Alexandra enjoys joking when she introduces herself, saying she’s an empress, not a library—her dad’s love of Russian history inspired her name. She became passionate about food issues after working as a data entry specialist for a food waste prevention company. Since joining Baystate, Alexandra loves the friendly, open atmosphere. She thinks of Baystate as the kind of neighbor you can visit for a cup of sugar and a warm, welcoming chat.

Alexandra has recently helped update the renewal application process, internal forms, and checklists. She especially enjoys collaborating with her teammates to create simple, helpful solutions that make everyone’s work easier.

Looking ahead, Alexandra hopes to travel to new countries with her husband, create a Victorian-style ball gown, and master pattern drafting. When she’s not busy at work, Alexandra loves knitting, sewing, and spending time with family, friends, and her three dogs. She recently finished her first personal quilt and has three others in progress—she’s always happy to swap stories or tips with fellow crafters!

After homeschooling her three children through high school, Andrea was ready for a new chapter. She found her way to Baystate because she wanted to work for a company that puts its clients first and shares her belief in doing things the right way. As a File Management Specialist, she brings curiosity, determination, and a refreshingly straightforward approach to her work.

Andrea is known for being direct, unfiltered, and always willing to speak her mind. She appreciates that Baystate is a team where people can be themselves while working together to support organic operations. Her family’s experiences, particularly the importance of access to food and herbs that meet their needs, have deepened her appreciation for organic agriculture and the people behind it.

Family has always been at the center of Andrea’s life. She is especially proud of her children. When she has a little time to herself, she enjoys reading, working puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Chantel grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, which gave her a working understanding of agriculture. She has been part of the Baystate family since 2018, starting part-time before quickly embracing the opportunity to join full-time. She loves how Baystate offers so many ways to grow and learn together, and she truly values being part of a close-knit, employee-based nonprofit that genuinely cares for each other and our clients. Chantel hopes to stay with Baystate until retirement because building the company alongside her coworkers feels personal, rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

Some of Chantel’s coworkers affectionately call her the “nuts and bolts” behind the scenes because she enjoys ensuring everything runs smoothly and that documents are always up to date and accurate. She’s always approachable and happy to help clients with their paperwork questions. Chantel has also brought a fresh, friendly touch to our social media, spotlighting client operations and sharing the great things happening at Baystate. She’s proud to help find new ways to connect with clients and make everyone feel welcome. Looking ahead, Chantel hopes to become an inspector or reviewer as her son, Coen, grows older, allowing her to travel and meet even more people. She dreams of starting a certified organic hobby farm one day.

Personally, Chantel wants to reread the Bible, become even more involved with her church community, and be a supportive presence for her son and his friends as they enter their teenage years. She’s proud to have become chairwoman for her county GOP committee last year and is now happily volunteering in her church’s toddler room. In her free time, Chantel loves reading and crocheting — she’s currently making a cozy blanket for a friend and finds joy in creating things for others. She describes herself as a truth teller, sunset chaser, butterfly whisperer, and cookie baker, always eager to share a smile or a kind word.

Chantel tries to make every day meaningful, ending each night with Coen by sharing prayers and gratitude, with Baystate consistently high on their list.

Collin earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and minored in Nutrition. He first joined Baystate as an undergraduate looking to earn some extra money. Now, he stays for the flexibility and the sense of purpose he finds in supporting the people who grow, process, and handle our food. Collin is always ready with a warm smile and enjoys meeting new people at work.

Collin has supported Lauren and Staci with long-term projects and enjoys processing Certificates on Saturdays. He often brings positive energy to the team and hopes to open his own strength and conditioning business in the future. He is always happy to share advice or encouragement with others. In his free time, Collin enjoys playing golf and staying active. He’s always up for a friendly game or a chat about nutrition. He is passionate about supporting farmers and organic operations, believing that what we eat shapes who we are.

Duncan’s connection to organic agriculture began long before his time at Baystate. In the early 1990s, he was a certified organic onion and apple grower in Walla Walla, Washington. With a master’s degree in Soil Science from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Whitman College, Duncan brought both firsthand experience as a certified producer and a strong scientific background with him when he entered organic certification.

After moving to Massachusetts in 2003, Duncan began working as a part-time organic inspector, hired by Baystate’s Executive Director, Don Franczyk. He joined Baystate full-time in 2010 and today serves as Baystate’s Reviewer Administrator in addition to working as an inspector. After more than two decades in certification, getting out in the field to inspect operations is still his favorite part of the work. Outside of Baystate, Duncan has a love of old cars and, in his own words, believes “there is nothing better than helping someone out of a tight spot.” Duncan may not particularly enjoy writing about himself, but his decades of experience in organic agriculture and certification—and his willingness to help others—give us plenty to say for him.

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Mary earned her Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA. Through her studies, she developed a strong understanding of organic certification requirements, like materials use and soil or vegetation management. She has experience setting up field experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results to diverse audiences. She also speaks Spanish fluently and loves connecting with people from different backgrounds.

