Our Team
Dynamic wisdom, compassion, and practical experience
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Each member of our diverse intergenerational team shares a commitment to finding a new way of working together that honors our common purpose equally with our individual interest. There is a deep recognition that the sum of who we are together is greater than any one of us individually. |
Brandon Costelloe-Kuehn PhD is a teacher, researcher, and writer, whose work focuses on sustainability, design and innovation. In his teaching and writing, he has explored the use of new forms of media to address the challenges of effectively communicating complex environmental, scientific, and political issues, in order to encourage greater public participation, and a higher level of civic literacy. Brandon has taught courses on “Sustainability Problems and Solutions” and “A Century of Environmental Thought,” at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and developed curricula on ecological literacy, sustainability, and asthma politics at RPI. He has written extensively on science, technology, and the environment, and has authored and co-authored articles published in scientific journals and online, and presented at professional conferences.
Brandon served as video editor of the Journal of Cultural Anthropology and the Capital District Community Gardens, and as a critical media literacy educator at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Brandon served as video editor of the Journal of Cultural Anthropology and the Capital District Community Gardens, and as a critical media literacy educator at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Dan Kittredge is director of the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign, and past executive director of Remineralize the Earth. Dan grew up on a farm, the son of two prominent leaders in the organic farming movement: Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge. He manages two organic farms currently, and has worked directly with farmers in Central America, Russia and India as well as across the USA researching and developing sustainable agriculture techniques.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
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How to Navigate this page and to get to know us better
The team tab shows the entire team in alphabetical order by first name. The additional tabs show people by specific areas of expertise. People are highlighted in one section but almost universally have expertise in additional areas.
We are a team that spans the generations. We have come together with a shared commitment to finding a new way of working that honors equally our common purpose and our individual interest. We each yearn to make a difference for ourselves and for future generations, by ushering in a new way of living and being together with each other and with the land that sustains us. There is a profound recognition that the sum of who we are together is greater than any one of us individually. We seek to forge new ways of working collegially, with practices that create more transparent communication and better access our individual talents as we embody our shared vision.
Our range of expertise is substantial. Our careers have included soil science, eco-therapy, finance, law, education, sales, technology, banking, art, health and nutrition, organizational development, ministry, coaching, catering, psychotherapy, and youth leadership development under the aegis of the United Nations. But our individual experience and training, significant as it is, is weaved together in a shared and multicolored tapestry held together by our common commitment to living a life of service, curiosity, awareness. and respect. The gratitude we feel for how the earth and our friendships have nourished us inspires us to action to help regenerate a new balance and beauty in our relationships to each other and to the planet.
Our range of expertise is substantial. Our careers have included soil science, eco-therapy, finance, law, education, sales, technology, banking, art, health and nutrition, organizational development, ministry, coaching, catering, psychotherapy, and youth leadership development under the aegis of the United Nations. But our individual experience and training, significant as it is, is weaved together in a shared and multicolored tapestry held together by our common commitment to living a life of service, curiosity, awareness. and respect. The gratitude we feel for how the earth and our friendships have nourished us inspires us to action to help regenerate a new balance and beauty in our relationships to each other and to the planet.
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Andrew Faust is a permaculture designer and consultant, an educator, and a business owner with a permaculture design certification from The Farm in Summertown, TN. He has studied at the School for Designing a Society, Gesundheit! Institute, and has taught permaculture design at The Center for Bioregional Living, The Open Center in New York, and Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren, Vermont.
Andrew owns and operates “Edible Garden Design,” and “The Center for Bioregional Living, ” which provide permaculture consultation and instruction and natural landscaping services. They supply vegetables to local restaurants and farmer’s markets. Andrew’s accomplishments include designing comprehensive ecologically intelligent landscapes, including wastewater treatment systems; sustainable forest management; restoration of stream corridors, wetlands, and headwaters; designing and siting natural buildings; rotational grazing areas for dairy and meat production; orchard design and layout; path mowing regimes; managing exotics; vegetable garden designs; composting; management of native perennial wildflowers and grasses, and setting up a water quality monitoring system along the main stem of the Greenbrier River. Andrew has also taught at the Upattinas Open Community High School, in Glenmoore, PA, educating and inspiring high school students by teaching history, science, English and social studies through the lens of ecological literacy. Andrew was on the Board of the Regional Infrastructure for Sustaining Agriculture in Southeastern PA, the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools, and the Upattinas Open Community School. |
Brandon Costelloe-Kuehn PhD is a teacher, researcher, and writer, whose work focuses on sustainability, design and innovation. In his teaching and writing, he has explored the use of new forms of media to address the challenges of effectively communicating complex environmental, scientific, and political issues, in order to encourage greater public participation, and a higher level of civic literacy. Brandon has taught courses on “Sustainability Problems and Solutions” and “A Century of Environmental Thought,” at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and developed curricula on ecological literacy, sustainability, and asthma politics at RPI. He has written extensively on science, technology, and the environment, and has authored and co-authored articles published in scientific journals and online, and presented at professional conferences.
