FREE 4th Annual Healing By Growing™ Farms
National Conference
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Registration at 7:00am
Start Time: 8:00am-4:00pm
Location: Camp Harkness
301 Great Neck Road, Waterford, CT 06385
Contact: conference@healingbygrowing.com
We look forward to seeing you at the event! Register Here: 4th National Annual Conference
4th Annual Healing By Growing™ Farms National Conference
Theme: Mycelium Trust: Growing Accessible Healing Networks
Hosted by Healing By Growing™ Farms, this vital gathering is officially open for registration! Join us as we bring together the heartbeat of our food system—farmers, food industry providers, health and human service professionals, community and faith-based groups, brain injury and trauma survivors, and our Youth Ambassadors, the next generation of growers.
Theme: Mycelium Trust
Just as the unseen mycelial network supports the health of the entire forest, the strength of our agricultural community lies in our deep, interconnected trust.
Keynote
To anchor this theme, we are honored to welcome Amy Blaymore Paterson of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC). Amy will illustrate how Land Trusts and Accessible Open Spaces act as the underground "trust" that stabilizes our community. Her address will highlight how these protected spaces allow farmer health and participants of all abilities to flourish above ground, making these vital networks visible and accessible to all.
Conference Tracks
Throughout the program, we will dive into four core tracks designed to build capacity, community, and healing:
Farmer & Grower Health: Focusing on mental health, physical safety, and holistic healing for growers and survivors of trauma or brain injury.
Youth Ambassadors: Empowering the next generation of leaders in agriculture and environmental stewardship through our new Agri-Youth Certification Program.
Community Faith Allies: Building the spiritual and community networks that support deep, restorative healing within our neighborhoods.
The Grower's Toolkit: Practical sessions on e-commerce and essential business skills to build long-term farm viability.
Main Sessions will be recorded for post conference viewing.
SPACE IS LIMITED
Register today and be a part of this transformative MOVEMENT! ⬅️
Join the Network
Together, we will explore building coping mechanisms, bridging food security gaps, and opening doors for land access and edible, accessible foodscapes. Join us in building a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving agricultural, aquaculture, and forestry community where every voice is heard—regardless of ability.
Detalles en Español:
Acompáñenos en este encuentro vital que reúne a agricultores, proveedores de la industria alimentaria, profesionales de la salud, grupos comunitarios y de fe, sobrevivientes de lesiones cerebrales y nuestros Jóvenes Embajadores. Juntos compartiremos historias de sanación, nuevos conocimientos y recursos vitales bajo el lema "Confianza del Micelio: Cultivando Redes de Sanación Accesibles."
DAY OVERVIEW
7:00 AM - Registration & Coffee
8:00 AM - Welcome & Opening Session
9:00 AM - Panel Discussion
10:00 AM - Cluster Presentations: Tracks 1-4
12:00 PM - Lunch & Networking
Integrated Care Team Activities
Vendor & Sponsor Tables
1:30 PM - Presentation
2:15 PM - Keynote Speaker
3:00 PM - Voices From the Field Testimonies
Raffles & Awards Announcements
Moment of Remembrance & Healing
4:00 PM - Evaluations & Closing
Tentative schedule subject to change - all times are Eastern Standard
About Our “Clusters”
The Heal and Empower Conference offers a dynamic learning experience with 30-minute "cluster" breakout sessions designed for focused engagement. Participants can personalize their experience by selecting up to three sessions across three distinct tracks, each providing valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, resource acquisition, and personal empowerment. Additionally, a dedicated youth track features a unique 90-minute hands-on experience, allowing future growers to connect with small farm animals.
Camp Harkness
Camp Harkness is located in Southeastern Connecticut on the shores of Long Island Sound. The 102-acre property in Waterford, CT, has open and wooded land. It also features a beachfront and a tidal marsh.
It is one of the few state parks in the country that is just for people with disabilities and their families and friends.
Camp Harkness is open year-round although many of the programs and facilities are seasonal. Camp Harkness is owned by the State of Connecticut and managed by the Department of Developmental Services. Learn more about Park Harkness
Camp Harkness Directions
Camp Harkness is located at 301 Great Neck Road (Route 213) in Waterford CT 06385 in New London County. Camp Harkness is easily reached from Interstate 95 or Interstate 395.
