
Theresa Johnson (she/her)
Garden Team Assistant Manager
Theresa joined Gould Farm in January 2023, initially working in the kitchen. Her journey to the Farm was driven by a desire to live in a community that supports people with mental illness through a healing approach to treatment. With a 12-year background in domestic violence advocacy, Theresa was drawn to the Farm’s values of direct support and communal living.
Before coming to the Farm, Theresa also spent her time cooking at her daughter's school in upstate New York, preparing farm-to-table lunches for the students. Her passion for food extends beyond the kitchen, having cooked for yoga retreats and always using food as a way to connect with and nourish people. Gardening has also been a significant part of her life for over 12 years, and she is excited to combine her love for plants with her commitment to helping others.
Theresa has completed coursework in horticultural therapy and pursued undergraduate studies in plant science. This foundational coursework reflects Theresa's deep commitment to the environment and how much she values the health of people and ecosystems.
At Gould Farm, Theresa looks forward to working with guests each week, enjoying the fun and learning that happens within the garden team. She finds joy in witnessing guests' evolving understanding of the plants they grow, from planting seeds in March to harvesting the fruits of their labor in July. The sense of community is further enriched by lively mealtime conversations that range from discussing whether woodchucks should be allowed to freely eat the garden produce to the impacts of climate change on our small gardens.
What Theresa loves most about living and working at Gould Farm is the opportunity to engage in humorous and meaningful conversations with community members and to witness the successes of individuals in a setting that feels more personal and less clinical.

Misha Krotov (he/him)
Bakery Team Assistant Manager
Misha, the Bakery Team Assistant Manager at Gould Farm, grew up in the city of Chicago. His journey to Gould Farm began in 2016 during a summer internship co-op through his alma mater, Antioch College, in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology at the time, Misha was drawn to Gould Farm’s unique model and the way it blends work experience with psychological and social support. This innovative approach was a great fit for exploring his academic and professional interests.
After this initial summer volunteer stint and completing his undergraduate degree, Misha returned to Gould Farm in 2017. Over the next two years, he gained valuable experience working as a full-time volunteer across the bakery, farm, and residential teams. His time on the residential team was particularly insightful, allowing him to explore potential careers in mental health.
Misha then moved to Maine with his partner, now wife, Liz, who is a circus performer and has also worked at the Farm. While in Maine, Misha enrolled in a pre-med program. He thrived on the challenging coursework, appreciating the opportunity to delve deeper into his studies and broaden his horizons. However, the onset of the pandemic made them realize how much they missed being part of a close-knit community.
In 2022, Misha and Liz returned to Gould Farm, where Misha rejoined the residential and bakery teams. He now works full-time in the bakery, transitioning between honing his baking skills and focusing on programming in support of guests. Misha’s own experiences of personal challenges and growth in his life fuel his empathy, helping him connect with and support guests on his team. For Misha, the most enjoyable aspect of life at Gould Farm is the sense of community. He cherishes the friendships, shared experiences, and communal meals that form the fabric of life here. Immersing himself in this vibrant community brings him joy. Among his many talents in the bakery, Misha’s favorite thing to make is croissants. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to the community make him an invaluable member of Gould Farm.
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