Brandon served as video editor of the Journal of Cultural Anthropology and the Capital District Community Gardens, and as a critical media literacy educator at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Brandon served as video editor of the Journal of Cultural Anthropology and the Capital District Community Gardens, and as a critical media literacy educator at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Clare Rosenfield M.A., M.S., LCSW, is a writer, artist, and poet who is dedicated to finding the true north of her being, centered in expressing pure-heartedness in life, art, poetry, and essays. She illustrated five of her poetry collections, plays the harp and sings in the Threshhold Choir for Hospice of Westchester (www.outskirtspress.com/ninsunwisemother). Clare and her late husband, Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Dean for 22 years of the Mailman School of Public Health, have been active in creating positive change throughout their lives. They lived in Nigeria and Thailand where Clare co-authored a book on Siamese temple paintings, learned to speak Thai, and began her journey into Eastern teachings. She considers herself a spiritual kaleidoscope because of her love for seeing through the diverse lenses of many wisdom paths (Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sufi, Quaker) and finding their essential unity.
As director of the Global Healing Foundation, she facilitates long distance healings for the planet and each other (www.globalhealingfoundation.org). She founded a form of holistic psychotherapy called Contact Healing (www.contacthealing.com), which teaches tools for self-healing and compassion. As a stress reduction expert, she offers guided relaxations, meditations, and sound healing.
Clare is acutely aware of how we awaken together. Rather than pursuing a solo spiritual journey, we must join together to impact consciousness worldwide and to co-create a respectful, cooperative, and sustainable world. Our consciousness needs to grow to embrace all life and all species as our sisters and brothers. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren require this of us. We must be pro-active in saving the planet and in guiding our young to a meaningful, productive and regenerative lifestyle. Clare’s blog is www.inspiredponderingsbyclare.wordpress.com.
As director of the Global Healing Foundation, she facilitates long distance healings for the planet and each other (www.globalhealingfoundation.org). She founded a form of holistic psychotherapy called Contact Healing (www.contacthealing.com), which teaches tools for self-healing and compassion. As a stress reduction expert, she offers guided relaxations, meditations, and sound healing.
Clare is acutely aware of how we awaken together. Rather than pursuing a solo spiritual journey, we must join together to impact consciousness worldwide and to co-create a respectful, cooperative, and sustainable world. Our consciousness needs to grow to embrace all life and all species as our sisters and brothers. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren require this of us. We must be pro-active in saving the planet and in guiding our young to a meaningful, productive and regenerative lifestyle. Clare’s blog is www.inspiredponderingsbyclare.wordpress.com.
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Dan Kittredge is director of the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign, and past executive director of Remineralize the Earth. Dan grew up on a farm, the son of two prominent leaders in the organic farming movement: Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge. He manages two organic farms currently, and has worked directly with farmers in Central America, Russia and India as well as across the USA researching and developing sustainable agriculture techniques.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
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Elaine Valdov PhD was the internationally elected Chairwoman of the “Executive Committee of NGOs Affiliated with the United Nations between 1996 and 2001. In that role she traveled worldwide and was instrumental in the development of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). Since 1988 she as been a representative to the United Nations, helping to promote compassion, justice and human rights, and an advocate for people and organizations throughout the world.