Northbound on I-95 from New Haven/Old Saybrook: Take Exit 75 (Waterford), at the end of the ramp turn right onto Route 1 (Boston Post Rd). Follow 4 miles to Avery Lane, turn right Silva's Package Store is on the corner). Go 0.3 miles to light. Proceed through light straight onto Route 213N (Great Neck Road). Follow Route 213 for approx. 3 miles to the stop sign, then turn right staying on Route 213. Camp Harkness entrance is on the right.
Southbound on I-95 from Groton/Mystic: Take Exit 81 (Cross Road Exit). Turn left at the end of the ramp onto Parkway North, follow to the traffic light at Cross Road. Turn left onto Cross Rd. for 1 mile to light and then turn left onto Route 1 (Boston Post Rd.). Follow directions above to Avery Lane and then onto Route 213 to Camp Harkness.
Southbound on I- 395 from Norwich: Take Exit 77, at the end of ramp turn left onto Route 85 (Hartford Turnpike). Follow the second traffic light and turn right onto Cross Road. Proceed 2 miles and turn left onto Route 1 and follow directions above to Avery Lane and then onto Route 213 to Camp Harkness.
Southbound on Route 2 from Hartford: Take Route 2 to Exit 19 Colchester/New London and proceed south on Route 11. Follow Exit 4 at the end of Route 11 and turn left onto Route 82 (East Haddam Rd). Proceed 1 mile to the traffic light and turn right onto Route 85 (Hartford/New London Turnpike). Follow Route 85 for approximately eight miles into Waterford. Pass under I-395 and at a second traffic light turn right onto Cross Road. Go two miles and then turn left onto Route 1 (Boston Post Rd) for 1.5 miles to Avery Lane. Turn right on Avery Lane and follow directions above onto Route 213 to Camp Harkness.
Our Presenter Voices
Amy Blaymore Paterson
Keynote SpeakerConservation That Cultivates Healing, Accessibility, and Community: Join us for an inspiring keynote by Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council — a distinguished leader and advocate for land conservation in Connecticut. Amy is at the forefront of supporting the state's robust land trust community to strengthen and elevate land conservation in Connecticut. Drawing on her decades of experience as a conservation professional — and her perspective as a parent of a child with a disability — Amy will share how caring for our natural and working lands helps us foster relationships, strengthen communities, and cultivate both environmental and personal resilience and well-being.
Through her leadership at CLCC, Amy has helped advance community conservation initiatives, such as Healing by Growing Farms, illustrating how the health of the land and the health of our communities are deeply intertwined—and how, together, we can grow a future where both thrive.//
Amy Blaymore Paterson has served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) since 2010, leading the organization’s growth into a nationally recognized land trust service and advocacy organization supporting permanent land conservation across Connecticut. She works closely with land trusts, policymakers, and partners to advance conservation funding, policy, and best practices statewide.
Amy previously served as a Project Manager with The Trust for Public Land and has more than 20 years of legal experience in land conservation and environmental protection, including work with the U.S. Department of Justice. She currently serves as Chair of the State of Connecticut Natural Heritage, Open Space, and Watershed Land Acquisition Review Board and has contributed to numerous state and regional initiatives, including the Governor’s Council on Climate Change Working and Natural Lands Working Group, the Policy on Resilient Forests for Connecticut’s Future Working Group, and other advisory committees focused on conservation, climate resilience, and outdoor recreation. She holds a BA from Franklin & Marshall College and a JD from the University of Denver and has received multiple statewide awards recognizing her leadership in conservation.
Johnny Scafidi
Conference Moderator
Dr. Corey Podbielski, PT, DPT, OCS
Farmer Physics: An Interactive Movement & Safety Workshop
This is an active, hands-on 30 minutes of practical movement designed to keep you safe in the field. Based on popular demand from last year, we will practice proper techniques for bending, picking items up, and moving safely. Cody will demonstrate how to adjust your body when stuck in repetitive positions to prevent injury, with specific accommodations provided for individuals with limited mobility. Engage in guided practice for safe lifting, reaching, and bending to protect your spine and joints. Learn how to "reset" your body and adjust your posture after being in one position for too long to avoid long-term harm. Practice specific modifications and techniques designed for growers of all abilities, including those with mobility restrictions. //
Dr. Corey is the Clinical Supervisor for Gaylord Physical Therapy in Cromwell and Madison, specializing in orthopedic conditions, surgical rehab, and specialized care like dry needling and golf performance. A board-certified specialist with a doctorate from Springfield College, he also serves as an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University and coaches the national champion Gaylord Wolfpack Sled Hockey team. His deep connection to the local community is rooted in his early experience working on a farm in North Branford.
