Who We Are

Our leadership team is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, innovative, and community-focused agricultural environment. Each member brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared vision for the future of farming. Together, they guide our farm with a commitment to environmental stewardship, agricultural excellence, and community engagement.

  • Nena serves as the Managing Director at Wally Farms, backed by over twenty years of unwavering dedication to sustainable food production and land stewardship. Her journey, influenced by her upbringing in Washington, D.C., and her Ecuadorian heritage, has led her to a path of advocating for environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

    Before joining Wally Farms, Nena held pivotal roles in the sustainable agriculture sector, including leading the Texas Farmers' Markets through the COVID-19 pandemic, co-founding the women-owned and led granola company Sweet Deliverance, and managing the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival. Notably, her tenure at Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture was a defining period where she spearheaded the Growing Farmers Initiative and the National Young Farmers Conference, both aimed at nurturing the next generation of farmers.

    Nena's academic pursuits took her to the Royal Agricultural University in England, where she earned an MBA in Advanced Farm Management. Her dissertation delved into the business models for new entrants in small-scale vegetable production in the UK, showcasing her commitment to practical and sustainable farming solutions. Additionally, she manages her family's farm in the Andes of Ecuador, which includes a variety of livestock and demonstrates her hands-on approach to agriculture.

    In her current role at Wally Farms, Nena is at the helm of strategic planning and program model development, setting the direction for the farm's future. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to transparency and unity, ensuring clear and op en communication within the farm's community as it grows. She is inspired by leaders  in the field of sustainable agriculture, such as Fred Kirschenmann and Karen Washington, whose philosophies and actions resonate with her own, as well as the writings of the late Tom Lyson.

    Nena is deeply involved in the development of public and farmer programming at Wally Farms, looking forward to enhancing the farm's role as a hub for sustainable agriculture acceleration, education, and innovation. Her vision includes integrating small-scale livestock to create a more dynamic farm ecosystem.

    Beyond her professional life, Nena's passions include home cooking and hosting friends for meals often and dedicating herself to raising a proactive and aware child. These personal interests complement her professional goals, reflecting her holistic approach to life and work.

    With a rich background in both the practical and theoretical aspects of sustainable agriculture, Nena Johnson's role as General Manager of Wally Farms is instrumental in advancing the farm's mission towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

  • Charmaine is the Director of Agritourism at Wally Farms, where her lifelong connection to the land and diverse cultural heritage shape her approach to environmental stewardship and education. Raised on a working farm and enriched by her Chinese mother's cultural heritage, Charmaine's expertise spans managing beef cattle, operating a dairy, engaging in organic farming, and participating in the showing and breeding of horses. This hands-on experience, coupled with her BIPOC identity, has given her a unique perspective on sustainable agriculture and farm operations.

    With over twenty years in hospitality, event management, and agritourism, Charmaine has a proven track record in creating meaningful, educational experiences that connect people with the principles of environmental consciousness. Her extensive experience allows her to craft immersive programs that educate and inspire visitors about sustainable living and farming practices.

    At Wally Farms, Charmaine leads the development of agritourism programs that merge hospitality with environmental education. She advocates for making sustainable living both accessible and engaging, believing that hands-on, educational experiences are key to fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. Her programs include farm tours, workshops, and seasonal events that highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture and responsible stewardship of the land.

    Outside of her professional role, Charmaine's commitment to well-being and sustainable living is evident. She cultivates a variety of unique fruits and vegetables in her garden, reflecting her dedication to organic and sustainable farming practices. Her active lifestyle includes yoga, triathlons, and distance running, which underscore her commitment to health and wellness.

    Charmaine's creativity extends to crafting soaps and candles inspired by the natural world, as well as hand-painting felted hats. These artistic endeavors showcase her appreciation for natural beauty and her hands-on approach to living a sustainable, self-reliant lifestyle. Each activity reflects her rich cultural heritage and her dedication to integrating sustainability into all aspects of her life.

    Through her visionary leadership at Wally Farms, Charmaine aims to foster a deeper connection between visitors and the environment. She leverages her agricultural roots, professional expertise, and unique cultural background to make a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Her goal is to inspire others to embrace sustainable living and to understand the vital role that agriculture plays in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

  • Walt Kiernan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as the Infrastructure Manager at Wally Farms. With a strong educational background and a legacy in agriculture, Walt is a vital asset to the farm's ongoing success and growth.

    Walt's technical proficiency is backed by his degrees and certifications from SUNY Cobleskill, where he earned an Associate Degree in Diesel Engines and Engine Technologies, a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering, and a certificate in Surveying and Land Management. Additionally, he holds a Master Technician Certification from the Automotive Society of Engineers, with mastery in diesel engines, hydraulics, welding, electrical systems, and HVAC.

    As a fourth-generation dairy farmer, Walt has a deep-rooted connection to agriculture that informs his holistic approach to farm management and infrastructure. His leadership roles across diverse agricultural platforms have honed his expertise, from hands-on technical skills to strategic operational oversight. This rich legacy provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector.

    Walt's commitment to sustainable innovation is evident in his professional and community endeavors. His involvement in community governance highlights his dedication to public service and sustainable development. Walt believes that by integrating traditional farming wisdom with modern technology, he can help create sustainable and efficient agricultural systems that benefit both the environment and the community.