As President and Founder of “International Peace Ambassadors” and “Young Leaders Summits”, she brought young leaders into the UN and to venues throughout the world, and has helped guide thousands of young persons on their “Life Quest” for meaning, purpose, contribution and joy. Dr. Valdov has been a frequent speaker and has held multiple positions, at the United Nations including: Chair – Executive Committee of NGOs affiliated with the UN; Chair - UN NGO University for Peace Committee; Director – “World Week of Peace”; Director - Task Force on Women, Empowerment, and Gender Equality; Vice Chair – “Millennium NGO Forum”; Member of the Millennium NGO Forum Advisory Committee for ushering the world into the New Millennium. Dr. Valdov has also held many NGO positions, including: Secretary General – Medical Assembly at the UN; Secretary General and Co-Founder – Youth Assembly at the UN; Executive Director –World Water Organization; President and Founder – International Peace Ambassadors, International Institute for a Culture of Peace; International Young Leaders Summits; Yoga Peace Ambassadors / Yogis Without Borders and International Young Leaders Forums. She has created peace initiatives for UNESCO’s “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World” and the UN “Millennium Development Goals” (dealing with global issues of poverty and hunger, women’s empowerment and equality, health, education and the environment). Dr. Valdov is a psychotherapist and trauma counselor in NYC, coaching individuals and organizations on “Finding Your Role in Creating a Culture of Peace.” Following 9/11, she co-founded “Kids’ Corner” and was the Director of September 11 Family Relations, and helped to establish programs in the US and abroad to assist families dealing with disasters. |
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John McMillin MD, PhD is a doctor and a regenerative social scientist, whose group, Land and Water Resources International (LAWRI), was instrumental in saving the people of the Ansokia Valley, Ethiopia in the1980s. Dr. McMillin and his team not only distributed food, but also introduced interdependent fish farming and gardening techniques, and a regenerative agricultural program, that would restore the fertility of the valley’s soil and develop healthy farms and crop distribution systems to ensure that such a disaster would never happened again. Before his arrival, many had died of starvation, and most survivors were malnourished with bloated stomachs, essentially waiting to die. A 250-acre pilot farm served as a testing ground for new farming
methods and crops never before grown in the valley, A tree nursery raised fast-growing trees to control soil erosion, and created hundreds of jobs by employing people to pack tree seedlings. Nearly thirty years later, crops thrive in the valley and the trees are laden with oranges. Children are happy and well-fed and go to school. The local market sells locally grown produce. Amazingly, the local man-made tilapia fish ponds Dr. McMillin designed to supply high quality protein to thousands of residents have proved so successful that the valley now exports fish. To date, Ansokia’s farmers have planted 20 million trees.
Dr. McMillin is an expert in generating nutrition from both soil and water, and has been feeding people and helping them regenerate their lives physically, culturally and economically for nearly 70 years, beginning in 1945, when as a 15 year old he helped his father provide life giving nutrition to survivors of the death camps in Eastern Europe. His capacity to maintain a positive attitude in the most trying of circumstances, and his post conventional interdisciplinary knowledge, that allows him to solve systemic problems in a comprehensive way, are unique. Though he is best known for his work to end the Ethiopian famine, he has also worked extensively in other parts of Africa, in the Caribbean, on the Indian subcontinent, and in the Pacific.
Dr. McMillin is an exemplar of a Solutionary, a master mentor, and a creative problem solver. His capacity to ameliorate some of the most daunting famines around the world for more than 50 years, stands as a guidepost for all of us as we face the future.
methods and crops never before grown in the valley, A tree nursery raised fast-growing trees to control soil erosion, and created hundreds of jobs by employing people to pack tree seedlings. Nearly thirty years later, crops thrive in the valley and the trees are laden with oranges. Children are happy and well-fed and go to school. The local market sells locally grown produce. Amazingly, the local man-made tilapia fish ponds Dr. McMillin designed to supply high quality protein to thousands of residents have proved so successful that the valley now exports fish. To date, Ansokia’s farmers have planted 20 million trees.
Dr. McMillin is an expert in generating nutrition from both soil and water, and has been feeding people and helping them regenerate their lives physically, culturally and economically for nearly 70 years, beginning in 1945, when as a 15 year old he helped his father provide life giving nutrition to survivors of the death camps in Eastern Europe. His capacity to maintain a positive attitude in the most trying of circumstances, and his post conventional interdisciplinary knowledge, that allows him to solve systemic problems in a comprehensive way, are unique. Though he is best known for his work to end the Ethiopian famine, he has also worked extensively in other parts of Africa, in the Caribbean, on the Indian subcontinent, and in the Pacific.
Dr. McMillin is an exemplar of a Solutionary, a master mentor, and a creative problem solver. His capacity to ameliorate some of the most daunting famines around the world for more than 50 years, stands as a guidepost for all of us as we face the future.
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Mentors Make a Difference
Being seen and mirrored for who we truly are can help us understand and express our soul's true purpose in a way that almost nothing else can
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Michael Pergola, MA, MBA, JD is a business executive, lawyer, coach, consultant, educator, organizational leader, and an ordained interfaith minister, with a wealth of in house corporate, technology, non-profit, and educational experience. He served six years as Chief Knowledge Officer for Risk at one of the largest banks in the country, practiced law at a major firm in Washington D.C., launched a real estate development firm to renovate high quality middle income properties, designed and served as general contractor in the renovation of classic homes, and has founded both business and nonprofit organizations.
