Executive Director
John Edel
Hobbies/Day Job/Special Interests: My day job is parenting, but my hobby is building vertical farms. (Read more about John here.)
Director of Operations
Melanie Hoekstra
Hobbies/Day Job/Special Interests: I’m lucky to say this is my day job. When I’m not here, I’m usually tending my garden, reading books on neurology and ecology, riding my bike, cooking, or making fancy home decorations & furniture. I graduated with a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law with a focus on Environmental and Energy Law in 2010 and with an M.S. in Environmental Management and Sustainability from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2011.
Farm Manager
Carla McGarrah
Hobbies/Day Job/Special Interests: This is my day job! My night/morning job is cooking up handmade and organic small-batch soap creations and bath bombs for Alewyfe Farm Soaps and Sundries. Otherwise, you’ll find me reading about or practicing permaculture, urban homesteading, guerilla gardening, beekeeping, homebrewing, cooking, canning, and riding my bike all over Chicago (and beyond). I studied at the University of Chicago and have a BA in Culinary Arts from Kendall College, and am so excited to be part of this project and to produce as much local, ethical, nutritious and delicious food as we can!
Growing Systems Manager
Jason Axt
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I have been swept up in the urban agriculture movement. Learning from some of the most awe inspiring examples of urban ag, I have developed a passion for growing food aquaponicly and teaching others about food independence. When not growing food I enjoy exploring outdoors and learning from nature. I have a B.S. in Architectural Studies from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and interned at Sweet Water Foundation since March 2011 designing and developing aquaponic systems.
Photo Documentarian and Mycologist
Rachel Swenie
Hobbies/Day Job/Special Interests: Photography, riding bicycles, eating food, Chicago history.
