Mark Phillips
Farm Manager 2023– current
Mark Phillips is the current Barrington Farm School Farm Manager. His duties at the farm encompass the planning and management of all aspects of crop production, overseeing both the field crops and the farm’s high tunnel. Mark has been the owner/operator of Skydog Farm since 1990, operating three 3900 sq. ft. commercial hydroponic greenhouses and conducting various educational and farm-to-school programs. For five years, Mark was President of the Coastal Growers Farmers Market. He has a B.S. in Environmental Studies from URI.
Janelle Heise
Farmer’s Assistant 2023- current
Janelle Heise is the Barrington Farm School Farmer’s Assistant. Janelle works alongside our Farm Manager, our Community Engagement Coordinator, and assisting all of our volunteers to ensure we have a successful and productive growing season. Before moving to Rhode Island, Janelle volunteered with an environmental nonprofit, working not only in the field monitoring endangered and invasive plant species, but also at their headquarters giving tours, taking care of the native plant gardens, greeting visitors in the front office, and tabling at advocacy events. Her impressive background in gardening, arts, and education creates valuable experiences for our volunteers.
Staff 2023
Mark Phillips (see above)
Farm Manager 2023
Casey Merkle
Volunteer Coordinator 2023
Casey Merkle was the Barrington Farm School Volunteer Coordinator through July 2023. Casey came to the farm with experience at the Boston Nature Center, RISD, and the Rhode Island Flood Mitigation Association. She has extensive skills in research and design, writing, and social and digital media. Casey holds a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Wisconsin and an M.A. in Nature, Culture, and Sustainability Studies from RISD. Her duties at the farm included recruiting, training, and overseeing volunteers, and public relations with volunteers and organizational partners.
Staff 2022
Jessalyn Link
Lead Grower 2022
Jessalyn Link was the Barrington Farm School Lead Grower for 2022. Originally from the corn capital Illinois, Jessalyn is an avid gardener. She has a degree in the creative arts and marketing and has participated in the farm and some of its events over the years. She is enthusiastic about the farm’s educational mission and about working with volunteers. In 2023, Jessalyn joined the Board of Directors of the Barrington Farm School.