Working Together
OUR STAFF
Penelope Powell Executive Director
“After years volunteering for VFP including as Board Treasurer, I joined the staff as Executive Director. Agriculture has a story throughout my life, coming from multi-generational farmers to working on a small, locally focused organic farm, to having a home garden. My career has mostly focused on non-profit administration at a variety of different agencies and I am excited to bring this experience and knowledge to the team. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, hikes, soaking in hot springs, and spending time with my friends and family.”
Angelica M. Sandoval
Bilingual Food Access Coordinator
“I like hiking in the great outdoors, all animals, and growing food for my family. We moved to Montrose from the city seeking a better quality of life for our now 8-year-old daughter. I enjoy homeschooling my daughter. My husband grew up in Montrose. We wanted to give a similar, if not better country life experience to our daughter who loves horses. We moved here to work with our hands, the soil, and animals and to learn the joys of what Mother Earth truly has to offer. We are currently working on our own homestead plan which includes greenhouses and native plant spaces, a few rescue animals. Personally, I like yoga, creating jewelry, and healthy cooking! I am passionate about increasing healthy food resources and opportunities for the community through the support of local agriculture.”
Cally Hale CFRT PROGRAM MANAGER
“As a fifth-generation rancher, I am excited to share all the valuable techniques I have learned from my parents, grandparents, and even my great-grandparents towards self-sufficiency and local food culture with young farmers and ranchers as they start their enterprises. My family has lived and homesteaded in the Uncompahgre Valley for over a hundred years, and I am passionate about continuing to foster the history of food production on the Western Slope while implementing sustainable and holistic farming practices. My extensive skills in gardening, cooking, canning, sewing, and animal husbandry will surely bring value to Valley Food Partnership and the agricultural community!
In my spare time, I enjoy sewing, traveling, and gardening as well as writing for the local newspaper.”
Jeanette Oslund CFRT project Specialist
Local Food Promotion Program Manager
“I am a nature-loving artist who lives in Western Colorado. Growing up surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and its wonders, which is reflected in my art and activities in the community. Having grown up in a small west end town, I learned the importance of self-sustainability through gardening, raising animals, and hunting. Living in a small town has also taught me the importance of building and being involved in the local community. In addition to my creative pursuits, I am a permaculture practitioner. I completed a year-long certification course and apply my knowledge to my work, gardening, career, and art business. With a talent for blending creativity and sustainability, I dedicate myself to making the world a more beautiful and eco-friendly place.”
Sammie Alteri
Montrose Farmers Market Manager
FMPP Program Manager
“Growing up on the eastern shore of Maryland surrounded by wetlands and agriculture, I loved to walk up and down the Atlantic beaches for hours collecting shells, sea glass, and other nautical treasures. After graduating from St. Mary's College of Maryland with a focus in Environmental Studies, my AmeriCorps service brought me to Montrose to work with VFP's food access programs and Niagara Community Garden. After my AmeriCorps service completed, I returned to join the VFP staff as Garden Coordinator, Office Assistant, and Farmers Market Coordinator (whew!). Currently, along with being the Montrose Farmers Market Manager, I also manage the USDA grant funded Farmers Market Promotion Project (FMPP) and I continue to be excited to work with such a great community in a beautiful part of the country. In my free time, I love to garden, craft, sew, cook, and play oboe and violin.”
Christine Harrington Administrative assistant
“I joined the VFP team in August 2019 as Office Manager bringing with me over 15 years of administrative office experience. My husband and I moved to Colorado from the Hudson Valley region of upstate NY. Coming from an area where the soil is rich, and water is abundant, I am humbly grateful to be able to support an organization and community that works so hard and overcomes so many challenges of growing food on the Western Slope. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring and camping”
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul moved to Colorado back in 2008 first landing in Lafayette, CO and in 2014 moved to a small acreage home west of Olathe (Coal Creek). The property allows his wife and him to house several animals including chickens, ducks, goats, a horse, cats and dogs. They also have a substantial garden with many varieties of peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables along with some apple and pear trees.
Paul’s first experience working with local agriculture was at the Western Slope Soil Health Conference helping with the administration of the event. Paul also has experiences working with a number of local businesses in Delta and Olathe on Economic Development activities and is a strong supporter of local businesses and agriculture. Paul also provides community support through his employment with Hilltop Community Resource in Montrose.
“I am excited about serving with the Valley Food Partnership board and its efforts to connect local agriculture and local people. It is more evident than ever before the importance that local food systems have to the well-being of people and food security for our area.” – Paul Stockwell
Paul Stockwell, President
Elisa McKee, Treasurer
“After growing up as a Navy brat who moved every few years, my family finally settled in Colorado in 1975. My mother created paintings of rural countryside and my parents took us kids out to farms on our Sunday drives. I feel at home living in a ranching and farming community. I want to support agriculture/ranching (locally) and solutions for producers that allow them to thrive and later retire without losing our prime agricultural real estate”
Geoff Oslund, Secretary
“As the secretary of the board for the Valley Food Partnership, I bring a unique blend of practical experience and dedication to sustainable agriculture. My background in gardening on a small CSA-based farm has equipped me with hands-on knowledge of community-supported agriculture and the intricacies of farm operations. This experience allows me to understand local farmers' challenges and opportunities, making me a valuable advocate for their needs and interests on the board.
Through the Valley Food Partnership, I am enrolled in the Cultivating Ranchers and Farmers that Thrive program. This program is enhancing my understanding of innovative farming practices and sustainable agriculture. My active participation demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Additionally, my ongoing volunteer work with the same CSA farm reflects my dedication to supporting local agriculture and my ability to apply my knowledge in real-world settings.
As secretary, I bring excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for fostering a thriving local food system. My experience and education enable me to contribute effectively to the board's strategic planning and decision-making processes, ensuring we meet our goals of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.”