Hello! Whether you call me Farmer Chris, Dr. D, or just plain Chris— I am a science teacher who is passionate about growing food using ecological principles while seeking to transform our relationship with nature.
I was initially drawn to studying science due to my curiosity about the natural world. As a result of following that interest, I earned a graduate degree in molecular biochemistry and biophysics from Yale University and started my professional life as a research scientist at the FDA and as a program manager at the National Academy of Sciences.
As I learned more, I observed the interconnections between our food and lifestyle habits and our physical, mental, and environmental health. These observations led me to explore the science and practices of regenerative, small-scale agriculture. Before leaving the FDA I spent time volunteering on farms and realized that I love working outside growing food. Furthermore, inspired by the work of the staff at Farm Aid and the many stories shared at their Farm Aid event I knew I wanted to realign my professional career. So In order to share my interest in science and to continue to follow my passion for farming, I decided to become a high school science teacher and to practice my food growing skills in the summer.
Recently, I received a Permaculture Design Certificate and completed Level I and II of the Future Harvest Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP).
I established The DeFeo Family Farm, LLC in 2022 and I currently teach biology and AP Environmental Science at Georgetown Preparatory School.
Hi all! Laura here. I am a health coach and community health volunteer interested in chronic disease prevention, motivation, behavior change, and working with individuals and communities who are seeking to build sustainable healthy habits that work for them.
I became interested in distance sports as a child, and as a result was later drawn to studying science, health, nutrition, exercise, and the psychological aspects of motivation, habits, & endurance.
After completing a Ph.D. in chemistry, I spent 10 years working at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in Washington, D.C., which provided a broad view of science, health, and environmental policy and practice. During that time I also volunteered as a co-coordinator for a program that assisted local DC residents with their searches for employment at the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV). This volunteer program emphasized the power of communities working together to make a positive difference and planted the seed of a possible career change for me in the future.
In 2021 I completed Duke Health’s Professional Health Coach Training program, and shortly thereafter established Illumine & Align Integrative Health Coaching, LLC and became a Certified Lifestyle Coach for the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). I am currently a contractor, Lead DPP Coach, and Co-Coordinator of the SHARE Food Network host-site at Frederick Health, the local non-profit health care system in Frederick County. I also serve as Co-Lead of the Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Subcommittee organized by the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County. We are always looking for opportunities for DeFeo Family Farm to share our harvest in support of community health efforts!