Serves as the Director of Community Outreach & Engagement and at Dwight Hall at Yale. The Director of Community Outreach & Engagement leads the planning and execution of engagement and outreach actions and activities with community organizations, friends and allies, and partner organizations. The position aims to expand community programming while more effectively engaging with and meeting the needs of local community partners. A longtime supporter of Healing By Growing Farms.
Dr. Allison McCain-Schroeder
Grower: Eye Health & Injury Prevention
Join Dr. Schroeder for a 30-minute session on the critical importance of eye health for the outdoor grower. Whether you are managing TBI-related vision conditions or working in environments involving chemicals and animals, protecting your sight is paramount. This talk provides practical tools and prevention strategies for high-risk farm environments, ensuring that survivors and growers of all abilities can protect their vision and work safely under the sun. Identify the specific risks of outdoor growing—from UV exposure and dust to chemical and animal-related injuries—and how to mitigate them. Understand the unique eye health challenges faced by brain injury survivors and learn specialized strategies for outdoor safety. Learn about the most effective protective gear and daily eye-care routines to maintain long-term vision health in the field. //
Dr. Allison McCain-Schroeder graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2024 and completed a Vision Therapy & Brain Injury Rehabilitation residency in 2025 at EyeCare Associates in Connecticut. Dr. McCain-Schroeder is currently an associate doctor practicing full scope optometry at East Hampton EyeCare and is a consulting provider at Gaylord Hospital. Dr. McCain-Schroeder has a personal connection to rehabilitation optometry after experiencing traumatic brain injury in college and undergoing two years of vision therapy and rehabilitation services. Her optometric interests include management of post-concussion and dysautonomic conditions, and visual processing challenges.
Content Design & Social Media ManagerMd. Sajal Hossain
Sajal is a dedicated member of the Healing By Growing Volunteer Team since its establishment. He is a professional with a background in both psychology and graphic design. Holding a BSc and MSc in Psychology, he began their career in the creative industry by freelancing as a graphic designer on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. This transition allowed him to blend his passion for design with his understanding of human behavior.
Anne Culpepper & Dr. Rachel Doyle
Nature’s Toolbox: Creative & Animal-Assisted Tools for Regulation
Inspired by the interconnected nature of mycelium, this all-ages workshop teaches youth and families how to build reliable networks of emotional support through nature and creativity. Participants engage in low-pressure regulation stations, ranging from mindful pottery decorating to gentle interactions with farm animals that model co-regulation in real time. By prioritizing sensory awareness and choice over performance, the session provides tangible grounding tools and a deeper understanding of how we nourish ourselves and our communities. //
Anne Culpepper and Rachel Doyle, PhD, collaborate as members of the Healing By Growing Farms team to expand inclusive, nature-based mental health supports. Anne brings a unique background in wilderness therapy and technology-assisted health, focusing on creative tools for emotional regulation. Rachel, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Aspen Psychological Center, contributes expertise in developmentally informed care and organic farming. Their partnership bridges traditional clinical practice with agricultural and community-based healing spaces. They are dedicated to helping young people and families build practical skills through a connection with the environment. By centering choice and accessibility, they create welcoming environments for all participants. Ultimately, their joint work fosters trauma-informed experiences rooted in empowerment and growth.
Susan Pronovost
Green House Basics For BeginnersThis is for farmers and growers who want to keep their production moving even when it’s cold outside. We want to cover the everyday basics of how these houses work so growers can increase their winter sales and keep specialized plants healthy year-round. Learn the difference between a simple cold house and a heated greenhouse to help farmers pick what’s right for them. Practical advice on what is needed to keep a greenhouse warm in the winter, especially for tropical or medicinal plants that can’t handle the frost. Grow for Income: How to use these structures to keep the farm moving and make extra money during the cold months. //
Susan holds multiple certifications in food safety, agricultural practices, and food manufacturing standards from institutions including the University of Connecticut, Cornell University, and the University of Tennessee. She has received numerous state and federal recognitions for her work leadership and community impact.
