Sue took up cheese making as a hobby while working in corporate finance in New York City. That hobby became a passion, and she furthered her education in cheese making by studying with artisanal cheese makers in Vermont, and an apprenticeship on an organic goat farm in rural Maine. Upon returning to her home state of Michigan in 2010, Sue bought an historic 1867 farm in Kingsley where she started … [Read more...]
Jeremy Reisig, brotha James
brotha James, a Michigander, is a marketing and sales entrepreneur turned musician who left the business world to pursue his destiny of creating inspirational music. Armed with a passion for making music and connecting people through his live performances, Jeremy (brotha James) Reisig brings non-stop enthusiasm and endless energy that leaves his audiences asking for more. Combining clever, … [Read more...]
Jackie Kaschel, Peace Ranch
JACKIE KASCHEL, Founder and ED of PEACE Ranch, serving horses and humans suffering the effects of abuse, neglect, conflict grief and pain. The ranch serves a broad population with EAGALA Model equine assisted activities and specializes with at risk youth, trauma based issues for children and Veterans and difficult to treat issues like addiction and autism. Jackie has led the way pioneering … [Read more...]
Kathi Mulder, Dance of Life Midwifery
Kathi has been a practicing midwife since 1992 and a Certified Professional Midwife since 1997. She is the founder of Dance of Life Midwifery and has served on the board of the Michigan Midwives Association for many years (six years as president) and is a member of the international organization Midwives Alliance. Kathi has 3 grown daughters all of whom were born into the hands of … [Read more...]
ELON CAMERON, Acupuncturist and Creator of Imagine Health
Elon is the founder of Imagine Health in Traverse City where she practices acupuncture and herbal medicine. She studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago “Energy moves through our body like electricity through a house, Acupuncture is like turning the light on in one room. My favorite thing about my job is my job. I like it when people feel better. After all, acupuncture has … [Read more...]
May Erlewine, Singer Songwriter
May Erlewine is a Michigan based singer songwriter and a member of the Earthwork Music Collective. She plays guitar, fiddle, viola, piano and a few other instruments, but mostly she sings. Her songs are treasured by people of all faiths and politics. May’s songs are sung (and recorded) by other artists, both great and small. May comes from a family of artists and musicians. Early on she was … [Read more...]
Ty Schmidt, Carter’s Compost
A Canadian import, Ty grew up in small town Manitoba. After receiving his Masters degree in Physical Therapy from The University of North Dakota and an 7 year stint in Tucson, Ty moved to Traverse City in 2006. He is married to the lovely Johanna, a Leelanau County girl, and is currently a part time physical therapist (he job shares with Johanna) at Munson. Ty started Carter’s Compost, a … [Read more...]
ERIC PATTERSON, The Cook’s House
Eric Patterson is the co-chef and co-owner of The Cooks’ House, Local sustainable cuisine skillfully prepared and served in Traverse City. He spent close to fifteen years at Andre’s, Las Vegas’ 5 star French restaurant, including a three-year apprenticeship under Andre. At the end of his Vegas tenure, Patterson was Andre’s head chef. He has also co-authored one cookbook about “The Art & Soul … [Read more...]
JERRY DENNIS, Big Maple Press
Jerry Dennis has been professionally writing books and essays about the places where nature and human culture meet since 1986. His essays and short fiction have appeared in more than 100 publications, including The New York Times, Smithsonian, Audubon, Orion, American Way, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and Michigan Quarterly Review. Last year, Jerry teamed with artist Glenn Wolff and his wife Gail to … [Read more...]
ELLEN FRED, Elf & Conservation Partners
“I went to law school later in life after I had spent many years following my heart – traveling, volunteering on organic farms, saving ancient redwoods, and founding nonprofit organizations. When I finally decided to go back to school, I knew exactly what I wanted to do – land conservation law – and I sought out a law school that offered classes in that area. I was then hired by my law professor … [Read more...]