Michael has taught high school, founded two software companies, served as a community organizer, ran a petroleum products distributor, and was a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and the National Commission to End Domestic Violence. He is well versed in integral theory, and has taught a wide variety of courses including: Vision & Culture, Communications, Leadership, Organizational Learning, Creativity and Innovation, Integral Development, the Enneagram, Spiral Dynamics and Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life.
Michael’s work includes coaching leaders in a merger, facilitating an executive team in a new enterprise, curriculum development, strategic alliances, team building, merger integration, technology implementation, communications, and marketing. He has also facilitated strategic and scenario planning, and team building sessions, as both a leader and a consultant. He is trained in systems thinking, scenario planning, creativity & innovation, facilitation, conflict resolution, business process analysis, technology assessment, emotional intelligence, counseling, meditation and biofeedback. With a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, a flexible approach and a focus on long term value, Michael helps evoke untapped potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
Michael has taught high school, founded two software companies, served as a community organizer, ran a petroleum products distributor, and was a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and the National Commission to End Domestic Violence. He is well versed in integral theory, and has taught a wide variety of courses including: Vision & Culture, Communications, Leadership, Organizational Learning, Creativity and Innovation, Integral Development, the Enneagram, Spiral Dynamics and Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life.
Michael’s work includes coaching leaders in a merger, facilitating an executive team in a new enterprise, curriculum development, strategic alliances, team building, merger integration, technology implementation, communications, and marketing. He has also facilitated strategic and scenario planning, and team building sessions, as both a leader and a consultant. He is trained in systems thinking, scenario planning, creativity & innovation, facilitation, conflict resolution, business process analysis, technology assessment, emotional intelligence, counseling, meditation and biofeedback. With a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, a flexible approach and a focus on long term value, Michael helps evoke untapped potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
Noah Sheetz Originally from El Paso Texas, Noah settled in the Hudson Valley to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Over the course of his career, Noah has worked in fine dining restaurants, owned a bakery, taught courses in culinary arts, and served as the Executive Chef at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany through the last four administrations. After working in Albany, Noah spent a year working for Cura Hospitality at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Peekskill. In his role as the Executive Chef, he planned healthy, seasonal meals made with local ingredients and conducted cooking demonstrations at the hospital’s bi-monthly farmers markets in an effort to promote the concept of eating as a prescription for health. Currently Noah is an adjunct instructor at SUNY Cobleskill where he teaches beginning culinary arts students cooking fundamentals and the importance of working with local and seasonal ingredients. Noah recently completed his MBA at the University of Albany, an accomplishment that serves him well in his role as the farm to table coordinator for the Chefs Consortium, a collaboration of creative and talented chefs who are committed to the same fresh-local ideals. Noah creates partnerships with other non-profit organizations, actively recruits new chefs for the Consortium, and facilitates the procurement of local ingredients for educational events. Noah’s personal philosophy is to emphasize fresh, local ingredients in his menus. This includes cooking with high quality produce prepared the same day it is harvested whenever possible. Noah travels throughout New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital region building relationships with area farmers in his mission to support local agriculture and to highlight the many benefits of eating locally. [email protected]
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Social Entrepreneurship, Community Development,
Global Citizenship
John McMillin MD, PhD
is a doctor and a regenerative social scientist, whose group, Land and Water Resources International (LAWRI), was instrumental in saving the people of the Ansokia Valley, Ethiopia in the1980s. Dr. McMillin and his team not only distributed food, but also introduced interdependent fish farming and gardening techniques, a regenerative agricultural program that would restore the fertility of the valley’s soil, and develop healthy farms and crop distribution systems to ensure that such a disaster would never happened again.
Before his arrival, many had died of starvation, and most survivors were malnourished with bloated stomachs, essentially waiting to die. A 250-acre pilot farm served as a testing ground for new farming methods and crops never before grown in the valley, A tree nursery raised fast-growing trees to control soil erosion, and created hundreds of jobs by employing people to pack tree seedlings. Nearly thirty years later, crops thrive in the valley and the trees are laden with oranges. Children are happy and well-fed and go to school. The local market sells locally grown produce. Amazingly, the local man-made tilapia fish ponds Dr. McMillin designed to supply high quality protein to thousands of residents have proved so successful that the valley now exports fish. To date, Ansokia’s farmers have planted 20 million trees. Dr. McMillin is an expert in generating nutrition from both soil and water, and has been feeding people and helping them regenerate their lives physically, culturally and economically for nearly 70 years, beginning in 1945, when as a 15 year old he helped his father provide life giving nutrition to survivors of the death camps in Eastern Europe. His capacity to maintain a positive attitude in the most trying of circumstances, and his post conventional interdisciplinary knowledge that allows him to solve systemic problems in a comprehensive way, are unique. Though he is best known for his work to end the Ethiopian famine, he has also worked extensively in other parts of Africa, in the Caribbean, on the Indian subcontinent, and in the Pacific.