Yaw Owusu Darko
Obtaining Your Farm: How Land Trusts Help Farmers Buy & Lease Land
Rev. Abraham Hernández
Beyond the Harvest: Protecting the Spiritual, Physical, and Family Wellness of Our Immigrant WorkforceIn the Northeast, an estimated 70% to 80% of the agricultural workforce is comprised of immigrant workers—the essential "mycelium" that sustains our food system. In alignment with our Mycelium Trust theme, Pastor Abraham Hernandez leads a vital session on the interconnected safety and wellness of farm managers, owners, and laborers. This 30-minute deep dive moves beyond financial productivity to address the "whole-person" health of those who feed us. We will discuss the immediate emotional and spiritual impacts of current immigration enforcement on farmer wellness and provide practical resources from faith communities—including Emergency Family Preparedness Plans—to ensure that when trauma strikes, families remain together and the roots of our agricultural community stay strong. Learn how to create and distribute comprehensive family preparedness kits to ensure children remain with legal residents or citizens in the event of an enforcement action, preventing double trauma. Identify strategies for farm managers and faith-based allies to address the unique emotional stressors faced by workers navigating high-stress conditions and separation from their families. Provide clear guidance for farm owners and workers on how to handle interactions with enforcement officials, ensuring that safety protocols are compassionate, legally sound, and protective of the entire farm family. //
Rev. Abraham Hernández is a member of the NHCLC Executive Board and serves as the Director of the Center for Kingdoms Collaboration. Over the past 13 years, he has successfully helped form chapters in 31 states to expand the church’s influence beyond its walls. Since the mid-1990s, he has remained committed to inspiring believers to pursue roles in public service and community care. Many peers consider him a vital leader in a new generation of clergy transforming the Hispanic faith-based community. He is a driving force behind an unadulterated Biblical Justice movement that seeks to empower the disenfranchised. Pastor Abraham is emboldened by a deep passion to see the Hispanic evangelical church take its rightful place as a moral authority. Ultimately, he believes in the necessity of speaking truth to power while living out the call to be our brother’s keeper.
Dr. Ivette Ruiz
Career Avenues in Nature: Youth Land & Animal Stewardship and Life Coaching CertificationThis informational session, led by Dr. Ivette Ruiz, serves as an invitation to join a global movement of restoration rooted in the trademarked Healing By Growing™ model. We move beyond traditional education to offer a proven blueprint for those who desire to work with their hands and hearts. By sharing a journey that transformed personal trauma into international Healing Gardens, this session reveals how nature-based work can be a primary vehicle for both community wellness and personal financial stability. We invite you to explore how to turn a calling for service into a lifestyle of self-reliance.
Our Goals: Analyze the "Healing Economy": Examine the current market data and income potential within the $4.5 billion coaching industry and localized agricultural enterprises like farm stores and nurseries. Master the Foundation of Resilience: Identify the scientific links between land stewardship and mental wellness, specifically how the "Self-Care First" protocol prevents burnout in service-based careers. Navigate the 2026 Enrollment Process: Provide a clear roadmap for joining our upcoming certification cohorts, including the steps to secure an informational interview for the AgriYouth or Life Coaching pathways. //
Dr. Ivette Ruiz, Founder & CEO, Healing By Growing (HBG) Farms is an award-winning innovator, academic, and healthcare professional dedicated to bridging the gap between agriculture and mental wellness. With over 20 years of experience in Healthcare Systems, Dr. Ruiz has served as a Professor at Springfield College School of Human Services and an Academic Consultant for Yale University, bringing rigorous professional standards to the world of "Green Wellness."
As the Founder and Visionary of the 4th Annual National Healing By Growing Conference, Dr. Ruiz has created a premier national platform for farmers, ranchers, and youth to find healing and professional growth through the land. Under her leadership, the trademarked Healing By Growing (HBG) Farms has spent six years developing specialized, accessible certification programs that prioritize humanity and service. Whether she is consulting for Ivy League institutions or mentoring the next generation of growers on the farm, Dr. Ruiz’s mission remains the same: to empower individuals with the professional tools and "building blocks" needed to cultivate resilience, equity, and health in our communities.
Juan L. Cruz 1SG (Ret)
FOCUS: Veteran Community & Second Career Transitions
Jennifer Head
FOCUS: Accessible Farming & TBI Survivor
Seeds of Hope: Protecting the Lives and Legacies of our Future StewardsOur "Future Stewards"—the young people ages 14 to 22 who will one day care for our land and animals—carry a heavy load. In our farming and rural communities, the pressure to succeed and the feeling of being alone can sometimes become overwhelming, leading to a silent struggle with mental health and a high rate of suicide that we can no longer ignore.
