Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director
With more than 15 years of experience working to improve health and food access for individuals at increased risk for food insecurity, Ayn joined Growing Places as the Executive Director in February 2018.
Ayn studied nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and received a Master of Science from Boston University in 2002. She realized community nutrition was her niche after securing a position at the regional community action agency, the Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC) in 2005. Over ten years, Ayn collaborated across the region, state and nation, ultimately leading programs including Meals on Wheels and youth focused health initiatives, most notably Fun ‘n FITchburg. At MOC, Ayn immersed herself in the community and gained invaluable knowledge about the root causes of food insecurity in North Central MA. One of her most memorable experiences was witnessing a table of empty fresh fruit and veggie containers alongside still-full pizza boxes after conducting a focus group about the barriers to healthy eating with youth living in subsidized housing. It was one of those moments when you realize that what you are doing is really making a difference.
In 2015, Ayn joined Compass Group as the Northeast Regional Dietitian for Chartwells K-12, supporting over 100 school districts in New England and New York. She transitioned to Business Development in 2017, bringing a public health focus to corporate sales strategy in the school nutrition market. These collective experiences formed the foundation for her asset-based approach to community nutrition and sustainability.
Ayn has always called Massachusetts her home; raised in Hubbardston, Ayn is now raising her own family in Princeton. As the mother of two young daughters, Macy and Mia, Ayn and her husband Jason have a passion for local and sustainable eating with many hours spent supporting the local farmer’s market and digging in nine raised bed gardens they have built in their small, but hardy backyard.
Richelle M. Brown, Financial Controller
Richelle comes to Growing Places from a career in a variety of industries and corporate structures. A graduate of Nichols College and Bentley University with an MBA in Corporate Finance, Richelle has held financial leadership roles in food acquisition, logistics and distribution companies, bringing specific industry knowledge to Growing Places. Richelle is a resident of Leominster, MA within the North Central Massachusetts area where family ties and outdoor memories are strong. Richelle’s appreciation and interest in the sustainability of our planet as nourishment to all its inhabitants, equal opportunity, and access to basic needs is rooted in her family’s legacy of care for everyone. Work in a mission-focused organization aligns with her personal values of doing good to benefit all equally.
Donna Wysokenski, Grants & Sustainability Coordinator
Rhea Bujold, Development Coordinator
Kayla Kress, Distribution Administrator
Kayla was born, raised, and educated in Northern Massachusetts and has always been a part of the community in her own unique way, whether it be tutoring at-risk youth in Gardner, mapping and analyzing crime data in Fitchburg, improving and maintaining the trails in Leominster, or furthering the science community by studying Martian geology and climate. A firm believer that food is a great way of bringing people together and sharing ideas and culture, Kayla is ecstatic to be able to bring her skills to an organization that melds two of her passions together – food and social justice. You can often find Kayla walking the trails at the Doyle Community Park, home of the Growing Places’ office. If you see her, say hello!
Janet Edwards, Systems & Impact Director
Inspired by her trail-builder father’s love of the natural world and her registered dietitian mother’s commitment to healthy living, Janet shocked no one at all by falling in love with the mission of Growing Places. As a life-long backyard gardener who can’t imagine a summer that doesn’t feature pick-your-own veggies and the pungent smell of marigolds, she is thrilled to convert a personal passion for sustainable living into a vocation that benefits her community. Janet holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Clark University in Worcester and an initial license in secondary education from Framingham State University. Her previous experience includes working as an English teacher at Wachusett Regional High School and as the Garden Coordinator for The Trustees of Reservations’ Lindell Avenue Community Garden, located in her hometown of Leominster. She happily continues to reside in Leominster with her husband Ross and her bossy corgi Elly.