    At Wally Farms, Walt is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the farm's physical and operational infrastructure. His role includes ensuring that the facilities are state-of-the-art and that processes are efficient, supporting the farm's mission of sustainable agriculture. Walt's expertise in diesel engines, hydraulics, welding, electrical systems, and HVAC enables him to tackle a wide range of technical challenges, ensuring that Wally Farms operates smoothly and sustainably.

    Walt's passion for continuous learning and improvement drives his work. He is always looking for new ways to innovate and enhance the farm's infrastructure, making sure that Wally Farms remains at the forefront of environmentally responsible farming practices. His dedication to sustainable innovation underscores his passion for transforming agricultural paradigms, ensuring that Wally Farms not only thrives today but also paves the way for future generations of farmers.

    In his personal philosophy, Walt emphasizes the importance of combining traditional agricultural practices with cutting-edge technology. This approach not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of the farm but also preserves the legacy and heritage of farming for future generations. Walt Kiernan is more than just an Infrastructure Manager; he is a steward of the land, committed to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Wally Farms and the broader agricultural community.

Steward Farmers

At Wally Farms, we believe in the power of community and sustainable agriculture. Our Steward Farmers are the heart and soul of our farm, dedicated to cultivating the land with care, expertise, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Each Steward Farmer brings a unique set of skills and a passion for farming that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our agricultural community.

Danny Amend
Far Out Container Farm

Danny Amend leads Far Out Container Farm, an innovative venture in sustainable agriculture using refurbished shipping containers for vertical hydroponic farming. This approach addresses crucial climate challenges by repurposing durable containers into efficient, movable farms that significantly reduce water usage and can operate in diverse environments, including disaster zones and areas facing water scarcity.

Raised in Santa Rosa, CA, with a deep-rooted connection to gardening and cooking from a young age, Danny's 25-year culinary career was profoundly influenced by his relationships with dedicated farmers. The devastating wildfires in his hometown in 2017 intensified his focus on climate change and fueled his passion for sustainable food production through hydroponics, exploring its potential to feed populations in an ecologically strained world.

Danny's favorite crop to grow and eat is spicy mustard greens, cherished for their versatility, health benefits, and the simple yet bold flavors they bring to both raw and cooked dishes. Reflecting on his upbringing, Danny credits the classic summer squash dishes from his family's garden as a foundational influence on his approach to food and farming.

Aviva Tilson
Apis Apotheca - Resident Tenant Farmer

Aviva Tilson is an herbalist, farmer and formulator and is the founder of Apis Apotheca, a farm-to-face skincare company in the Hudson Valley. She combines a long history and deep understanding of autoimmunity, skin and modern health challenges with compassion and expertise in sustainable farming, and it's her mission to help others heal and feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. Thousands of people all over the world use her products, and her business is an example of how small-scale regenerative agriculture can make a big impact on people's lives and inspire a better world.

Ryan Surrano
Overstory

Ryan Surrano, from Athens, NY, is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture as a steward farmer at Wally Farms with his venture, Overstory. This business focuses on growing mushrooms and medicinal herbs on-site to produce organic functional foods and broths. Ryan's early experiences gave him a deep appreciation for plant growth, foraging, and conservation, this propelled him into a career centered around sustainable farming practices. Ryan earned a degree in Plant Science from SUNY Cobleskill, and has applied his expertise to both his entrepreneurial endeavors and his role at Wally Farms. Here, he has been instrumental in developing a comprehensive management plan that aims to enhance forest health, regeneration, and carbon sequestration, alongside forester Annabel Roberts-McMichael. Their collaborative work has successfully secured a Regen NY grant from the NYS DEC, focusing on increasing biodiversity and carbon storage through strategic replanting efforts.

In addition to preparing for the launch of Overstory in the fall of 2024, Ryan's efforts contribute to Wally Farms being recognized as a Plant Sanctuary through the United Plant Savers Network, highlighting his commitment to preserving threatened species and promoting forest stewardship. Outside of these professional pursuits, Ryan's personal life includes making music with his partner Aviva and enjoying time with their pets. Drawing inspiration from various figures and his passion for "Lord of the Rings" and music, Ryan's multifaceted interests reflect his approach to farming and creativity.

As Ryan looks to the future, he envisions Wally Farms continuing to serve as a model for sustainable agriculture and conservation, with Overstory playing a pivotal role in this vision. His dedication to teaching and implementing sustainable practices aims to foster a community well-informed about caring for our environment.

Our Founders

Wally Farms' founders, Gigi Danziger and Albert Wenger, have consistently been at the forefront of advocating for climate action and resilience. Their commitment to fostering positive change and innovation has been evident throughout their careers, underpinning their approach to impactful initiatives. At Wally Farms, Susan and Albert’s vision is instrumental in shaping the farm's mission, which focuses on leveraging sustainable agricultural practices to combat climate change, enhance ecosystem resilience, and support community empowerment. Their dedication not only to creating lasting environmental solutions but also to nurturing a community that values sustainability, education, and collaboration makes them pioneering leaders in the movement towards a more sustainable and resilient future.