Board of Directors

Erica Emery owns Rustic Roots Farm in Farmington where she feeds 130 families weekly through a seasonal farm share program. Erica also operates Root Down Market in New Sharon and serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Franklin Food Council. Making sure Franklin County has a strong food system is a mission and a passion and the Farmington Food Co-Op will be an amazing asset for our local communities. When not farming, you can find Erica in or near Franklin County’s bodies of water like the Sandy River, Clearwater Lake, or Mooselookmeguntic.

Stephanie Broido is a Maine native, who recently set roots in Farmington. She is the founder of Rooted Body Botanicals, a space where she shares her love for living close to the cycles of nature, growing herbs, and cooking nourishing meals and recipes. She has worked in many parts of the Maine Food System, including small farms, community gardens, farm to table restaurants and now as a coordinator of a non-profit organization advocating for local food access and equity.

Bella Russo has been farming in New England for the past ten years in mixed production systems, engaging in agriculture and food systems work throughout. She has carried a deep respect and passion for agriculture throughout her life, and continues to follow her interests in both growing plants and livestock. Bella works to bring farmers around the state operational resources as well as through movement education, and has been teaching yoga for several years. She looks forward to continuing to grow her knowledge and passions in the agriculture, sciences, and movement realms.

Kate Turcotte is the founder and cheesemaker at Haymay Creamery in Farmington, Maine. A Maine native, Kate returned home after years of cheesemaking across New England to build a creamery that reflects her roots and supports the region’s dairy community. At Haymay, she focuses on crafting small-batch cheeses made from locally sourced, grass-fed milk—celebrating Maine’s agricultural heritage while helping to strengthen its future.

After graduating from UMF in 2021, Paige returned to Farmington in 2023 and has been enjoying living and working here ever since. Spending the majority of their time at home with their partner, dog, and two cats, they’re excited to dedicate some of that time to getting more involved in the community through the Farmington Food Co-Op. With a love for people, animals, and the planet, she believes in working cooperatively to build a strong and sustainable community for all.

Even with the recent addition to her home Kim Roberts’ garden is still bigger than her house. When not serving in her role as co-captain of Team True Mountain Maple Syrup you’ll find her in her vegetable garden, doing construction, reading,  stacking firewood and eating local food.  Her motto these days was borne from falling down while on snowshoes working in the sugarbush- “ stop! Stay right here. Look around. If you fall down, at least enjoy the view!” 

Elizabeth Smedberg is a native Maine artist, designer, gardener, entrepreneur, chef, herbalist, community organizer & jill of some trades. She raised her two children at her homemade homestead in Starks, ME where she continues to grow diversified permaculture style gardens of vegetables, fruits and herbs for both personal and commercial use.  For many years she was a worker and board member of Fedco Seeds, one of Maine’s oldest cooperatives. She is happy to be part of launching a new food cooperative in Farmington - closer to home!

Deb Kendall is a lifelong Mainer who has lived in the Farmington area since 1976. She is a mother of 3 and a graduate of UMF. She spent most of her working career supporting young families in the community to develop a strong relationship with nutrition as part of an affordable, healthy lifestyle. When she’s not spending time on Clearwater Lake or at a GoldenOak Concert, you can find her selling old things from an old building at her business, New Moon Rising in New Sharon.

Eric grew up in Farmington and has returned after 20 years away. They create and manage large mental health programs while also maintaining a small private practice. Their true passions are permaculture, regenerative soil practices, and food as medicine. Eric is dedicated to supporting the local community and is excited to share their expertise with the Board of Directors. With a strong commitment to sustainable practices and community well-being, Eric looks forward to supporting the Farmington Food Co-op.

Susie lives in Temple, in the house she grew up in, with her husband and two sons. She is a certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and gives group classes and works one on one with adults and children. She studied dance and grew up performing with the Bread and Puppet Theater and other dance theater groups in VT, NY, and SF. 

She and her husband produce birch syrup on their land in Temple and are the founders of the Temple Tappers.

She is a new member to this board and very excited about the Farmington Food Coop and its growing place in this community.

Having lived, raised her children, and worked in and around Franklin County all of her life, Becky Dennison feels a strong love and dedication for this community. For many years Becky has worked as a Social Worker in various settings and capacities and often sees herself as “a  connector”. From supporting individuals as they connect with their own wants and needs, to supporting community organizations and resources as they connect with individuals. Becky is in her own “happy place” when she is near the ocean or spending time with her family.