Dr. McMillin is an exemplar of a Solutionary, a master mentor, and a creative problem solver. His capacity to solve some of the most daunting instances of famine around the world for over 50 years stands as a guidepost for all of us as we face the future.
Before his arrival, many had died of starvation, and most survivors were malnourished with bloated stomachs, essentially waiting to die. A 250-acre pilot farm served as a testing ground for new farming methods and crops never before grown in the valley, A tree nursery raised fast-growing trees to control soil erosion, and created hundreds of jobs by employing people to pack tree seedlings. Nearly thirty years later, crops thrive in the valley and the trees are laden with oranges. Children are happy and well-fed and go to school. The local market sells locally grown produce. Amazingly, the local man-made tilapia fish ponds Dr. McMillin designed to supply high quality protein to thousands of residents have proved so successful that the valley now exports fish. To date, Ansokia’s farmers have planted 20 million trees. Dr. McMillin is an expert in generating nutrition from both soil and water, and has been feeding people and helping them regenerate their lives physically, culturally and economically for nearly 70 years, beginning in 1945, when as a 15 year old he helped his father provide life giving nutrition to survivors of the death camps in Eastern Europe. His capacity to maintain a positive attitude in the most trying of circumstances, and his post conventional interdisciplinary knowledge that allows him to solve systemic problems in a comprehensive way, are unique. Though he is best known for his work to end the Ethiopian famine, he has also worked extensively in other parts of Africa, in the Caribbean, on the Indian subcontinent, and in the Pacific.
Dr. McMillin is an exemplar of a Solutionary, a master mentor, and a creative problem solver. His capacity to solve some of the most daunting instances of famine around the world for over 50 years stands as a guidepost for all of us as we face the future.
Elaine Valdov PhD
was the internationally elected Chairwoman of the “Executive Committee of NGOs Affiliated with the United Nations between 1996 and 2001. In that role she traveled worldwide and was instrumental in the development of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s). Since 1988 she as been a representative to the United Nations, helping to promote compassion, justice and human rights, and an advocate for people and organizations throughout the world.
As President and Founder of “International Peace Ambassadors” and “Young Leaders Summits”, she brought young leaders into the UN and to venues throughout the world, and has helped guide thousands of young persons on their “Life Quest” for meaning, purpose, contribution and joy. Dr. Valdov has been a frequent speaker and has held multiple positions, at the United Nations including: Chair – Executive Committee of NGOs affiliated with the UN; Chair - UN NGO University for Peace Committee; Director – “World Week of Peace”; Director - Task Force on Women, Empowerment, and Gender Equality; Vice Chair – “Millennium NGO Forum”; Member of the Millennium NGO Forum Advisory Committee for ushering the world into the New Millennium.
Dr. Valdov has also held many NGO positions, including: Secretary General – Medical Assembly at the UN; Secretary General and Co-Founder – Youth Assembly at the UN; Executive Director –World Water Organization; President and Founder – International Peace Ambassadors, International Institute for a Culture of Peace; International Young Leaders Summits; Yoga Peace Ambassadors / Yogis Without Borders and International Young Leaders Forums. She has created peace initiatives for UNESCO’s “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World” and the UN “Millennium Development Goals” (dealing with global issues of poverty and hunger, women’s empowerment and equality, health, education and the environment).
Dr. Valdov is a psychotherapist and trauma counselor in NYC, coaching individuals and organizations on “Finding Your Role in Creating a Culture of Peace.” Following 9/11, she co-founded “Kids’ Corner” and was the Director of September 11 Family Relations, and helped to establish programs in the US and abroad to assist families dealing with disasters.
As President and Founder of “International Peace Ambassadors” and “Young Leaders Summits”, she brought young leaders into the UN and to venues throughout the world, and has helped guide thousands of young persons on their “Life Quest” for meaning, purpose, contribution and joy. Dr. Valdov has been a frequent speaker and has held multiple positions, at the United Nations including: Chair – Executive Committee of NGOs affiliated with the UN; Chair - UN NGO University for Peace Committee; Director – “World Week of Peace”; Director - Task Force on Women, Empowerment, and Gender Equality; Vice Chair – “Millennium NGO Forum”; Member of the Millennium NGO Forum Advisory Committee for ushering the world into the New Millennium.
