Meet our Farm Summer Staff

Ben Murray- Farm Director

I love to go for long bike rides late at night during the summer and finding all the nocturnal creatures out and about. I am hoping to be reunited with the small black bear that we saw running down the bank the other night. For me summer is always a great time to do building projects and other repairs that I've been putting off during the cold months. The onion... so many layers and hidden secrets!

Andy Hill- Full-time Educator

My favorite thing to do outside in summer is weave baskets. My favorite animals on the farm are the sheep and the oxen. I am really looking forward to having lots of fresh farm vegetables to eat this summer. I most identify with pumpkins because they are cute but tough.

Andy Hill- Full-time Educator

My favorite thing to do outside in summer is weave baskets. My favorite animals on the farm are the sheep and the oxen. I am really looking forward to having lots of fresh farm vegetables to eat this summer. I most identify with pumpkins because they are cute but tough.Allen Gabriel- Barn Team Lead

My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is probably making and hanging out at campfires, sharing stories and songs. I know all of the animals at the farm, but my favorite are the Oxen. As crazy as it may sound, I am super excited to attack a lot of floral rose this summer and clear and build some new fence lines! I think identify with snap peas, I feel like we share the same wild enthusiasm for the sun and summer.

Sadie Auciello- Summer Educator

I'm finishing up my first year at Smith College as a (probably) education and (maybe) environmental science major! My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is going swimming by waterfalls! I am most excited to meet the pigs (I've always wanted a pet pig). I'm looking forward to going on exciting adventures with all of the awesome people I'm going to meet, and learning more about farming and taking care of the animals! If I was a fruit I would be a clementine because I thrive in the sun and like to make people happy :)

Desi Perez- Junior Summer Program Staff

In the summer, I love to go to the beach, go on walks, and do pretty much anything outside, especially with family/friends. I am most excited to be with the goats on the farm, there is never a dull moment with them and I love how sweet and goofy they are. This summer I am looking forward to be a part of the Red Gate community I’ve always loved in a slightly different way than I have been involved in the past. Working here this summer is definitely going to be a core full circle memory I’ll have for the rest of my life. If I was a fruit or vegetable I would be a pineapple because like a pineapple I thrive in different environments, bring a little sweetness to every situation, and I have a good balance between strength and compassion/comfort that brings my personality together.

Little J- the lone 2026 Lamb

I’m the spring season’s most miraculous surprise- I delayed my arrival to keep all the Farmers on their toes and came out ready for the world and all its wonder. My favorite this to do in the summer is frolic in the fields and make kids smile! I’m looking forward to tasting all the changing grasses and flowers as the seasons roll by. I identify most with a grape because I like to stay in a group and have lots of friends.

Zoe Malouf- Full-time Educator

My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is to swim in waterfalls and rivers and go camping. I'm excited for our piglets to join the farm. I'm excited to harvest food from our garden with the kids. I identify with a zucchini because it is a reliable and very giving plant.

Samari Hall- Summer Educator

I enjoy going on mild hikes and light swimming during the summer days, and absolutely adore stargazing at night. I love to frolic and be whimsical. I am an avid animal lover, so I am excited for them all! I hope to befriend a couple of them. I am looking forward to the opportunity of gaining farm skills, as it has been a long time interest of mine. I also hope to create good memories with the children and team. I would say I identify with zucchini; you have people that are absolutely infatuated by it, while most are more indifferent or find it only slightly unappealing. Though it seems boring and nutritious, it can fare incredibly well in sweets ( I love zucchini bread).

Liz Mahon- Summer Educator

Every summer I always look forward to early morning hikes, camping with friends, and reading in my hammock. What animal are you most excited to meet on the farm? I'm really excited to meet the pigs. I think they're such smart animals. What are you most looking forward to this summer? I'm looking forward to spending my days outside, living on a farm, and helping campers build confidence, curiosity, and a connection to nature. What fruit or vegetable do you most identify with and why? I relate to garlic because it's versatile, dependable, and makes most of my favorite foods better.

Lydia Klein- Farm Kitchen Manager

In the summer i loooove to swim and marvel at the greenery. I love goats! I am looking forward to garden/kitchen collaboration and cooking yummy food for everyone here at RGF. I identify most with tomatoes don't ask me why.

Sydney Treuer- Assistant Farm Director

My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is hunt for bugs with my toddler Robin. She has a keen eye and great courage when it comes to picking up insects. I love the goats! Wallace and Gromet are simply delightful. I am looking forward to watching kids discover the wonder of cucamelons! I am most like a broccoli. 

Hannah Howard- Full-time Educator

My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is find a nice sunny rock by a body of water and swim and enjoy the sun with some fresh fruit and a good book. I am most excited to meet our pigs! Pigs are excellent for minimizing food waste. This summer I am most looking forward to working in the garden with campers and getting to enjoy the fruits of the season's labors! I most identify with a strawberry because I'm at my best when lightly warmed by the sun.

Rosa Stegeman- Summer Educator

I grew up exploring the woods and rivers of the pioneer valley. My favorite things to do in the summer are swim in rivers and lakes, build camp fires, and go hiking. I am excited to introduce the campers to some of my favorite plants and trees this summer, work on crafting projects, and to work with the animals. My favorite vegetable changes a lot, but I have been really enjoying asparagus recently, and I love its shape. I am excited to meet you all!

Kailei Leo-Farol- Summer Educator

I'm a current student at smith college and Im so excited to be a summer educator! My favorite thing to do outside in the summer is painting or swimming! I am so excited to meet the goats they seem so silly. Something I'm looking forward to this summer is having as much fun as possible with everyone!! The fruit I identify most with is a pomegranate because I'm full of surprises!!

Amanda Kingsley- Office Administrator

In the summer I love swimming with my kids, paddle boarding, camping, and dinners outside! I’m a big fan of the farm pigs; they always make me smile :) I’m looking forward to all the sounds of happy kids discovering and care-taking the spaces here. I identify most with a raspberry- I’m sweet with just the right amount of tang.

Cassandra Ellis- Farm Cook

In the summer I like to swim and garden, and watch my kids and my flowers grow. I love horses, but second best are pigs. Vegetable… hmmm…. that’s a hard one. I’m going with arugula - Tender. Strong flavor. Surprisingly tasty. More versatile than the usual salad green.