Mary has been using organic products for many years and truly believes in their value. She is passionate about supporting small-scale producers and appreciates that Baystate helps both small and large operations. For Mary, joining Baystate is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a community she cares about. Mary spends much of her time working on reports and enjoys learning about various materials, their applications, and their restrictions. She looks forward to growing in the certification field and continuing to support small producers, meeting new people along the way. Outside of work, Mary loves walking by the sea, hiking, surfing, and traveling. Supporting farmers is close to her heart—her family, from her grandparents to her dear uncle, were all small-scale farmers. Mary believes organic operations help create healthier communities and vibrant, thriving ecosystems, and she’s always happy to talk about their importance.

Nick’s interest in agriculture started early, when he learned about mint from his grandmother at age three. He grew up exploring the woods and later worked on small organic farms after college. In Hawaii, he harvested fruit and pruned trees on a diverse farm with hundreds of edible plants. He also has experience as a mushroom cultivator and has spent years growing, cloning, and foraging for fungi. A few years ago, he became an organic inspector and now works at Baystate.

Professionally, Nick wants to keep learning and improving his skills in organic agriculture. He is passionate about organic work because he believes in creating cleaner food systems that support health and long life, not just profit. Nick’s personal goals include finishing his off-grid home in Southern Colorado and building organic matter in the desert. He also has many freediving and spearfishing ambitions, too many to name. In his spare time, Nick trains for ultramarathons, goes spearfishing, climbs rocks and mountains, and works on his house.

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Shanen brings a unique perspective to Baystate, combining her background in business, hospitality, and organic retail with a strong commitment to organic integrity. She holds associate degrees in Business and Hospitality Management and has completed four International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) trainings covering crops, handling, inspections, and certification review.

Before joining Baystate, Shanen owned and operated Urban Nectar, a small grocery store and café on Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializing in organic and locally sourced products. She also established a year-round farmers’ market at the shop, connecting the community with local farms, fresh produce, and the creations of more than 100 local artisans. Her experience also includes managing a larger natural grocery store with an on-site café serving exclusively organic products.

At Baystate, Shanen wears several hats, including authorizing export documentation for certified operations shipping organic products internationally. She has a particular interest in labeling and ingredient compliance and handles many of the requests involving the “Made with Organic” labeling category. Her firsthand experience with organic products, from retail shelves to certification requirements, gives her a valuable understanding of the importance of maintaining organic integrity throughout the supply chain.

Shanen’s passion for organic agriculture doesn’t stop when the workday ends. She and her family own land where she is developing a lavender, herb, and flower farm, with plans to begin growing in 2027. When she’s not working toward that dream, she enjoys kickboxing, yoga, and hiking with her husband and their two dogs, Zoe and Ruby.

A firm believer in the USDA Organic seal and the principles it represents, Shanen is dedicated to protecting the integrity of organic growing and processing, both professionally and in her own agricultural endeavors.

Sue Ellen started working with farmers in 1981, beginning with her service in the Peace Corps. After returning to the US, she eagerly joined commercial dairy farms, gaining hands-on experience and making lifelong friends. Throughout her career, she has taken on diverse roles in agriculture, ecosystem science, and farming, consistently bringing a positive spirit. When the NOP was just getting started, she worked at the New England Small Farm Institute, where she enthusiastically supported fellow farmers. Known for her warm smile, genuine approach, and readiness to listen or share a laugh, she blends technical know-how with a friendly, down-to-earth understanding of farm operation. Outside work, she delights in gardening, caring for animals, and making the most of the outdoors—whether hiking in the woods, exploring meadows, or playing by the water.

Troy’s career in organic agriculture began at the prestigious Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a compost research specialist. His work has since centered around soil biology and all things compost, and his experience has taken him from managing organic produce farms to public speaking and educational outreach. He previously ran a small consulting business and even hosted the first—and only—podcast dedicated to the Soil Food Web and compost tea.

Troy joined Baystate in 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience in organic agriculture with him. Having grown up surrounded by conventional farming in rural Iowa, he developed a passion for organic agriculture that has shaped both his work and his thinking about our food and farming systems. When he isn’t working, Troy enjoys creating stencil art paintings and spending time in nature.

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Ashton is one of Baystate’s newer team members, and his path here started with a little encouragement from his childhood best friend. When she applied to Baystate, she suggested that Ashton apply as well. He was hesitant at first, but eventually decided, “What’s the worst that could happen?” So far, he’s very glad he took the chance.

Since joining Baystate, Ashton has enjoyed getting to know the operations and learning more about what they do. He’s been surprised by just how many operations there are and finds it interesting to see the variety represented in his work. An added bonus? Sometimes the files include pictures—and he especially enjoys seeing the livestock. Ashton has plenty he’d like to learn outside of work, too. His goals include learning to play bass, getting back into playing piano, going camping, and learning a new language. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, cooking, building computers, and spending time with friends. He also loves jokes—the stupid, the corny, the good, the bad, and pretty much everything in between. And, in Ashton’s own words, “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”

Although Chilly’s name may sound like she’s cold, her personality is anything but. Her journey to Baystate began while talking with her sister about what adventure might come next. She decided to take a chance on Baystate—and luckily, that chance worked out. Now, Chilly’s next quest is to continue expanding her knowledge while helping people along the way.

Chilly’s interest in organic products also comes from personal experience. After struggling to find organic produce that met her needs, she became interested in the work behind making quality organic products available to the public. At Baystate, she appreciates being part of a team that helps uphold the organic standards people rely on. Outside of work, Chilly finds joy in learning and creating. She enjoys reading, picking up languages through different media, sketching, and turning a stick and some yarn into a scarf. Whatever she’s doing, Chilly is happiest when there’s something new to learn—or a new adventure to begin.

