Staff & Support
Joel Jorgensen, Director of Farming
Joel, originally from Marion, Iowa, arrived at Gideon’s
Garden in June of 2022. Prior to his arrival, Joel received his B.A. in Religion, Philosophy, and History in 2019 from John Brown University. Since then, Joel has worked in a variety of agricultural contexts across the United States. From dairy farms in Iowa, to beef and poultry operations in Arkansas, to orchards in Minnesota, to urban farming and education in California, Joel has had his heart and mind on the complex relationships that people, food, and land have with each other. Joel has also been dedicated to the well-being of students and young people through his work in youth groups and schools and continues to be excited to support and uplift those who come to the Garden in helping each student begin to chart their own way through the world.
Joel is an active member of Grace Church and enjoys the
community that is found there. Joel sings in the choir at Berkshire Lyric and can be found at any number of places around Great Barrington reading a book.
Contact Joel at gideonsgarden@graceberkshires.org
Pennie Curry, Manager at Taft Farms
Pennie Curry has been in a leadership position with Gideon’s Garden since its beginning 14 years ago. Her passion has always been working with youth of all ages. Pennie has been working with Taft Farms for over 28 years and is currently the Business Manager for Taft. Born in Texas and graduate of University of Houston, Pennie now calls Alford, MA her home. Grace Church is her church family and partners with Taft Farms in supporting Gidion’s Garden. Pennie worked in New York City for 30 years as lighting designer and eventually Executive Director of The Joffrey Ballet before moving to the Berkshires. Gideon’s Garden is her passion that allows her to watch the youth grow in confidence, community involvement and respect for the land and each other.
Rev. Tina Rathbone, Rector of Grace Church
Rev. Tina doesn’t actually know much about gardening, though she loves being outside, getting her hands in the dirt and harvesting with others in the late Summer and Fall. She cares deeply about community, and particularly about community that makes room for people of all kinds to shine. She is deeply invested in our Internship Program, and works with the counselors at WEB DuBois middle school to recruit and support our interns over the summer and throughout the year.
