Background:
I grew up in New York's Hudson Valley. I got my first taste of regenerative community attending an alternative high school in New Paltz, NY, where I met my wife. I studied horticulture and environmental science in college, had a spiritual awakening, and went to a seminary in Nyack, NY, where I studied Intercultural Studies with the intention of doing overseas development work. Throughout my schooling I've worked as an apprentice farmer, environmental activist, and for 5 years as an agricultural consultant for local farmers.
My wife and I have two beautiful children and are working toward our dream of founding a spiritual service-oriented community practicing regenerative living and serving the poor locally and globally.

How I came to be involved in permaculture:

I got involved with an organic food cooperative in college and started learning about organic farming. Eventually I read a bit about permaculture and it sounded like the way to go. I dove into developing the skills I thought I would need to do permaculture design. I had a spiritual awakening wherein I became convinced that I needed to use those skills to serve poor people. Since then I have continued training and studying and working toward the goal of being able to devote all of my work life to using permaculture to end poverty and regenerate the landscape.

Permaculture activities/intentions:

Current activities:
- working with local churches to plant vegetable gardens and fruit trees to grow food for local emergency food pantries/soup kitchens. One active project so far and looking to expand.
- preparing for rainwater harvesting and reforestation demonstration and training in Kenya with the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Planning to have an initial demonstration site set up by summer 2012.
- installation of energy-efficiency measures in low-income multifamily housing with a local non-profit, The Affordable Housing Conservancy, through a government-sponsored weatherization program.
- occasional garden design work on the side.
- training and studying.

Intentions:
- Expand church garden project to other parishes.
- Get started with permaculture demonstration project in Kenya
- Continue training, studying, and practicing in preparation to begin teaching permaculture.
- Develop opportunities to do more holistic work with The Affordable Housing Conservancy, especially integrating water harvesting and food production into low-income housing projects.
- Make connections and acquire property to begin development of a Permaculture Research Institute in the Hudson Valley.