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Jillian brings more than 16 years of experience in organic certification and organizational leadership. Since joining Baystate in 2016, she has been a Jack (or Jill) of trades, from reviewing files and maintaining the website to creating Baystate’s grass-fed standards prior to our coordination with Organic Plus Trust. Jillian also spearheaded the launch of two add-on certification programs in which Baystate continues to participate. 

As Inspections Manager, she oversees the inspection process, including hiring contract inspectors, training inspectors in new scopes, assigning inspections, and conducting field evaluations and annual trainings. 

She conducts inspections across all production, as well as for the Real Organic Project and OPT Grass-Fed certifications. When she is not in the field inspecting, Jillian fulfills her duties as both an administrator and certification reviewer.

Her experience extends outside of Baystate as well, serving as a mentor inspector through the Northeast TOPP Inspector Mentorship Program. 

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys hiking, live music, strength training, and painting. Her favorite trees can be found in Redwood City, California, and Gort, Ireland.

Lauren grew up on a certified organic vegetable farm and market garden in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she developed a deep appreciation for organic agriculture and the people who make it possible. Her first career took her into a very different direction—luxury hotel management in New York City. After becoming a mother, though, she realized that hotel life and raising a family wouldn’t work well together.

In 2010, with two very young children at home, Lauren found her way back to her agricultural roots. She was hired as a Crop Compliance Reviewer by the same accredited certifying agency that certified her family’s farm. Four years later, she joined Baystate as a Certification Specialist when the organization was certifying approximately 200 farms and processors. Today, Lauren is a Certification Administrator and wears many hats, but her work always comes back to the foundation of organic certification: helping verify compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. She has had the unique opportunity to grow alongside Baystate as it expanded to 25 employees and nearly 1,000 certified farms and processors, while watching the organic food industry grow along with it. For Lauren, supporting organic food production on such a meaningful level is something she is continually grateful to do. She especially values the relationships she has built with Baystate’s clients and the opportunity to support the people behind organic agriculture. After growing up on an organic farm and eventually finding her way back to the work as an adult, organic is far more than a job for Lauren—it’s a way of life.

Originally from Texas, Megan is a friendly and approachable member of our West Coast team. She joined Baystate after learning about Organic Regulations and being inspired by Baystate’s open, collaborative spirit and the outstanding support for organic operations. Megan loves connecting with our organic clients each day and finds real meaning in the relationships she builds. In her own words, “Not only are our clients so friendly and pleasant to interact with, but our employees are also really top of the line and enjoyable to work with.”

With a background in quality assurance and regulations, Megan brings a warm, open-minded approach to Baystate’s File Management team. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail help everyone feel supported, and she’s always happy to answer questions or lend a hand. Megan enjoys updating the Organic Integrity Database and issuing certificates, knowing these efforts help our clients thrive! Megan’s future goals include learning a new language, visiting every continent, and owning a small, self-sufficient farm one day. Her enthusiasm for nature inspires her to stay curious and open to new experiences. When she’s not hiking or gardening, Megan loves sharing stories, laughter, and good times with friends and her pets. Megan is passionate about making food safer and supporting local and organic producers. She’s eager to connect with others who care about healthy communities and is grateful daily to the hardworking farmers who nourish us all.

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She’s always been into wellness and healthy living, and it hit her – what better way to support that than by helping the people who make it possible? The folks working in organic operations are the unsung heroes of growing wellness. Society tends to focus more on the end product, but what about the people behind it? Boarding the Baystate ship and being a part of the crew has been the best experience she’s had – it’s opened her eyes to how much love and effort go into organic farming, and she feels lucky to be part of it. Being part of this process for everything organic is amazing, and she can’t wait for more years to come in this voyage, one veggie and good vibe at a time! This organic adventure even has her putting more care into her own little backyard garden. If she’s not catching up on gardening, she’s usually reading, doodling, writing, or free-falling down a fun learning rabbit hole.

One of her professional goals is to delve deeper into understanding the organic regulations and finding all the differences between organic and conventional products. Two of her favorite things are Christmas and animals, which is why this is one of her favorite pictures of her little one.

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Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on business operations and data management. She brings more than ten years of nonprofit administrative experience to Baystate, including office management, finances, and organizational support. She joined the team because she wanted to put those skills to work for an organization dedicated to organic producers and sustainable agriculture.

As Baystate’s Operations Management Specialist for Human Resources and Payroll, Tracy supports the people and systems that keep the organization running. She introduced a new payroll and timekeeping system, streamlined employee onboarding, established procedures, helped develop policies, and manages payroll-related and administrative responsibilities. She also works with vendors and software providers to resolve issues behind the scenes.

Tracy takes pride in making complicated processes simpler and more efficient so her teammates can focus on serving certified operations. She enjoys working with colleagues who share a sense of purpose and looks forward to continuing to grow in business operations and administration. Returning to school later in life to earn her degree while balancing work and other responsibilities remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Outside of work, Tracy enjoys peaceful walks by the water and through the woods, trying new foods, watching movies, reading, and painting. She’s a homebody at heart and loves cozy evenings with her spouse and their two cats. Someday, she hopes to live on a farm and establish a sanctuary for senior cats.

