Cloudview Ecofarm // Our Community

Jim Baird // Business / Planning Focalizer, Elder

A smooth-talking, apple-growing, wild-eyed farmer, Jim has been holding it down hippy-style in Eastern Washington farm country since his entrance into the orchard industry in the mid-1970s. His passion for farming has lead to the mission of Cloudview, originally a small (< 1 acre) hilltop garden. He belongs to several organizations and is a founding member of the Slow Money movement, which seeks to connect local investors with farmers and local eco-agricultural projects to bring about long-term sustainability.

Theresa Marie Sergneri // Nutrition / Dance & Ceremonial Focalizer, Elder

A nutritionist by trade, Theresa is heavily involved in the ecstatic dance community and loves to frolic and spread joy and silliness wherever she goes. At Cloudview, Theresa contributes nutritional advice (to be found in our regular CSA newsletters and blog posts) and supports the maturation of our community process by making space for group connection to the earth and leading us in ecstatic dance and yoga excersices.

Jim McGreevy // Crop Production / Seed Program Focalizer

Jim is descended from a long line of fine farmers. Growing up on a small farm in Northwest WA, he raised various livestock and garden veggies over the years, and was a member of the Lynden FFA. After completing a degree in Religious Studies at CWU, Jim found himself finally studying at The Evergreen State College in their Practice of Sustainable Agriculture program. He is now focused on developing regionally adapted seed strains of several market crops, as well as perfecting the art of raising garlic, potatoes, broccoli and carrots. He is very passionate about soil balancing and proper crop rotation, as well as cultivating a more sacred connection to the land that ultimately sustains our health. Through biodynamic and organic practices, Jim believes Cloudview will maintain its reputation for the most nutritionally dense produce in the Columbia Basin. Besides farming Jim enjoys oil painting, drawing, VW repair, bonsai, and dancing his heart out to live music.

Zach Zink // Farmer's Market / CSA / Sales Focalizer

Zach Zink graduated with a bachelor's degree in religion from Saint Olaf College in 2003. He worked at Holden Village in Chelan, WA for 2 years as a lead cook, developing a passion for cooking with fresh, local foods and wholesome ingredients. From Holden he went to Growing Things Farm in Carnation, WA for an organic farm internship, then to Bennett's Bistro on Mercer Island where he continued to cook with pure, natural whole foods. In 2007 he was hired by Pike Place Market's Preservation & Development Authority where for 2 years he was part of the team that coordinates the day to day crafters and farmers markets. Zach currently works for Cloudview Eco Farms as a market gardener and farmers market retailer. He also helps with bulk sales, cooking projects, food preservation, and taking care of animals. He is a former board member and continues to volunteer for the non-profit Tilth Producers of Washington, an association of several hundred organic and sustainable farms in Washington state.

Neil Vargas // Orchards / Perennials Focalizer

After earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science from the University of Notre Dame, Neil returned to the northwest to work on environmental conservation and restoration. Following a transformative experience volunteering at EarthCorps in Seattle, he continued working in the field of habitat restoration in the skagit valley. As he experimented with gardening, Neil became more interested in agriculture and sustainability; eventually discovering Cloudview and joining the community with his partner for the 2008 growing season. Since that time, he has traveled to India and lived in bellingham, continuing to garden and work in environmental restoration.

Neil returns to Cloudview this year as orchards focalizer. He is excited about working with the over 30 varieties of heirloom apples in Cloudview's orchard and establishing additional perennials crops on the farm. Neil is committed to investigating additional ways in which Cloudview can be self sufficient, such as producing additional staple crops and integrating more animals into the landscape. This year he will be working closely with the farm's first group of pastured hogs. In his free time, Neil enjoys exploring the outdoors, cooking and spending time with friends. Neil has a passion for studying and experimenting with natural building, rocket stoves, homesteading, permaculture and alternative energy.

Joan Para // Building Focalizer / Lavender Production

A native of Central Washington, Joan grew up on a ranch near Othello. She has a degree in Physical Geography and Environmental Studies, and spent many years working as a forest hydrologist for the US Forest Service in the Cascade Mountains. She has raised cattle, rabbits, goats and chickens and has consciously grown food and herbs for 25 years. Her true work is being present and in harmony with the
Earth, being in close relationship to nourishing food and being open and authentic with others for the highest good. She's joined Cloudview as a Building Focalizer where she utilizes her creative talents in the construction of farm facilities, incorporating recycled materials in their design and function. She will also be working on the coordination of the development of the farm's lavender production.

Nicole Kraft // Intern

Arriving from Minnesota, I have traveled back to the West to womanifest my destiny in the sandier soils of eastern Washington. My personal interest in local and organically grown food and sustainable living began several years ago and precipitated an internship on an organic farm in southeastern Minnesota. Through continued experience on several different organic operations and other educational and work related experiences, the interest grew into a lifelong passion- a lifestyle. I enjoy being with plants and animals, the natural kingdom surrounding and encompassing us, observing, nurturing, learning, being. Aside from work on the farm, ever-growing interests and activities exist for me to partake in and provide leisure and energy. Among these, outdoor activity in its many forms, traveling and exploring, using my senses and intuitive creativity in artistic endeavors, whether it be preparing and savoring good food, crafting jewelry, preparing tinctures, and being an active co-creator.

Jeffery Smith // Intern

I am a recent graduate from the University of North Texas where I received my Bachelor of Arts with a double major in History and Philosophy. As an undergrad, I focused my studies on the history and philosophy of South Asia and have recently spent time in Dharamsala, India working for the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama as a translator. I have worked for several years for the Texas Park and Wildlife Department and as a supervisor at a health food cafe. Both of these experiences have further my understanding of the imporantance of food sources that are healthy both for humans and for the Earth. I am very intereseted in learning about small scale argiclutre models that are able to adapt sustanable practicese while following a sound business model. I am also an avid outdoors man and marathon runner and can often be found running on and exploring local trails.

Gabriela Amador // Intern

Coming soon ...

Jacob Aman // Web Focalizer

Jacob is an artist and permaculture designer. He began working on ecofarms in 2001 and deepened his scientific studies at the Evergreen State College where he obtained a degree in biology, focusing on connecting belowground and aboveground biological relationships.