Minna Scholten, Community Nutrition Specialist
Minna is a registered dietitian nutritionist, life-long learner, embroiderer, traveler, friend, and curious eater. Growing up working in her mother’s natural food store, Minna gained an early sense of how food and food access impacts not only health but also identity, safety, and community. Since becoming a dietitian and obtaining her Masters of Science in Food and Nutrition at Framingham State University in 2013, Minna has worked in elder services, academia, private practice, and retail nutrition education. Whether engaging with individuals or the food system at large, Minna helps people navigate the landscape of nutrition, health, and life with a little more ease. She knows that health can only be accessed when we attend to collective well-being, accountability, anti-racism, social equity, and systems change. In her daily life, she practices mutuality and interdependence, looking to both plants and people for inspiration and guidance. She lives in Lunenburg with her husband, daughter, and two very fluffy cats.
Molly Velasco, Youth Engagement Manager
Molly received her BA in Event Management & Design from University of Massachusetts, Amherst and is currently the Youth Engagement Manager for Growing Places. Molly began her career in the Food & Beverage hospitality field working for Fortune 500 companies and Michelin Star chefs who taught her about ingredients and local produce in restaurants that focused on Farm to Table. Recognizing the food discrepancy and lack of access to fresh foods in the communities that surrounded these upscale properties, Molly knew she wanted to make a career change. When the pandemic hit, and hospitality was directly impacted she took her efforts back to her home region of North Central Massachusetts to the non-profit sector focusing on food justice efforts to ensure those most vulnerable could get nutritious and locally sourced produce. Working with youth is her passion and she finds immense pride in supporting youth in the community to achieve both their personal and professional goals. She believes in empower youth to not only prepare them to be leaders of tomorrow but also helping them to know they are leaders of their community today! Molly proudly sits on the Board of Trustees for the Beals Memorial Library, is Co-creator of On The Same Page cultural book club, a Cultural Council Member, and advisor for a Teen GSA in Winchendon. In her free time she loves reading, listening to live music, spending time with her cat, Harper, and cooking delicious food for friends and family.
Alex Wohlleib, Youth Leader
Alex is in his second year at Mount Wachusett Community College. Alex started his time at Growing Places as a volunteer during his time at CAPs Highschool. As a youth Leader he started in the warehouse supporting the CSA program and specialized in Freight Farm management. Now Alex has expanded his expertise to include working on the Tuesday Mobile Markets. Alex’s favorite thing about working at Growing Places is our community here and being able to give back to our North Central Massachusetts community! In Alex’s free time he enjoys reading, creative writing, and voice over acting!
Brady Blake, Youth Leader
Brady is a graduate of Leominster High School. He started his journey at Growing Places as a dedicated volunteer where he supported the Growing Towers, Freight Farm at Monty Tech, and our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. Brady’s hard work and determination landed him a spot as one of our Youth Leaders! Brady’s favorite role at Growing Places is interacting with the public at Mobile Farmers Markets! In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with his best friend, his dog, Nikita! (Also, Caitlin’s Brother!)
Caitlin Blake, Youth Leader
Caitlin is a recent graduate from the Leominster Center for Excellence. During their time there they worked as an intern for Growing Places where they helped maintain and grow our Tower Garden program. Caitlin is passionate about youth mental health advocacy and providing direct service through their food justice work to their Leominster community. Caitlin’s favorite role at Growing Places is doing community outreach! In their free time Caitlin likes watching supernatural, hanging out with friends, and prefers staying in and cuddling with their cat Molly. (Also, Brady’s Sibling!)
Dani Lewis, Youth Leader
Dani is a current Senior at Oakmont Regional Highschool. Dani started her time at Growing Places as a volunteer over a summer and grew into her current position as Youth Leader. Dani is passionate about educating her peers and other community members on mental health and general health and wellness. She is also always making sure we are being more sustainable in our practices here at Growing Places. Dani’s favorite role at Growing Places is learning from her amazing coworkers while packing CSA bags and challenging herself with community outreach events. In her free time, she likes to workout, create content for her YouTube channel, and bake tasty treats!