Tracy’s appreciation for organic agriculture extends to her everyday life. She chooses organic foods when she can and values the work of the farmers and producers who make them available.

Lauren grew up on a certified organic vegetable farm and market garden in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she developed a deep appreciation for organic agriculture and the people who make it possible. Her first career took her into a very different direction—luxury hotel management in New York City. After becoming a mother, though, she realized that hotel life and raising a family wouldn’t work well together.

In 2010, with two very young children at home, Lauren found her way back to her agricultural roots. She was hired as a Crop Compliance Reviewer by the same accredited certifying agency that certified her family’s farm. Four years later, she joined Baystate as a Certification Specialist when the organization was certifying approximately 200 farms and processors. Today, Lauren is a Certification Administrator and wears many hats, but her work always comes back to the foundation of organic certification: helping verify compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. She has had the unique opportunity to grow alongside Baystate as it expanded to 25 employees and nearly 1,000 certified farms and processors, while watching the organic food industry grow along with it. For Lauren, supporting organic food production on such a meaningful level is something she is continually grateful to do. She especially values the relationships she has built with Baystate’s clients and the opportunity to support the people behind organic agriculture. After growing up on an organic farm and eventually finding her way back to the work as an adult, organic is far more than a job for Lauren—it’s a way of life.

She’s always been into wellness and healthy living, and it hit her – what better way to support that than by helping the people who make it possible? The folks working in organic operations are the unsung heroes of growing wellness. Society tends to focus more on the end product, but what about the people behind it? Boarding the Baystate ship and being a part of the crew has been the best experience she’s had – it’s opened her eyes to how much love and effort go into organic farming, and she feels lucky to be part of it. Being part of this process for everything organic is amazing, and she can’t wait for more years to come in this voyage, one veggie and good vibe at a time! This organic adventure even has her putting more care into her own little backyard garden. If she’s not catching up on gardening, she’s usually reading, doodling, writing, or free-falling down a fun learning rabbit hole.

One of her professional goals is to delve deeper into understanding the organic regulations and finding all the differences between organic and conventional products. Two of her favorite things are Christmas and animals, which is why this is one of her favorite pictures of her little one.

Alexandra enjoys joking when she introduces herself, saying she’s an empress, not a library—her dad’s love of Russian history inspired her name. She became passionate about food issues after working as a data entry specialist for a food waste prevention company. Since joining Baystate, Alexandra loves the friendly, open atmosphere. She thinks of Baystate as the kind of neighbor you can visit for a cup of sugar and a warm, welcoming chat.

Alexandra has recently helped update the renewal application process, internal forms, and checklists. She especially enjoys collaborating with her teammates to create simple, helpful solutions that make everyone’s work easier.

Looking ahead, Alexandra hopes to travel to new countries with her husband, create a Victorian-style ball gown, and master pattern drafting. When she’s not busy at work, Alexandra loves knitting, sewing, and spending time with family, friends, and her three dogs. She recently finished her first personal quilt and has three others in progress—she’s always happy to swap stories or tips with fellow crafters!

After homeschooling her three children through high school, Andrea was ready for a new chapter. She found her way to Baystate because she wanted to work for a company that puts its clients first and shares her belief in doing things the right way. As a File Management Specialist, she brings curiosity, determination, and a refreshingly straightforward approach to her work.

Andrea is known for being direct, unfiltered, and always willing to speak her mind. She appreciates that Baystate is a team where people can be themselves while working together to support organic operations. Her family’s experiences, particularly the importance of access to food and herbs that meet their needs, have deepened her appreciation for organic agriculture and the people behind it.

Family has always been at the center of Andrea’s life. She is especially proud of her children. When she has a little time to herself, she enjoys reading, working puzzles, and spending time with her family.

Ashton is one of Baystate’s newer team members, and his path here started with a little encouragement from his childhood best friend. When she applied to Baystate, she suggested that Ashton apply as well. He was hesitant at first, but eventually decided, “What’s the worst that could happen?” So far, he’s very glad he took the chance.

Since joining Baystate, Ashton has enjoyed getting to know the operations and learning more about what they do. He’s been surprised by just how many operations there are and finds it interesting to see the variety represented in his work. An added bonus? Sometimes the files include pictures—and he especially enjoys seeing the livestock. Ashton has plenty he’d like to learn outside of work, too. His goals include learning to play bass, getting back into playing piano, going camping, and learning a new language. In his free time, he enjoys reading, learning, cooking, building computers, and spending time with friends. He also loves jokes—the stupid, the corny, the good, the bad, and pretty much everything in between. And, in Ashton’s own words, “In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”

Chantel grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York, which gave her a working understanding of agriculture. She has been part of the Baystate family since 2018, starting part-time before quickly embracing the opportunity to join full-time. She loves how Baystate offers so many ways to grow and learn together, and she truly values being part of a close-knit, employee-based nonprofit that genuinely cares for each other and our clients. Chantel hopes to stay with Baystate until retirement because building the company alongside her coworkers feels personal, rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

Some of Chantel’s coworkers affectionately call her the “nuts and bolts” behind the scenes because she enjoys ensuring everything runs smoothly and that documents are always up to date and accurate. She’s always approachable and happy to help clients with their paperwork questions. Chantel has also brought a fresh, friendly touch to our social media, spotlighting client operations and sharing the great things happening at Baystate. She’s proud to help find new ways to connect with clients and make everyone feel welcome. Looking ahead, Chantel hopes to become an inspector or reviewer as her son, Coen, grows older, allowing her to travel and meet even more people. She dreams of starting a certified organic hobby farm one day.