In this session, Pastor Herman Perez opens up an honest conversation about these struggles, using real-world data to show why our youth are at risk. But this isn’t just a talk about the problem; it’s a talk about the solution. Pastor Perez will share how our families and faith communities can wrap their arms around our young people, offering them the tools they need to stay strong and the spiritual support they need to keep going. This is about making sure our next generation doesn't just inherit the farm, but inherits a life of hope and resilience.
Three Core Goals: Face the Facts with Compassion: We will look at why suicide rates are so much higher on the farm and in our small towns, helping parents and youth spot the "warning signs" before a crisis happens. Build a Community Safety Net: We will show how your local church and neighbors can move beyond just "offering thoughts and prayers" to providing real, hands-on emotional support for families in need. Hand Out a "Survival Toolbox": Every young person will walk away with simple, daily habits and faith-based tools to handle stress, beat back loneliness, and stay mentally healthy. //
Pastor Herman Perez is a visionary leader and church planter dedicated to shepherding the rapidly growing Hispanic communities of the Midwest. With over two decades of experience as a missionary in Mexico and Guatemala—including 13 years spent crossing the U.S.-Mexico border daily to share his faith—Pastor Perez moved to Sioux Falls nine years ago, following a spiritual calling to serve a new region.
Today, Pastor Perez leads the Hispanic worshipping communities at Sunnycrest UMC in Sioux Falls and Plankinton UMC, overseeing a ministry that connects with over 200 people weekly through worship and discipleship. Under his leadership, the Iglesia Renuevo ministry has expanded into Mitchell and Plankinton, meeting the critical spiritual needs of immigrant families drawn to the area’s agriculture and industry.
Recognizing the unique challenges of rural life, Pastor Perez has become a pioneer in "meeting people where they are." From using online platforms to reach farmworkers in the fields to empowering lay volunteers to provide local congregational care, his work bridges the gap between the altar and the acre. He is a passionate advocate for the "Future Stewards" of the land, committed to ensuring that those working in the agricultural community find both a spiritual home and the mental health support they need to thrive.
PANELISTS LINE UP
Zahra Bakrin
FOCUS: Student Communities & Future Stewards
Panel Moderator
Pastor Abraham Hernandez
Elisa Marcoux
The Legacy of Camp Harkness: A Sanctuary of Inclusion and OpportunityJoin Elisa, Executive Director of Camp Harkness, for an informative 30-minute session on one of Connecticut’s most vital inclusive landmarks. Camp Harkness was intentionally designed as a sanctuary to provide high-quality outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families. This talk will explore the camp's rich history and provide a practical guide on how participants with special needs can take full advantage of the diverse state programs and world-class facilities offered at this beautiful seaside retreat. Understand the foundational legacy of Camp Harkness and its ongoing mission as an executive leader in accessible recreation. Learn the specific steps for individuals and families to access and maximize the various state-sponsored programs and amenities. Discover how the camp’s unique design—from the boardwalk to specialized facilities—creates a restorative environment for all abilities. //
Elisa Marcoux, Rehabilitation Therapist Supervisor 1, Director of Camp Harkness. Elisa presently and for the past 5 years, I have been fulfilling my role as the Director of Camp Harkness where I have the pleasure of collaborating with staff, individuals, farm animals, families, and camps from across the state. I also have the opportunity to work with numerous volunteering agencies from schools, community groups and private corporations to enhance, maintain and improve the camp, as well as organize fundraising events to ensure Camp Harkness remains a beautiful, safe, and inclusive environment for all. My experience includes serving as a Rehabilitation Therapist at the Institute of Living and working with the State for 37 years as a Rehabilitation Therapist and supervisor with locations including DCF, the IFS division of DDS, as well as serving as Camp Administrator for Camp Quinebaug and supervisor for the DDS training Department.
