
THE TEAM

Maria Moreira, Interim Executive Director
Maria Moreira stepped in as the Interim Executive Director of World Farmers following the departure of Henrietta Isaboke. As Board Chair and co-founder of World Farmers, Maria will lead the organization during the transition, and search for Executive Director.

Jessy Gill, Program and Policy Director
Jessy is responsible for program management and development, coordinating organizational and strategic partnerships, and any advocacy efforts. Jessy works closely with the farmers at Flats Mentor Farm to develop and refine all programs and services to fit individual needs, ensuring each Flats Mentor farmer is fully supported in their farming goals. Prior to joining World Farmers Jessy worked with a local NGO in the Marsabit region of Kenya, lived and worked on a farm in the Green Mountains, and worked in community outreach and led federal, state, and local policy efforts for the Community Food and Justice Coalition in Oakland, CA.

Amie Avila, Finance and HR Director
Amie Avila has been a vital part of the World Farmers team for 4 years, bringing her expertise and dedication to the organization. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to joining World Farmers, Amie founded and successfully operated her own non-emergency medical transportation company for 18 years. Amie's favorite aspect of working with World Farmers is the opportunity to interact with farmers and assist them in developing business plans, helping them experience the rewards of owning and operating their own businesses. Her passion for empowering others and supporting sustainable agriculture is evident in her daily work. Outside of her professional role, Amie cherishes spending time with her husband, Charles, and their two daughters, Aaliyah and Mariah. They love going on new adventures together, creating lasting memories through exploration and shared experiences.

Kurt Schuffels, Land and Conservation Manager
Kurt joins the World Farmers team, he first started out as a Merchant Marine for 18yrs travelling the world on ships, after leaving the Merchant Marines he began farming in Lancaster, Massachusetts [where he grew up] as a beginning farmer rehabilitating 200 acres of farmland over the course of 11yrs that had been neglected since the late 1980's and making it a fully functional hay operation producing quality blends of grasses for equine/cattle consumption. After some life changes he began working as an agricultural salesman at a local equipment dealer for 9yrs selling all types of agricultural equipment throughout Ma. and NH.to all the local farms, building lasting and trusting relationships with the farmers of our local communities.

Morgan Healey, Design Coordinator
Morgan has double major in computer graphic design and web design. While getting her degree, she designed and developed a brochure for the Ethnic Crops program with UMass Amherst’s Agriculture Department. Prior to joining World Farmers, Morgan was employed for 5 years at the Holden Landmark Corporation, later expanding as Worcester Magazine’s Graphic Online Designer. Morgan also has experience as a freelance designer. Additional expertise includes developing campaign materials for local city councilor, logo design and company branding for CrossFIT EXP and volunteering her time at a local school to raise money for a local animal shelter. At World Farmers, the materials she produces focus on small business marketing, branding, and identity design.

Audra Gross, Administrative Assistant
Audra has lived in many different states, but has called Massachusetts home for a little over ten years. She is very involved in her church and has participated in four mission trips to build houses and churches in the communities in Haiti, Dominica, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Audra has a deep love for nature, hiking, and photography. She also enjoys getting lost in a good book. Audra grew up working with family and is happy to bring her skills and talents to join the mission of the World Farmers community as an Administrative Assistant.

Maressa Nascimento, CSA Coordinator
Maressa is from Brazil and comes from a family that farms in Brazil. Although she moved here very young, she fully appreciates all the hard work from all farmers and will make sure that our farmers get all the assistance they need to succeed. She has been with us for the past two years part-time working on a portion of our CSA program but now joins us full-time to oversee our CSA program. Maressa previously worked in retail and has over 10 years of experience with customer service.

Rael (Rachael) Onyiego, Farm Outreach Coordinator
Rael Onyiego originally from Kenya, born and raised in Kenya from a farming community as Omogusii, relocated to USA in search for a better opportunities, joined World Farmers in 2011 and resumed her passion for farming, her rich background in agriculture both in Kenya and U.S.A, fuels her dedication to improving farming farming practices and supporting her community. Currently working as a Farmer outreach coordinator, serving as a primary point of contact for farmers.In this role she plays a crucial part in supporting farmers access vital resources and fostering collaboration within the farming community, she coordinates workshops, training sessions, and field days designed to enhance farmers skills and sustainable farming practices, market access and other essential aspects of farming.she has a strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse population. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and close friends.

Itayi Nyarota, Delivery Specialist




OUR BOARD