Personally, Chantel wants to reread the Bible, become even more involved with her church community, and be a supportive presence for her son and his friends as they enter their teenage years. She’s proud to have become chairwoman for her county GOP committee last year and is now happily volunteering in her church’s toddler room. In her free time, Chantel loves reading and crocheting — she’s currently making a cozy blanket for a friend and finds joy in creating things for others. She describes herself as a truth teller, sunset chaser, butterfly whisperer, and cookie baker, always eager to share a smile or a kind word.

Chantel tries to make every day meaningful, ending each night with Coen by sharing prayers and gratitude, with Baystate consistently high on their list.

Although Chilly’s name may sound like she’s cold, her personality is anything but. Her journey to Baystate began while talking with her sister about what adventure might come next. She decided to take a chance on Baystate—and luckily, that chance worked out. Now, Chilly’s next quest is to continue expanding her knowledge while helping people along the way.

Chilly’s interest in organic products also comes from personal experience. After struggling to find organic produce that met her needs, she became interested in the work behind making quality organic products available to the public. At Baystate, she appreciates being part of a team that helps uphold the organic standards people rely on. Outside of work, Chilly finds joy in learning and creating. She enjoys reading, picking up languages through different media, sketching, and turning a stick and some yarn into a scarf. Whatever she’s doing, Chilly is happiest when there’s something new to learn—or a new adventure to begin.

Collin earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and minored in Nutrition. He first joined Baystate as an undergraduate looking to earn some extra money. Now, he stays for the flexibility and the sense of purpose he finds in supporting the people who grow, process, and handle our food. Collin is always ready with a warm smile and enjoys meeting new people at work.

Collin has supported Lauren and Staci with long-term projects and enjoys processing Certificates on Saturdays. He often brings positive energy to the team and hopes to open his own strength and conditioning business in the future. He is always happy to share advice or encouragement with others. In his free time, Collin enjoys playing golf and staying active. He’s always up for a friendly game or a chat about nutrition. He is passionate about supporting farmers and organic operations, believing that what we eat shapes who we are.

Mary earned her Master of Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara and her Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA. Through her studies, she developed a strong understanding of organic certification requirements, like materials use and soil or vegetation management. She has experience setting up field experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting results to diverse audiences. She also speaks Spanish fluently and loves connecting with people from different backgrounds.

Mary has been using organic products for many years and truly believes in their value. She is passionate about supporting small-scale producers and appreciates that Baystate helps both small and large operations. For Mary, joining Baystate is more than just a job—it’s a chance to be part of a community she cares about. Mary spends much of her time working on reports and enjoys learning about various materials, their applications, and their restrictions. She looks forward to growing in the certification field and continuing to support small producers, meeting new people along the way. Outside of work, Mary loves walking by the sea, hiking, surfing, and traveling. Supporting farmers is close to her heart—her family, from her grandparents to her dear uncle, were all small-scale farmers. Mary believes organic operations help create healthier communities and vibrant, thriving ecosystems, and she’s always happy to talk about their importance.

Originally from Texas, Megan is a friendly and approachable member of our West Coast team. She joined Baystate after learning about Organic Regulations and being inspired by Baystate’s open, collaborative spirit and the outstanding support for organic operations. Megan loves connecting with our organic clients each day and finds real meaning in the relationships she builds. In her own words, “Not only are our clients so friendly and pleasant to interact with, but our employees are also really top of the line and enjoyable to work with.”

With a background in quality assurance and regulations, Megan brings a warm, open-minded approach to Baystate’s File Management team. Her strong organizational skills and attention to detail help everyone feel supported, and she’s always happy to answer questions or lend a hand. Megan enjoys updating the Organic Integrity Database and issuing certificates, knowing these efforts help our clients thrive! Megan’s future goals include learning a new language, visiting every continent, and owning a small, self-sufficient farm one day. Her enthusiasm for nature inspires her to stay curious and open to new experiences. When she’s not hiking or gardening, Megan loves sharing stories, laughter, and good times with friends and her pets. Megan is passionate about making food safer and supporting local and organic producers. She’s eager to connect with others who care about healthy communities and is grateful daily to the hardworking farmers who nourish us all.

Nick’s interest in agriculture started early, when he learned about mint from his grandmother at age three. He grew up exploring the woods and later worked on small organic farms after college. In Hawaii, he harvested fruit and pruned trees on a diverse farm with hundreds of edible plants. He also has experience as a mushroom cultivator and has spent years growing, cloning, and foraging for fungi. A few years ago, he became an organic inspector and now works at Baystate.

Professionally, Nick wants to keep learning and improving his skills in organic agriculture. He is passionate about organic work because he believes in creating cleaner food systems that support health and long life, not just profit. Nick’s personal goals include finishing his off-grid home in Southern Colorado and building organic matter in the desert. He also has many freediving and spearfishing ambitions, too many to name. In his spare time, Nick trains for ultramarathons, goes spearfishing, climbs rocks and mountains, and works on his house.