Dr. Valdov has also held many NGO positions, including: Secretary General – Medical Assembly at the UN; Secretary General and Co-Founder – Youth Assembly at the UN; Executive Director –World Water Organization; President and Founder – International Peace Ambassadors, International Institute for a Culture of Peace; International Young Leaders Summits; Yoga Peace Ambassadors / Yogis Without Borders and International Young Leaders Forums. She has created peace initiatives for UNESCO’s “International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World” and the UN “Millennium Development Goals” (dealing with global issues of poverty and hunger, women’s empowerment and equality, health, education and the environment).
Dr. Valdov is a psychotherapist and trauma counselor in NYC, coaching individuals and organizations on “Finding Your Role in Creating a Culture of Peace.” Following 9/11, she co-founded “Kids’ Corner” and was the Director of September 11 Family Relations, and helped to establish programs in the US and abroad to assist families dealing with disasters.
Clare Rosenfield M.A., M.S., LCSW
is a writer, artist, and poet who is dedicated to finding the true north of her being, centered in expressing pure-heartedness in life, art, poetry, and essays. She illustrated five of her poetry collections, plays the harp and sings in the Threshhold Choir for Hospice of Westchester (www.outskirtspress.com/ninsunwisemother). Clare and her late husband, Dr. Allan Rosenfield, Dean for 22 years of the Mailman School of Public Health, have been active in creating positive change throughout their lives. They lived in Nigeria and Thailand where Clare co-authored a book on Siamese temple paintings, learned to speak Thai, and begin her journey into Eastern teachings. She considers herself a spiritual kaleidoscope because of her love for seeing through the diverse lenses of many wisdom paths (Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, Sufi, Quaker) and finding their essential unity.
As director of the Global Healing Foundation, she facilitates long distance healings for the planet and each other (www.globalhealingfoundation.org). She founded a form of holistic psychotherapy called Contact Healing (www.contacthealing.com) which teaches tools for self-healing and compassion. As a stress reduction expert, she offers guided relaxations, meditations and sound healing.
Clare is acutely aware of how we awaken together. Rather than pursuing a solo spiritual journey we must join together to impact consciousness worldwide and to co create a respectful, cooperative, and sustainable world. Our consciousness needs to grow to embrace all life and all species as our sisters and brothers. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren require this of us. We must be pro-active in saving the planet and in guiding our young to a meaningful, productive and regenerative lifestyle. Clare’s blog is www.inspiredponderingsbyclare.wordpress.com.
As director of the Global Healing Foundation, she facilitates long distance healings for the planet and each other (www.globalhealingfoundation.org). She founded a form of holistic psychotherapy called Contact Healing (www.contacthealing.com) which teaches tools for self-healing and compassion. As a stress reduction expert, she offers guided relaxations, meditations and sound healing.
Clare is acutely aware of how we awaken together. Rather than pursuing a solo spiritual journey we must join together to impact consciousness worldwide and to co create a respectful, cooperative, and sustainable world. Our consciousness needs to grow to embrace all life and all species as our sisters and brothers. Our grandchildren and great grandchildren require this of us. We must be pro-active in saving the planet and in guiding our young to a meaningful, productive and regenerative lifestyle. Clare’s blog is www.inspiredponderingsbyclare.wordpress.com.
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Business, Finance, Real Estate, Operations
Rev Michael Pergola, MA, MBA, JD
is a business executive, lawyer, coach, consultant, educator, organizational leader, and an ordained interfaith minister, with a wealth of in house corporate, technology, non-profit, and educational experience. He served six years as Chief Knowledge Officer for Risk at one of the largest banks in the country, practiced law at a major firm in Washington D.C., launched a real
estate development firm to renovate high quality middle income properties, designed and served as general contractor in the renovation of classic homes, and has founded both business and nonprofit organizations.
Michael has taught high school, founded two software companies, served as a community organizer, ran a petroleum products distributor, and was a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and the National Commission to End Domestic Violence. He is well versed in integral theory, and has taught a wide variety of courses including: Vision & Culture, Communications, Leadership, Organizational Learning, Creativity and Innovation, Integral Development, the Enneagram, Spiral Dynamics and Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life.