Anne Culpepper & Dr. Rachel Doyle
Nature’s Toolbox: Creative & Animal-Assisted Tools for Regulation (Repeat Session)Inspired by the interconnected nature of mycelium, this all-ages workshop teaches youth and families how to build reliable networks of emotional support through nature and creativity. Participants engage in low-pressure regulation stations, ranging from mindful pottery decorating to gentle interactions with farm animals that model co-regulation in real time. By prioritizing sensory awareness and choice over performance, the session provides tangible grounding tools and a deeper understanding of how we nourish ourselves and our communities. //
Anne Culpepper and Rachel Doyle, PhD, collaborate as members of the Healing By Growing Farms team to expand inclusive, nature-based mental health supports. Anne brings a unique background in wilderness therapy and technology-assisted health, focusing on creative tools for emotional regulation. Rachel, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Aspen Psychological Center, contributes expertise in developmentally informed care and organic farming. Their partnership bridges traditional clinical practice with agricultural and community-based healing spaces. They are dedicated to helping young people and families build practical skills through a connection with the environment. By centering choice and accessibility, they create welcoming environments for all participants. Ultimately, their joint work fosters trauma-informed experiences rooted in empowerment and growth.
Pastor Herman Perez
FOCUS: Farmers & Faith Communities in Action
If you are seeking land to grow food, establish HBG Accessible Healing Gardens, or bridge food deserts and aid in mental wellness through green spaces, this session is for you. This 30-minute session highlights the Connecticut Land Conservation Council’s (CLCC) commitment to action following their landmark report, "Farmland Access & Ownership: Barriers, Models, and Actions to Increase Land Access for Connecticut’s BIPOC Farmers" for the CT Department of Agriculture.
Use the CLCC’s data-driven models to learn how growers can obtain and own affordable land trust acreage permanently for long-term use and family legacy. Identify budget friendly options and land trust properties available for long-term leasing while becoming good land stewards and keeping land in farming rather than commercial development. Access a direct list of CLCC financial resources and grants—including the Farmland Access Fund—specifically designed to help farmers secure and buy land. //
Director, Grants & Programs - Yaw joined CLCC in August 2020. Yaw administers the organization’s funding programs, including the Connecticut Conservation Partnership Program and the Transaction Assistance Grant program. Yaw leads CLCC’s Bird & Hike with CT Land Trusts, coordinating outings between land trusts and community groups. Yaw serves on the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council and Chairs the Land Subcommittee.
Yaw received his B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut. With a passion for learning, Yaw has a background in farming, personal training, tutoring/counseling, and facilities maintenance. He enjoys reading and writing poetry, gardening, lifting weights, birding, and playing soccer.
Rev. Luz Maiuri
Roots of Faith: The Intersection of Language, Culture, and CommunityExplore how faith and culture serve as the "mycelium" that connects our communities. In this 30-minute session, Luz examines the vital intersection of spiritual traditions and cultural identity in the growing space. We will discuss how honoring diverse languages and communal traditions fosters a deeper sense of trust and belonging for both growers and non-growers alike. Understand how language and cultural heritage shape our spiritual connection to the land. Identify ways faith communities can lead the charge in creating accessible, healing spaces for all abilities. Learn how to use shared cultural values to build stronger, more resilient neighborhood networks. //
Rev. Luz Maiuri is currently serving as a chaplain at the York Street campus of Yale New Haven Hospital where she has had a variety of assignments, but she mainly works in Oncology. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in California. She is an ordained minister in the Disciples of Christ Church and has served in hospitals and as a visiting chaplain at two hospice agencies. Luz has also served as a pastor in rural areas at churches in Seymour, Indiana and Williamsport, Maryland. She experienced the generosity of farmers from some of her congregants when they gave her some of their freshly harvested vegetables. Luz also learned about the challenges farmers face by visiting their farms and learning about their way of life. This was an enriching experience for her which has given her a deeper appreciation for small family farms and agricultural work.
Pastor Herman Perez
The Digital Farmhand: Turning Your Website into a 24/7 Sales HubNatassia Williams
Does your website work as hard as you do? In this high-impact 30-minute session, Natassia Williams shows you how to transform a static webpage into a powerful "digital farmhand." Moving beyond simple "buy now" buttons, we’ll explore how to build accessible healing networks through automated, flexible subscription models. Learn to sync your inventory and automate your revenue so you can spend less time behind a screen and more time in the soil, ensuring your harvest reaches your community with zero added stress. Identify three "hidden" revenue streams—such as pre-ordered bulk shares or customizable subscriptions—to create stable, year-round income. Implement 3 simple "Quick-Fix" tweaks to make your online shop inclusive and easy for all community members to navigate. Set up automated customer communications to reduce administrative burnout, letting your website handle the busy work for you. //
Natassia Williams is a Marketing Consultant with Grapevine Local Foods Marketing and Digital and Media Director for Greater Grace Church. With more than 15 years experience in digital marketing, she’s worked as an SEO strategist for a Fortune 5,000 company and created social media content for national food brands. Known for her knowledge across the full scope of digital marketing specializations (including SEO, SMS Marketing, Email Marketing, Graphic and Web Design, and Paid Search), Natassia offers a unique approach to marketing projects. She is passionate about helping bridge the gap between creative storytelling and technical execution. When not helping create an effective digital presence, Natassia can be found designing and producing apparel for her church, in the kitchen baking, or behind the lens of her Nikon.