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Sue Ellen started working with farmers in 1981, beginning with her service in the Peace Corps. After returning to the US, she eagerly joined commercial dairy farms, gaining hands-on experience and making lifelong friends. Throughout her career, she has taken on diverse roles in agriculture, ecosystem science, and farming, consistently bringing a positive spirit. When the NOP was just getting started, she worked at the New England Small Farm Institute, where she enthusiastically supported fellow farmers. Known for her warm smile, genuine approach, and readiness to listen or share a laugh, she blends technical know-how with a friendly, down-to-earth understanding of farm operation. Outside work, she delights in gardening, caring for animals, and making the most of the outdoors—whether hiking in the woods, exploring meadows, or playing by the water.

Duncan’s connection to organic agriculture began long before his time at Baystate. In the early 1990s, he was a certified organic onion and apple grower in Walla Walla, Washington. With a master’s degree in Soil Science from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Whitman College, Duncan brought both firsthand experience as a certified producer and a strong scientific background with him when he entered organic certification.

After moving to Massachusetts in 2003, Duncan began working as a part-time organic inspector, hired by Baystate’s Executive Director, Don Franczyk. He joined Baystate full-time in 2010 and today serves as Baystate’s Reviewer Administrator in addition to working as an inspector. After more than two decades in certification, getting out in the field to inspect operations is still his favorite part of the work. Outside of Baystate, Duncan has a love of old cars and, in his own words, believes “there is nothing better than helping someone out of a tight spot.” Duncan may not particularly enjoy writing about himself, but his decades of experience in organic agriculture and certification—and his willingness to help others—give us plenty to say for him.

Shanen brings a unique perspective to Baystate, combining her background in business, hospitality, and organic retail with a strong commitment to organic integrity. She holds Associate Degrees in Business and Hospitality Management and has completed four International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) trainings covering crops, handling, inspections, and certification review.

Before joining Baystate, Shanen owned and operated Urban Nectar, a small grocery store and café on Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializing in organic and locally sourced products. She also established a year-round farmers’ market at the shop, connecting the community with local farms, fresh produce, and the creations of more than 100 local artisans. Her experience also includes managing a larger natural grocery store with an on-site café serving exclusively organic products.

At Baystate, Shanen wears several hats, including authorizing export documentation for certified operations shipping organic products internationally. She has a particular interest in labeling and ingredient compliance and handles many of the requests involving the “Made with Organic” labeling category. Her firsthand experience with organic products, from retail shelves to certification requirements, gives her a valuable understanding of the importance of maintaining organic integrity throughout the supply chain.

Shanen’s passion for organic agriculture doesn’t stop when the workday ends. She and her family own land where she is developing a lavender, herb, and flower farm, with plans to begin growing in 2027. When she’s not working toward that dream, she enjoys kickboxing, yoga, and hiking with her husband and their two dogs, Zoe and Ruby.

A firm believer in the USDA Organic seal and the principles it represents, Shanen is dedicated to protecting the integrity of organic growing and processing, both professionally and in her own agricultural endeavors.

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Jillian has been part of Baystate since 2016 and brings more than 16 years of experience in organic certification and organizational leadership. Over the years, she has become something of a Jack—or Jill—of all trades, with roles ranging from reviewing certification files and maintaining Baystate’s website to helping develop Baystate’s grass-fed standards before our coordination with Organic Plus Trust.

Jillian also spearheaded the launch of two add-on certification programs in which Baystate participates. As Inspections Manager, she oversees the inspection process from start to finish, including training new and developing inspectors, assigning new, renewal, and unannounced inspections, conducting field evaluations, and coordinating annual training and continuing education requirements.

She conducts inspections across all organic scopes, as well as for Real Organic Project and Organic Plus Trust Grass-Fed certification. When she is not in the field inspecting, Jillian continues to support Baystate as both an administrator and certification reviewer.

Her experience extends beyond Baystate as well. Jillian has served as a mentor inspector through the Northeast TOPP Inspector Mentorship Program and on the Organic Plus Trust Advisory Committee, where she contributed to the development of the final grass-fed standards.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys hiking, live music, weightlifting, and creating her own tea blends. She also has a particular appreciation for memorable trees—her favorites can be found in Redwood City, California, and Gort, County Galway, Ireland.

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Lauren grew up on a certified organic vegetable farm and market garden in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she developed a deep appreciation for organic agriculture and the people who make it possible. Her first career took her into a very different direction—luxury hotel management in New York City. After becoming a mother, though, she realized that hotel life and raising a family wouldn’t work well together.

In 2010, with two very young children at home, Lauren found her way back to her agricultural roots. She was hired as a Crop Compliance Reviewer by the same accredited certifying agency that certified her family’s farm. Four years later, she joined Baystate as a Certification Specialist when the organization was certifying approximately 200 farms and processors. Today, Lauren is a Certification Administrator and wears many hats, but her work always comes back to the foundation of organic certification: helping verify compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. She has had the unique opportunity to grow alongside Baystate as it expanded to 25 employees and nearly 1,000 certified farms and processors, while watching the organic food industry grow along with it. For Lauren, supporting organic food production on such a meaningful level is something she is continually grateful to do. She especially values the relationships she has built with Baystate’s clients and the opportunity to support the people behind organic agriculture. After growing up on an organic farm and eventually finding her way back to the work as an adult, organic is far more than a job for Lauren—it’s a way of life.

