Team

The team at Eastie Farm is anyone and everyone who has stopped by to shovel mulch, plant cilantro, make fresh-pressed cider, or just ask questions! You may meet our staff at the gardens when you stop in, or keeping in touch by text or email to let you know about our programs. Behind the scenes, we are also supported by the board of directors – East Boston community members working hard to make all of this possible, and having fun doing it!

Board Members

  • Kannan Thiruvengadam, President
  • Jackie Golding, Vice President of the Board and Site Manager of Our Garden. Jackie has managed our annual seedling sale the past couple of years and wishes to continue bringing as many plants to as many sites and neighbors as possible! She also strongly believes in resource sharing and is gradually building simple (bilingual) guides – drawing a lot of inspiration currently from Fruition Seeds.
  • Nadia Salim, Board secretary, Executive Director of the NPD Group. Nadia leads the food justice and community engagement committees and is passionate about following news and current events.
  • William Perry, Board Treasurer
  • Yahya Noor, board member and owner of Tawakal Halal Cafe
  • Judy Gates, board member. Judy retired from Putnam Investments in 2000 and has spent the time since then doing charity work at home and abroad, focusing on racial justice, affordable housing, and senior support.
  • Rudi Seitz, board member
  • Taylor Gaar has been teaching science to East Boston middle schoolers for more than a decade. He serves on Eastie Farm’s education and climate justice committees.
  • Rick Cresta, board member
  • Monica Leitner-Laserna, board member and founder of La Sanghita Cafe. Monica holds a master’s degree in bilingual education and has also studied health education, herbalism, yoga and meditation, all of which have greatly influenced her mission of spreading holistic health and wellness.
  • Luo Silvestro is the owner of Channel Fish. He serves on the Food Justice committee.
  • Alison Fong, board member and co-founder of Bon Me.
  • Julianna Stelmaczyk
  • Margaret Farmer

Staff (Paid & Volunteer)

  • Juana, Site Manager
  • Alex, Farm Manager
  • Robert, Youth Team Coordinator
  • Romero, Food Distribution
  • Oyku, Volunteer Coordinator
  • Roberto, Site Manager
  • Max, CSA & Tech
  • Jackie Golding, Site Manager
  • Kannan Thiruvengadam, Director

Summer Youth Team

  • Leisveith
  • Natalie
  • Alexmayri
  • Cristian
  • Howbleny
  • Robert, Youth Team Coordinator