We have a team of hard-working educators and farmers teaching our K-12 School Farm program, and growing lots of food for the students to eat!
Jay Freundlich
Garden Science Specialist
I am honored and excited to be working with the children of South Whidbey once again.
The long path that led me to the South Whidbey School Farm began in New Jersey, where I had my first experience as a young physics teacher, but I quickly veered to the West Coast. I landed in the South Whidbey School District, teaching science, math and outdoor education, which strengthened my enthusiasm for working with children and connecting them to the natural world.
Most recently, I spent eight years working in Seattle, continuing my pursuit of math and science teaching but also building a strong program in agricultural education, integrating farm work with math, science and the humanities. I look forward to reconnecting with this fantastic staff and supporting community to teach children in Kindergarten through Grade Six in the South Whidbey schools.
Brian Kenney
School Farm Manager
Hi there! I am so excited to be here! I have been farming for 13 years now, first in Massachusetts, then Virginia and here on Whidbey since 2013. I ran my own farm, Do Re Mi Farm, for 5 seasons and just finished 7 seasons with Deep Harvest Farm in Freeland.
I love being outside and keeping my eyes and ears open, watching and listening to all the things going on as I plant, weed, harvest, build fences, greenhouses and the other thousand and one things we do on a farm. I also have been a music teacher (violin, viola and string orchestra) for many years and love working with young people learning about their world, themselves and new skills. I feel very lucky to have found a role for myself that brings this odd assortment of skills, interests and experience together so well. I know that I’ll be learning tons and tons here also, from our farm team members, from the students and from the plants and animals that make their home here on the South Whidbey School Campus. If you see me, please don’t hesitate to come and say hi, ask me a question or tell me a story. I look forward to meeting you.
We thank Emily Koller for managing the School Farm from March – September 2022!
Seth Raabe
High School Agriculture teacher, Grade 7-8 Garden.
Seth Raabe grew up on South Whidbey, graduating SWHS in 2000. He received his bachelors degree in Ecological Agriculture from Evergreen State College in Olympia, studying abroad in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Hawaii. He lived and farmed on Maui from 2002-2017.
AmeriCorps Service Members
Greetings Whidbey Island!
My name is Hannah, and I am from North Florida. The Navy brought my family to Washington and I have never been happier! I am a recent graduate from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health. During my time at the UW, I learned about the intricacies of the food system from propagation to waste management, with an emphasis on sustainability and equity. It was also during my time at the UW that I began working on the campus farms that sparked my passion and curiosity in farming. In my free time, I enjoy trying new foods, hiking, watching movies with friends, and plant shopping!
I applied to this position through AmeriCorps because I wanted to explore a career in elementary education. My earlier educational experiences never granted me the opportunity to learn about agriculture, so I am beyond proud to be a part of setting this knowledge foundation for these students to take into their adult years. Thank you so much for creating this amazing, rewarding program – I look forward to my time on Whidbey Island.
Hello Whidbey, I’m Emma! I am so excited to be working on South Whidbey School Farms with the wonderful team of food and farm educators! This past May, I graduated from Towson University in Maryland, my home state, with a BS in Metropolitan Studies. Through my undergraduate program and the TU urban farm, I became passionate about sustainability, community gardens, and the need for expansive equitable green space. Outside of farming, my interests include taking photos, skateboarding, biking, cooking, making art, and exploring new places.
I am new to Whidbey Island and the PNW, but have so far really enjoyed going to the beach, taking hikes, and eating the fresh food that grows here. The natural beauty of Whidbey Island is as immense as the warmth of its people; Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and kind! I can’t wait to learn more about the Whidbey Island community, sustainable farming, and environmental education.
Hello Whidbey Island!
My Name is Julian, I am from Salt Lake City, Utah and I have been living on the island for about six months now. I am so grateful to be working in the school garden! I am also very excited to work with my fellow Americorps peeps! My interest in food began early on with my dad and his love for cooking, and I have been deepening my relationship to food, community, and environment ever since. I have worked and lived on a couple of farms now, Calloused Palms farm in Durango, Colorado and Rosehip farm in Coupeville. I can’t wait to continue my education in farming, cooking, and teaching in the coming school year. And most importantly enjoy the delicious garden nibbles!
South Whidbey School Farms 