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Sue Ellen started working with farmers in 1981, beginning with her service in the Peace Corps. After returning to the US, she eagerly joined commercial dairy farms, gaining hands-on experience and making lifelong friends. Throughout her career, she has taken on diverse roles in agriculture, ecosystem science, and farming, consistently bringing a positive spirit. When the NOP was just getting started, she worked at the New England Small Farm Institute, where she enthusiastically supported fellow farmers. Known for her warm smile, genuine approach, and readiness to listen or share a laugh, she blends technical know-how with a friendly, down-to-earth understanding of farm operation. Outside work, she delights in gardening, caring for animals, and making the most of the outdoors—whether hiking in the woods, exploring meadows, or playing by the water.

Troy’s career in organic agriculture began at the prestigious Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a compost research specialist. His work has since centered around soil biology and all things compost, and his experience has taken him from managing organic produce farms to public speaking and educational outreach. He previously ran a small consulting business and even hosted the first—and only—podcast dedicated to the Soil Food Web and compost tea.

Troy joined Baystate in 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience in organic agriculture with him. Having grown up surrounded by conventional farming in rural Iowa, he developed a passion for organic agriculture that has shaped both his work and his thinking about our food and farming systems. When he isn’t working, Troy enjoys creating stencil art paintings and spending time in nature.

Jillian has been part of Baystate since 2016 and brings more than 16 years of experience in organic certification and organizational leadership. Over the years, she has become something of a Jack—or Jill—of all trades, with roles ranging from reviewing certification files and maintaining Baystate’s website to helping develop Baystate’s grass-fed standards before our coordination with Organic Plus Trust.

Jillian also spearheaded the launch of two add-on certification programs in which Baystate participates. As Inspections Manager, she oversees the inspection process from start to finish, including training new and developing inspectors, assigning new, renewal, and unannounced inspections, conducting field evaluations, and coordinating annual training and continuing education requirements.

She conducts inspections across all organic scopes, as well as for Real Organic Project and Organic Plus Trust Grass-Fed certification. When she is not in the field inspecting, Jillian continues to support Baystate as both an administrator and certification reviewer.

Her experience extends beyond Baystate as well. Jillian has served as a mentor inspector through the Northeast TOPP Inspector Mentorship Program and on the Organic Plus Trust Advisory Committee, where she contributed to the development of the final grass-fed standards.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys hiking, live music, weightlifting, and creating her own tea blends. She also has a particular appreciation for memorable trees—her favorites can be found in Redwood City, California, and Gort, County Galway, Ireland.

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Duncan’s connection to organic agriculture began long before his time at Baystate. In the early 1990s, he was a certified organic onion and apple grower in Walla Walla, Washington. With a master’s degree in Soil Science from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Whitman College, Duncan brought both firsthand experience as a certified producer and a strong scientific background with him when he entered organic certification.

After moving to Massachusetts in 2003, Duncan began working as a part-time organic inspector, hired by Baystate’s Executive Director, Don Franczyk. He joined Baystate full-time in 2010 and today serves as Baystate’s Reviewer Administrator in addition to working as an inspector. After more than two decades in certification, getting out in the field to inspect operations is still his favorite part of the work. Outside of Baystate, Duncan has a love of old cars and, in his own words, believes “there is nothing better than helping someone out of a tight spot.” Duncan may not particularly enjoy writing about himself, but his decades of experience in organic agriculture and certification—and his willingness to help others—give us plenty to say for him.

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Troy’s career in organic agriculture began at the prestigious Rodale Institute in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a compost research specialist. His work has since centered around soil biology and all things compost, and his experience has taken him from managing organic produce farms to public speaking and educational outreach. He previously ran a small consulting business and even hosted the first—and only—podcast dedicated to the Soil Food Web and compost tea.

Troy joined Baystate in 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience in organic agriculture with him. Having grown up surrounded by conventional farming in rural Iowa, he developed a passion for organic agriculture that has shaped both his work and his thinking about our food and farming systems. When he isn’t working, Troy enjoys creating stencil art paintings and spending time in nature.

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Tracy earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on business operations and data management. She brings more than ten years of nonprofit administrative experience to Baystate, including office management, finances, and organizational support. She joined the team because she wanted to put those skills to work for an organization dedicated to organic producers and sustainable agriculture.

As Baystate’s Operations Management Specialist for Human Resources and Payroll, Tracy supports the people and systems that keep the organization running. She introduced a new payroll and timekeeping system, streamlined employee onboarding, established procedures, helped develop policies, and manages payroll-related and administrative responsibilities. She also works with vendors and software providers to resolve issues behind the scenes.

Tracy takes pride in making complicated processes simpler and more efficient so her teammates can focus on serving certified operations. She enjoys working with colleagues who share a sense of purpose and looks forward to continuing to grow in business operations and administration. Returning to school later in life to earn her degree while balancing work and other responsibilities remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Outside of work, Tracy enjoys peaceful walks by the water and through the woods, trying new foods, watching movies, reading, and painting. She’s a homebody at heart and loves cozy evenings with her spouse and their two cats. Someday, she hopes to live on a farm and establish a sanctuary for senior cats.

Tracy’s appreciation for organic agriculture extends to her everyday life. She chooses organic foods when she can and values the work of the farmers and producers who make them available.