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We are committed to making the Heal & Empower Conference accessible and welcoming to everyone. Here's how we can support your needs:
Sensory Support: To help create a comfortable environment, we offer sensory kits, noise-canceling headphones, and fidget items upon request. Because these items are limited, please reserve them by April 7, 2025, by emailing the conference team at healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com.
Mobility: If you require parking close to the event hall, please let us know by April 7, 2025, by emailing healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but please note that spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Assistance: Our friendly volunteers, easily identifiable by their Healing by Growing T-shirts and/or lanyards, are here to help! Please don't hesitate to approach them if you need any assistance during the conference.
Digital Access: The conference program will be available in accessible formats (compatible with screen readers) on our website.
Spanish Interpretation: Spanish interpretation will be available during the conference by request only. We will be utilizing simultaneous interpretation equipment to provide real-time interpretation.
Translated Programs: If you need a printed copy of the program in another language, please request it by April 7, 2025, by emailing healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com.
Financial Support:We are committed to making our conference accessible to everyone, especially those with special needs and disabilities. Our event is free and open to all, featuring complimentary coffee, light breakfast, lunch, and a range of accessibility resources including sensory kits, fidget items, light sensitivity glasses, and free interpretation and translation services. To further support participation for individuals with special needs and disabilities, we offer tailored stipends for travel and accommodation. If you face transportation challenges or other accessibility barriers not mentioned here, please contact our conference team no later than April 1, 2025 by emailing healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com. We are eager to understand your specific needs and explore how we can help you attend. We are dedicated to providing a positive and inclusive experience for all participants with all abilities.
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Nos comprometemos a hacer que la Conferencia Sanar y Empoderar sea accesible y acogedora para todos. Aquí le mostramos cómo podemos apoyar sus necesidades:
Apoyo Sensorial: Para ayudar a crear un ambiente cómodo, ofrecemos kits sensoriales, auriculares con cancelación de ruido y artículos para inquietud a petición. Debido a que estos artículos son limitados, por favor resérvese antes del 7 de abril de 2025, enviando un correo electrónico al equipo de la conferencia a healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com.
Movilidad: Si necesita estacionamiento cerca del salón de eventos, por favor háganoslo saber antes del 7 de abril de 2025, enviando un correo electrónico a healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com. Haremos todo lo posible para satisfacer su solicitud, pero tenga en cuenta que los espacios son limitados y se ofrecen por orden de llegada.
Asistencia: ¡Nuestros amables voluntarios, fácilmente identificables por sus camisetas y/o cordones de Sanar y Empoderar, están aquí para ayudar! No dude en acercarse a ellos si necesita ayuda durante la conferencia.
Acceso Digital: El programa de la conferencia estará disponible en formatos accesibles (compatibles con lectores de pantalla) en nuestro sitio web.
Interpretación en Español: La interpretación en español estará disponible durante la conferencia sólo bajo petición. Utilizaremos equipos de interpretación simultánea para proporcionar interpretación en tiempo real.
Programas Traducidos: Si necesita una copia impresa del programa en otro idioma, por favor solicítela antes del 7 de abril de 2025, enviando un correo electrónico a healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com.
Apoyo Financiero:Nos comprometemos a hacer que nuestra conferencia sea accesible para todos, especialmente para aquellos con necesidades especiales y discapacidades. Nuestro evento es gratuito y abierto a todos, con café de cortesía, desayuno ligero, almuerzo y una variedad de recursos de accesibilidad que incluyen kits sensoriales, artículos para inquietud, gafas de sensibilidad a la luz y servicios gratuitos de interpretación y traducción. Para apoyar aún más la participación de personas con necesidades especiales y discapacidades, ofrecemos estipendios personalizados para viajes y alojamiento. Si enfrenta desafíos de transporte u otras barreras de accesibilidad no mencionadas aquí, comuníquese con nuestro equipo de la conferencia antes del 1 de abril de 2025, enviando un correo electrónico a healingbygrowingconferenceteam@gmail.com. Estamos ansiosos por comprender sus necesidades específicas y explorar cómo podemos ayudarle para asistir. Nos dedicamos a proporcionar una experiencia positiva e inclusiva para todos los participantes de todas habilidades.
