first to greet visitors in the driveway, especially if there's a chance of attention or admiration. Confident, capable, and unapologetically herself, Callie reminds us that every cat deserves a second chance–and maybe a job title worthy of her sass.

Eli is a 10-year-old brown and black domestic short-hair tabby cat, also adopted from the Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska. He joined the Carversville Farm Foundation team in early 2017. He may have started out as a shy newcomer, but he’s become a quiet force at Carversville Farm. Hand-picked to be Callie’s partner in pest control, Eli brings balance to the barn cat duo with his gentle demeanor and sharp hunting skills. The pair are an unstoppable rodent-fighting team, keeping our barns and feed-supplies critter-free.

In the winter of 2019, Eli took his duties a bit too seriously when he chased an intruding cat 50 feet up a tree. While the stranger made a clean getaway, Eli took a tumble. Thanks to the attentive care of our farm manager and a successful surgery to repair his leg, he made a full recovery and returned to duty with his signature quiet determination.

Now fully back in action, Eli patrols the barns and fields with quiet focus - low to the ground, and always one paw ahead of the mice. He takes his job seriously, but still makes time for sunny naps, head scratches from the staff, and greeting our farm visitors. He’s even been known to charm newcomers into letting him sneak into the office. We’re lucky to have him on the team - and so are our feed bins.