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Residential Team

Kendra Howard (she/her)

Residential Advisor


Kendra, originally from Saint Louis, Missouri, joined Gould Farm as a Residential Advisor in August 2024. Drawn to the Farm’s nature-based, community-focused environment, Kendra found Gould Farm while exploring opportunities that aligned with her passion for mental health recovery. Her journey into this field began with her academic pursuits—she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology after attending Grinnell College in Iowa and transferring to the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

Kendra’s initial focus was on biology and pre-med, with a goal of working in pediatrics. However, her interests shifted toward mental health, specifically serious mental illness, after personal experiences with the mental health system exposed her to the gaps in care. Sociology first captured her attention for its broader, systemic lens, but psychology, particularly neuroscience, allowed her to focus on the individual and how the mind works. These academic experiences, coupled with her desire to find alternative, more effective treatment methods, fueled her interest in working in environments like Gould Farm.

Kendra initially applied to Gould Farm through the Commonwealth Corps opportunity but was ultimately led to the Residential Advisor position, where she found her place in the community. Working at Gould Farm provides her with an immersive experience in holistic mental health recovery, a model she hopes will become more widespread. She loves creating a homelike environment for our guests and enjoys being part of a team with a shared mission of meaningful impact.

Recently, Kendra found inspiration in the outcomes study discussed at a staff meeting, which deepened her appreciation for the Farm's long-term mission. Working alongside clinicians has also been a valuable opportunity as she considers her future, which may include nursing, public policy, or law school.

Living in the Gould Farm community has been a rewarding experience for Kendra, despite the challenges of managing an opposite schedule from many of her colleagues. She enjoys connecting with the community during meals and takes advantage of her free time during the day to explore the area's hiking trails and natural beauty. Having recently moved from the city, she has embraced the peacefulness of the country life.

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