Integrated Care Team (ICT)
What is the Integrated Care Team (ICT)?
The Integrated Care Team (ICT) is a hallmark feature of Healing By Growing™ Farms events. This dedicated group of wellness professionals provides free, accessible support services throughout the conference to ensure the holistic health of our farmers, growers, and participants.
Our goal is to offer a comprehensive lineup of professionals who support your well-being through every branch of care:
Spiritual Support: Engage in guided meditation, reflection, prayer, and deep discussions on faith, healing, and personal growth.
Youth Wellness Counseling: Access confidential guidance tailored for young growers. We provide resources for mental health, coping strategies, and peer support to address isolation and foster self-healing.
Therapeutic Chair Massage: Experience physical relaxation and stress relief through gentle, professional massage provided by a licensed therapist (subject to availability).
Animal Healing Encounters: Connect with our Healing By Growing™ Farms animal ambassadors for emotional support and "featherly and furry love."
How to Participate
All ICT sessions are private and confidential. To ensure you get the most out of your day:
Sign Up Early: Visit the registration desk first thing in the morning on the day of the event to reserve your spot.
Stay Informed: You will receive a text message with your personalized appointment details.
The ICT Hour: This year, we are excited to offer a Rotating Option during the dedicated ICT hour. You can choose to visit a specific station or rotate through multiple offerings for a variety of hands-on experiences.
Your Choice, Your Pace:
The ICT is an optional, free service. We encourage you to use this time in whatever way serves you best—whether that means a private consultation, rotating through the wellness stations, or choosing to disconnect and enjoy the outdoor vendors and networking.
We are delighted to provide these valuable resources to ensure your conference experience is as supportive, enriching, and restorative as possible.
Make a Difference! Volunteer at Our Conference!
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals (21+) to join our dynamic volunteer team! Ready to be part of something special? Click the button below to apply and upload your resume and cover letter.
Have questions? Reach out to us at volunteer@healingbygrowing.com. We'll review your application and schedule an interview (in-person or virtual).
Your information will be kept private, helping us find the perfect volunteer role for you. Thank you for your support!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available to help us eliminate financial burdens, cater to diverse needs, bridge geographical gaps, ensure accessibility, and empower every attendee. Your contribution will directly support our conference and benefit Healing By Growing Farms' ongoing no-cost programming for the brain injury and trauma survivor community. Please review our sponsorship information by scanning QR code or using link below to learn how you can play a vital role in empowering our farmers and shaping the future of farming:
We believe that by working together, we can cultivate a brighter future for our farmers and our food system. JOIN US in building a resilient, inclusive, and thriving agricultural, aquaculture, and forestry community where every voice in our food supply system is heard regardless of ability.
Make an impact today
Sow hope, harvest healing. Your gift blooms in Healing Gardens, empowers survivors with free food and support, bridges communities at our National Conference and expands our land, welcoming more on their journey to wholeness.
Hotel Info
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Mystic Waterford Hotel Directions
401 North Frontage Road, Waterford, Connecticut, USA, 06385
Tel: +1 860-439-0151
The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Mystic Waterford CT promises a refreshingly unexpected stay willed with little extras that make a big difference. Enjoy free hot breakfast, a 24/7 market offering snacks and beverages and spacious suites complete with separate areas to work, sleep and relax. It is located in the heart of Mystic Country near I-95 and all Mystic attractions. Enjoy your day at Mystic Aquarium, shop Olde Mistick Village or visit New London's Historic Waterfront. Experience the excitement of nearby Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods casinos. Patriotism abounds at the nearby USS Nautilus Museum & US Coast Guard Academy. They feature free high-speed Wi-Fi. Stay healthy in our fitness center or enjoy our indoor pool.
More about Mystic Waterford Hotel
The "Conference" hotel code provides a $130 per night discounted rate (plus taxes), payable by you. You are also welcome to research and book other hotel options in the area as you prefer.
To learn more about our conference please email us at:
conference@healingbyrowing.com
Conference Social Media Hashtags:
#myceliumtrust #hbg #healingbygrowing #healingbygrowingfarms