Michael’s work includes coaching leaders in a merger, facilitating an executive team in a new enterprise, curriculum development, strategic alliances, team building, merger integration, technology implementation, communications, and marketing. He has also facilitated strategic and scenario planning, and team building sessions, as both a leader and a
consultant. He is trained in systems thinking, scenario planning, creativity & innovation, facilitation, conflict resolution business process analysis, technology assessment, emotional intelligence, counseling, meditation and biofeedback. With a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, a flexible approach and a focus on long term value, Michael helps evoke untapped potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
estate development firm to renovate high quality middle income properties, designed and served as general contractor in the renovation of classic homes, and has founded both business and nonprofit organizations.
Michael has taught high school, founded two software companies, served as a community organizer, ran a petroleum products distributor, and was a member of the Society for Organizational Learning, and the National Commission to End Domestic Violence. He is well versed in integral theory, and has taught a wide variety of courses including: Vision & Culture, Communications, Leadership, Organizational Learning, Creativity and Innovation, Integral Development, the Enneagram, Spiral Dynamics and Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life.
Michael’s work includes coaching leaders in a merger, facilitating an executive team in a new enterprise, curriculum development, strategic alliances, team building, merger integration, technology implementation, communications, and marketing. He has also facilitated strategic and scenario planning, and team building sessions, as both a leader and a
consultant. He is trained in systems thinking, scenario planning, creativity & innovation, facilitation, conflict resolution business process analysis, technology assessment, emotional intelligence, counseling, meditation and biofeedback. With a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, a flexible approach and a focus on long term value, Michael helps evoke untapped potential for creativity, innovation, and success.
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Education, Academic, Experiential Learning & Play
Brandon Costelloe-Kuehn PhD
is a teacher, researcher, and writer, whose work focuses on sustainability, design and innovation. In his teaching and writing, he has explored the use of new forms of media to address the challenges of effectively communicating complex environmental, scientific, and political issues, in order to encourage greater public participation, and a higher level of civic literacy. Brandon has taught courses on “Sustainability Problems and Solutions” and “A Century of Environmental Thought,” at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and developed curricula on ecological literacy, sustainability, and asthma politics at RPI. He has written extensively on science, technology, and the environment, and has authored and co-authored articles published in scientific journals and online, and presented at professional conferences. Brandon served as video editor of the Journal of Cultural Anthropology and the Capital District Community Gardens and as a critical media literacy educator at the Sanctuary for Independent Media.
Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Brandon has been inspired by Natalie Jeremijenko's work using art and technology as a vehicle for social justice, and was an inaugural member of the Ecological Literacy Emersion Program at the Omega Institute. He is an avid outdoorsman and grew up tending the forest garden that provided natural healthy food for his family. As a young child he participated in a community organization initiative led by his mother that stopped the development of a coal fired generating facility in Rensselaer, New York.
Lazri DiSalvo MA, PhD (anticipated 2015)
is a researcher, writer, teacher, and expert in cooperative forms of organization. His work focuses on international political economy, human rights, and conflict reconciliation. He received a research grant from the University of Connecticut Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies and conducted field research, principally in Central America, on topics including: at-risk youth,; living conditions in indigenous communities; the impact of fair trade policies on agricultural production and the quality of life; and communication strategies for engaging displaced populations into the city planning process.
Lazri has taught courses at the University of Connecticut including, “Introduction to Comparative Politics, “Introduction to Non-Western Politics,” and “Introduction to Political Theory.” He has published and presented scholarly papers on, among others, the following: “Local Development Through Global Media”; “Fair Trade Regimes: Space, Welfare, and International Networks”; “Starved to Action: Food Crises and Domestic Agitation”; “Participatory Economic Rights: Exploring Parallels Between the Solidarity Economy and Economic Rights”; and ”Global Environmental Governance .
Lazri has taught courses at the University of Connecticut including, “Introduction to Comparative Politics, “Introduction to Non-Western Politics,” and “Introduction to Political Theory.” He has published and presented scholarly papers on, among others, the following: “Local Development Through Global Media”; “Fair Trade Regimes: Space, Welfare, and International Networks”; “Starved to Action: Food Crises and Domestic Agitation”; “Participatory Economic Rights: Exploring Parallels Between the Solidarity Economy and Economic Rights”; and ”Global Environmental Governance .
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Food, Agriculture & Nature
Andrew Faust is a permaculture designer and consultant, an educator, and a business owner with a permaculture design certification from The Farm in Summertown, TN. He has studied at the School for Designing a Society, Gesundheit! Institute, and has taught permaculture design at The Center for Bioregional Living, The Open Center in New York, and Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren, Vermont.