Duncan’s connection to organic agriculture began long before his time at Baystate. In the early 1990s, he was a certified organic onion and apple grower in Walla Walla, Washington. With a master’s degree in Soil Science from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in Geology from Whitman College, Duncan brought both firsthand experience as a certified producer and a strong scientific background with him when he entered organic certification.

After moving to Massachusetts in 2003, Duncan began working as a part-time organic inspector, hired by Baystate’s Executive Director, Don Franczyk. He joined Baystate full-time in 2010 and today serves as Baystate’s Reviewer Administrator in addition to working as an inspector. After more than two decades in certification, getting out in the field to inspect operations is still his favorite part of the work. Outside of Baystate, Duncan has a love of old cars and, in his own words, believes “there is nothing better than helping someone out of a tight spot.” Duncan may not particularly enjoy writing about himself, but his decades of experience in organic agriculture and certification—and his willingness to help others—give us plenty to say for him.

Shanen brings a unique perspective to Baystate, combining her background in business, hospitality, and organic retail with a strong commitment to organic integrity. She holds associate degrees in Business and Hospitality Management and has completed four International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA) trainings covering crops, handling, inspections, and certification review.

Before joining Baystate, Shanen owned and operated Urban Nectar, a small grocery store and café on Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializing in organic and locally sourced products. She also established a year-round farmers’ market at the shop, connecting the community with local farms, fresh produce, and the creations of more than 100 local artisans. Her experience also includes managing a larger natural grocery store with an on-site café serving exclusively organic products.

At Baystate, Shanen wears several hats, including authorizing export documentation for certified operations shipping organic products internationally. She has a particular interest in labeling and ingredient compliance and handles many of the requests involving the “Made with Organic” labeling category. Her firsthand experience with organic products, from retail shelves to certification requirements, gives her a valuable understanding of the importance of maintaining organic integrity throughout the supply chain.

Shanen’s passion for organic agriculture doesn’t stop when the workday ends. She and her family own land where she is developing a lavender, herb, and flower farm, with plans to begin growing in 2027. When she’s not working toward that dream, she enjoys kickboxing, yoga, and hiking with her husband and their two dogs, Zoe and Ruby.

A firm believer in the USDA Organic seal and the principles it represents, Shanen is dedicated to protecting the integrity of organic growing and processing, both professionally and in her own agricultural endeavors.

Jillian brings more than 16 years of experience in organic certification and organizational leadership. Since joining Baystate in 2016, she has been a Jack (or Jill) of trades, from reviewing files and maintaining the website to creating Baystate’s grass-fed standards prior to our coordination with Organic Plus Trust. Jillian also spearheaded the launch of two add-on certification programs in which Baystate continues to participate. 

As Inspections Manager, she oversees the inspection process, including hiring contract inspectors, training inspectors in new scopes, assigning inspections, and conducting field evaluations and annual trainings. 

She conducts inspections across all production, as well as for the Real Organic Project and OPT Grass-Fed certifications. When she is not in the field inspecting, Jillian fulfills her duties as both an administrator and certification reviewer.

Her experience extends outside of Baystate as well, serving as a mentor inspector through the Northeast TOPP Inspector Mentorship Program. 

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys hiking, live music, strength training, and painting. Her favorite trees can be found in Redwood City, California, and Gort, Ireland.

Lauren grew up on a certified organic vegetable farm and market garden in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where she developed a deep appreciation for organic agriculture and the people who make it possible. Her first career took her into a very different direction—luxury hotel management in New York City. After becoming a mother, though, she realized that hotel life and raising a family wouldn’t work well together.

In 2010, with two very young children at home, Lauren found her way back to her agricultural roots. She was hired as a Crop Compliance Reviewer by the same accredited certifying agency that certified her family’s farm. Four years later, she joined Baystate as a Certification Specialist when the organization was certifying approximately 200 farms and processors. Today, Lauren is a Certification Administrator and wears many hats, but her work always comes back to the foundation of organic certification: helping verify compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. She has had the unique opportunity to grow alongside Baystate as it expanded to 25 employees and nearly 1,000 certified farms and processors, while watching the organic food industry grow along with it. For Lauren, supporting organic food production on such a meaningful level is something she is continually grateful to do. She especially values the relationships she has built with Baystate’s clients and the opportunity to support the people behind organic agriculture. After growing up on an organic farm and eventually finding her way back to the work as an adult, organic is far more than a job for Lauren—it’s a way of life.

She’s always been into wellness and healthy living, and it hit her – what better way to support that than by helping the people who make it possible? The folks working in organic operations are the unsung heroes of growing wellness. Society tends to focus more on the end product, but what about the people behind it? Boarding the Baystate ship and being a part of the crew has been the best experience she’s had – it’s opened her eyes to how much love and effort go into organic farming, and she feels lucky to be part of it. Being part of this process for everything organic is amazing, and she can’t wait for more years to come in this voyage, one veggie and good vibe at a time! This organic adventure even has her putting more care into her own little backyard garden. If she’s not catching up on gardening, she’s usually reading, doodling, writing, or free-falling down a fun learning rabbit hole.

One of her professional goals is to delve deeper into understanding the organic regulations and finding all the differences between organic and conventional products. Two of her favorite things are Christmas and animals, which is why this is one of her favorite pictures of her little one.