Supporting Guest Wellness through Nutrition and Fitness

Welcoming Angie Craig Back to Gould Farm

We are delighted to welcome back a familiar face to Gould Farm—Angie Craig, MS, CNS, LDN, CPT. Many will remember Angie from her years on the Farm Team year ago, when she worked side by side with guests in the daily rhythms of farm life. Today, she returns in a new role, bringing her expertise as a Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Personal Trainer to nurture wellness through both group programs and one-on-one support.

Already, Angie has begun to make a difference. This spring she led a six-week Functional Fitness REACH group on the Farm and launched a six-week nutrition education series at Fellside, our Boston-area transitional program. Guests learned practical ways to build strength, mobility, and energy, while also exploring how thoughtful food choices can support recovery.

The impact has been tangible:

“Angie makes fitness feel possible for me—I’ve never felt this confident moving my body.”“I learned new ways of thinking about food that actually work for me. I feel healthier and more in control.”

For Angie, returning to Gould Farm has felt like a homecoming:

“It feels wonderful to be back at Gould Farm, a place and community that has always been close to my heart. I’m grateful to bring together my background in nutrition, fitness, and my earlier experiences on the Farm Team to support guests in new ways. Seeing guests grow stronger, healthier, and more confident is incredibly rewarding.”

Her work is part of Gould Farm’s broader wellness initiatives, weaving physical wellness into recovery and community life. Nursing Office Manager Jenna Bufano, who helped shape this programming, shared:

“Wellness has always been at the heart of Gould Farm’s mission. Angie’s skills and passion bring depth to this effort, and we’re thrilled to have her back.”

Why Wellness Matters in Recovery

Angie back in the day, working as a young volunteer on the Farm Team.

At Gould Farm, we know that food and movement are not extras—they are essential. Exercise supports recovery by lifting mood, easing anxiety, and offering structure and healthy outlets for stress. Even small practices, like a guided stretch, can build confidence and spark momentum.

Nutrition, too, is foundational. Balanced meals help steady energy and mood, and learning to prepare nourishing food can be an empowering step toward recovery—an act of choosing strength for both body and mind.

Just as important, wellness creates connection. Sharing exercise, classes, and meals builds accountability and reduces isolation. Over time, these practices help guests feel stronger, more hopeful, and more rooted in community.

Looking Ahead

In the months to come, Angie will continue to lead group programs and offer individualized nutrition and fitness consultations for guests, in collaboration with our clinical team. Her work is made possible in part through a generous grant from The Sydney R. Baer Jr. Foundation, which supports the expansion of wellness programming across the Farm.

Angie’s return strengthens our ability to care for the whole person—mind, body, and heart. With her expertise, warmth, and deep knowledge of our community, she will be a tremendous resource as guests take steps toward greater health, confidence, and independence.