Andrew owns and operates “Edible Garden Design,” and “The Center for Bioregional Living, ” which provide permaculture consultation and instruction and natural landscaping services, and supplies vegetables to local restaurants and farmer’s markets. Andrew’s accomplishments include designing comprehensive ecologically intelligent landscapes, including wastewater treatment systems; sustainable forest management; restoration of stream corridors, wetlands and headwaters; designing and siting natural buildings; rotational grazing areas for dairy and meat production; orchard design and layout; path mowing regimes; managing exotics; vegetable garden designs; composting; management of native perennial wildflowers and grasses, and setting up a water quality monitoring system along the main stem of the Greenbrier River.
Andrew has also taught at the Upattinas Open Community High School, in Glenmoore, PA, educating and inspiring high school students by teaching history, science, English and social studies through the lens of ecological literacy. Andrew was on the Board of the Regional Infrastructure for Sustaining Agriculture in Southeastern PA, the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools, and the Upattinas Open Community School.
Andrew owns and operates “Edible Garden Design,” and “The Center for Bioregional Living, ” which provide permaculture consultation and instruction and natural landscaping services, and supplies vegetables to local restaurants and farmer’s markets. Andrew’s accomplishments include designing comprehensive ecologically intelligent landscapes, including wastewater treatment systems; sustainable forest management; restoration of stream corridors, wetlands and headwaters; designing and siting natural buildings; rotational grazing areas for dairy and meat production; orchard design and layout; path mowing regimes; managing exotics; vegetable garden designs; composting; management of native perennial wildflowers and grasses, and setting up a water quality monitoring system along the main stem of the Greenbrier River.
Andrew has also taught at the Upattinas Open Community High School, in Glenmoore, PA, educating and inspiring high school students by teaching history, science, English and social studies through the lens of ecological literacy. Andrew was on the Board of the Regional Infrastructure for Sustaining Agriculture in Southeastern PA, the National Coalition of Alternative Community Schools, and the Upattinas Open Community School.
Dan Kittredge is director of the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign, and past executive director of Remineralize the Earth. Dan grew up on a farm, the son of two prominent leaders in the organic farming movement: Julie Rawson and Jack Kittredge. He manages two organic farms currently, and has worked directly with farmers in Central America, Russia and India as well as across the USA researching and developing sustainable agriculture techniques.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
Dan is the strategic developer behind the Bionutrient Food Association & the Real Food Campaign. He is passionate about raising the quality of nutrition in our food supply through collaboration with all interested stakeholders, from growers to grocery stores. He is currently teaching biological soil management systems to farmers and gardeners throughout the Northeastern US and has called for the first National Conference on Nutrient Dense Food.
Dan's vision includes a highly educated public that appreciates the benefits of nutrient dense food and seeks it out, wholesalers and retailers who understand the market potential and sources of supply, a robust distribution system, and a synergistic web of connection between the farming community, labs for soil and tissue testing, and biological farming consultants who help farmers to make it happen. Critical to Dan's vision is the development of rigorous standards certifying food as nutrient dense.
Noah Sheetz Originally from El Paso Texas, Noah settled in the Hudson Valley to attend the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Over the course of his career, Noah has worked in fine dining restaurants, owned a bakery, taught courses in culinary arts, and served as the Executive Chef at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany through the last four administrations. After working in Albany, Noah spent a year working for Cura Hospitality at Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Peekskill. In his role as the Executive Chef, he planned healthy, seasonal meals made with local ingredients and conducted cooking demonstrations at the hospital’s bi-monthly farmers markets in an effort to promote the concept of eating as a prescription for health. Currently Noah is an adjunct instructor at SUNY Cobleskill where he teaches beginning culinary arts students cooking fundamentals and the importance of working with local and seasonal ingredients. Noah recently completed his MBA at the University of Albany, an accomplishment that serves him well in his role as the farm to table coordinator for the Chefs Consortium, a collaboration of creative and talented chefs who are committed to the same fresh-local ideals. Noah creates partnerships with other non-profit organizations, actively recruits new chefs for the Consortium, and facilitates the procurement of local ingredients for educational events. Noah’s personal philosophy is to emphasize fresh, local ingredients in his menus. This includes cooking with high quality produce prepared the same day it is harvested whenever possible. Noah travels throughout New York City, the Hudson Valley, and the Capital region building relationships with area farmers in his mission to support local agriculture and to highlight the many benefits of eating locally. [email protected]
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