OUR TEAM
OUR
TEAM
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TEAM
OUR TEAM
Dee Caruso, Assistant Manager
I am a retiree from a career in Medical Office Management in New York. I worked for four years at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia upon moving to Pennsylvania. I came to WCFP purely by accident. Driving by, a friend and I decided to check it out. Walking into the building, was for me, like stepping into a fantasy world. Rows and rows of beautiful Natural Knitting Yarn made from the sheep that were outside in the apple tree orchard. When asked to teach Knitting and other fiber arts, how could I resist working in such a bucolic atmosphere along with people who share my interests and are dedicated to the principles of organic farming and education. Outside of work...My free time consists of spending time with my family (my children and grandchildren) and friends. Also, finding time for my many interests. I knit, needlework, quilt, work in stand glass and enjoy photography, birding, music and theater. I am always eager to find new projects, learning how to do something new. Curling up with a good book is also one of my favorite things to do. Favorite Veggie...artichokes. Favorite book...Picking my favorite book is like being asked to pick my favorite child! Impossible! I am an avid reader of both fiction and nonfiction. I find great joy in reading, whether learning something new or just transporting myself into a new adventure. Fun fact...I am from New York having moved here a few years ago. I will always consider myself a New Yorker living in beautiful Pennsylvania.
Melissa Smith, Farm Manager
Raised in the suburbs and trained in physical therapy, my journey in farming began twenty+ years ago when I married my husband and business partner, Drew. Raising our three daughters on our family farm has been adventure! Drew's contagious love of agriculture first brought us to create Willow Creek Orchards back in 2002, and then in 2018 inspired me to establish WCFP. I love raising sheep and growing flowers...being out on the farm is my happy place! And our wool mill journey has just begun...learning the art of transforming our fiber into yarn is a rewarding challenge. I hold a Master of Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College and an M.B.A. from the University of Scranton. Favorite veggie…Roasted Brussel sprouts with sea salt and bacon. Favorite book… “Grit” by Angela Duckworth. Outside of work…I enjoy a lazy morning with a big cup of coffee and spending time with family and friends either biking or hiking. Fun fact… I had a dog growing
up, but never thought I would have 200+ animals!
3/24/24: WEEKEND ANIMAL CARE TEAM MEMBER
If you love animals and want to work with them, we are looking for an Animal Care Team Member to join our team! Primary responsibilities include caring for our Shetland Sheep, Livestock Guardian Dog and Goats on the weekends in the Spring/Summer/Fall and occasional vacation weeks. (Candidates must be 18+ yrs old and have demonstrated ability to work independently.) Experience with livestock a plus but not necessary, interest in animals and a willingness to learn is required!
REQUIREMENTS:
*Lift/move up to 50lbs; Carry, bend, kneel, & stand as needed
*Work outdoors in all types of weather.
*Must Be Available 2 Weekends/month minimum for split hours (Morning/Afternoon) both on Saturdays & Sundays
COMPENSATION:
If you love animals and want to work with them, we are looking for an Animal Care Team Member to join our team! Primary responsibilities include caring for our Shetland Sheep, Livestock Guardian Dog and Goats on the weekends in the Spring/Summer/Fall and occasional vacation weeks. (Candidates must be 18+ yrs old and have demonstrated ability to work independently.) Experience with livestock a plus but not necessary, interest in animals and a willingness to learn is required!
REQUIREMENTS:
*Lift/move up to 50lbs; Carry, bend, kneel, & stand as needed
*Work outdoors in all types of weather.
*Must Be Available 2 Weekends/month minimum for split hours (Morning/Afternoon) both on Saturdays & Sundays
COMPENSATION:
*$30/hr; Saturday/Sunday daily rate @ $75/day (min), $150/weekend (min)
TO APPLY: email resume to info@willowcreekfarmpreserve.org