Meet Our Staff
Stephanie Pal BIO
(she/her/hers)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? Because I deeply believe in the organization’s mission. By teaching kids where their food comes from and making cooking fun, we can help kids develop a healthy relationship with food, which is tied to good health, improved confidence, feelings of empowerment and joy! Things ALL children should be privy to!
Favorite vegetable: Radicchio
One fun fact about me: I am Canadian and I speak French!
EMILY HIE BIO
(They/Them)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? After working with Common Threads as a classroom teacher for seven years, I saw the impact that seed to table education had for students from all walks of life. Gardening and cooking lessons help kids to see that food is more than just nutrition—it’s also culture, science, and medicine. Furthermore, food is community—it’s the easiest way I know to connect with people in our past, present, and future! I love raising my own child in Whatcom County, and my goal is that all children here will feel empowered to grow and eat delicious food.
Favorite vegetable: Garlic. I double it in every recipe!
One fun fact about me: I also taught martial arts for six years!
Cam McMaster Bio
(he/him)
SARAH WHEATLEY BIO
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? Food has been the center of community, family and friendship in my life since the very beginning. My mom proudly taught me family recipes and my best friend and I started a cookie company in fourth grade. We all thrive when we feel we belong, and I want to share that! I grew up in Bellingham, went to college in Santa Cruz, California, and have worked in El Salvador, Mexico, and India as well as several small towns in Washington and Oregon. In each of these places, I had the honor of sharing stories over meals and making friends in gardens, kitchens, forests and fields. I think food is a beautiful way to share our cultures with friends, neighbors and strangers. I worked in ecological science for a long time too, and I love gardening because we get to see ecological relationships up close and be part of them: plants, soil, critters and us. Other things I love include mountains, rivers, oceans, birds, playing music, building and fixing things, bikes, dogs, languages, bugs, and the kids who grace my life with their curiosity and goofiness.
Favorite vegetable:Varies seasonally. Snap peas, Sungold cherry tomatoes, Delicata squash, and shallots.
One fun fact about me: I built a tiny house!
Sky Hawk Bressette
(Food Educator)
Sky Hawk Bressette BIO
(they/them)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? I chose to work at Common Threads Farm because of my joint love of the environment, food, and education. With a background in ethnoecology and place-based education, I wholeheartedly believe that students of all ages learn best when connecting to the earth. The more opportunities we can give students to connect the ways we eat and learn to the places we live, the more empowered our students will be to make positive changes in the world!
Favorite vegetable: All of the Alliums! Garlic and Onions and Shallots, Oh My!
One fun fact about me: I have hiked over half of 660 miles of trails in Olympic National Park (Eventually I’ll get to them all!)
Claire Harris
(Food Truck Assistant)
Claire Harris BIO
(She/Her)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? I want every child in our community to experience the magic that happens when you plant a seed, watch it grow, and turn it into something nourishing and beautiful. Food brings people together and connects us with the Earth – it’s science, art, culture, and medicine all wrapped up in one delicious package. I feel most connected and grounded when I’m cooking or farming, and I believe everyone deserves access to that same sense of purpose and joy. Common Threads Farm allows me to combine my passions for community engagement and environmental education while ensuring every child gets to experience the satisfaction of growing something with their own hands and sharing it with others.
Favorite vegetable: Sungold tomatoes! They are like little bursts of sunshine.
One fun fact about me: I love line dancing!
Eric Guiang
(Food Truck Lead)
Eric Guiang BIO
(He/Him)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? I chose to work at Common Threads Farm because cooking and sharing meals has always been central to how I build and nourish community. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring nutritious (and delicious!) food and hands-on food education to kids across Whatcom County. I believe every child deserves access to healthy meals and the knowledge to make good food choices. Well-fed kids are better equipped to learn, grow and thrive!
Favorite vegetable: Brussel Sprouts!
One fun fact about me: I’ve canoed on the Arctic Ocean!
Clara Wallner
(Food Educator)
Clara Wallner BIO
(she/her)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads Farm? I come from a family of farmers, and as a child being outside and digging in the dirt was always my happy place. As I grew older, and through my AmeriCorps service with Common Threads Farm, I discovered my passion for teaching others about the natural world and sharing the magic and wonder I felt in the garden as a child (and still feel as an adult!) I believe that growing your own food is an empowering experience, one that everyone regardless of age, race, gender, or socio economic status should have the means to access and take pride in!
Favorite vegetable: Mushrooms! Any and all varieties. One of my favorite family recipes that my mom taught me how to make is mushroom risotto (with LOTS of garlic of course).
One fun fact about me: I can roller skate backwards!
meet our BOARD
Maria Macpherson – President, Co-Treasurer
Maria Macpherson BIO
(she/her/hers)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads? All children should have the opportunity to learn the valuable skills of gardening and making healthy food choices. When children are exposed to the concept of growing their own food and making healthy choices, they become more connected to the food they eat and are more likely to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Providing access to education about sustainable food practices and nutrition is critical in building a healthier future for our community!
Favorite vegetable: Broccoli
One fun fact about me: I spent 7 months traveling the country with my husband and dog living out of our teardrop trailer.
Kate Teele – Vice President
Kate Teele BIO
(she/her/hers)
Mikaela Foster – Secretary
Mikaela Foster BIO
(she/her/hers)
Janet Englehart – Co-Treasurer
Janet Engelhart BIO
(she/her/hers)
Nolan Davidson
Nolan Davidson BIO
(he/him/his)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads? Common Threads provides an experience that, as an adult, I looked back and wished I had experienced as a kid. Gardening, growing food, cooking food–cultivating a connection with what we eat–is a crucial skill that too often fails to get conveyed to kids in school (and not everyone has the luxury of learning these things at home). It’s an honor and a pleasure to work for Common Threads.
Favorite vegetable: My favorite vegetable is the source of everything that’s pure and good in the world–chips, french fries, and vodka–the noble, glorious potato.
One fun fact about me: My resume says I’m a licensed tug boat captain.
Olivia Knitter Schmoe
Olivia Knitter Schmoe BIO
(she/her/hers)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads Farm? Food is fundamental to our well-being, yet many lose sight of the importance of healthy eating and the journey food takes from farm to table—especially in today’s world of mass production and limited resources. I am passionate about Common Threads Farm’s mission to help children discover the origins of their food. By fostering this understanding early on, we empower the next generation to make informed, mindful choices, support local farmers, and develop a deeper appreciation for the food they eat.
Favorite vegetable: Broccoli because it enhances almost any savory dish and is delicious simply roasted with oil, salt, and pepper.
One fun fact about me: At one point, I memorized 78 digits of Pi… today, I can tell you 5.
Jess Meyer
Jess Meyer BIO
(she/her/hers)