From the Ground Farmers Market Collective Staff

  • Gabriela Solorzano

    2025 Farmers Market Manager

  • Jillian DeVoge

    Food Access Coordinator

From the Ground Farmers Market Collective began as a grassroots effort in Winter 2022 to expand food access in Houghton County through the management of three local farmers markets. A year later, we formed a Board of Directors to guide and grow our mission, and in November 2023, we officially received 501(c)(3) non-profit status. For inquiries directed to the board, please email fromthegroundfmc@gmail.com with “Board” in the subject line.

From the Ground Board of Directors

  • Jake Tenharmsel

    Co-Founder + Board Chair (since 2023)

    Co-owner of North Harvest CSA, musician, and educator for the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Outdoor Education Fund

  • Leah Polzien

    Co-Founder + Board Vice Chair (since 2023)

    Main Street Calumet Executive Director and supporter for the Calumet Farmers Market since 2017. Co-founder and coordinator of the Calumet Community Garden.

  • Patrice Cobin

    Board Treasurer (since 2024)

    Associate Director of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

  • Rachael Pressley

    Co-Founder + Board Secretary (since 2023)

    Planning Director for the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region / co-founder of the Portage Lake Seed Library and the Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative

  • Madelina DiLisi

    Board Director (since 2024)

    Michigan Food and Farm Network Specialist for the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center (through Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems)

  • Matt Boersma

    Co-Founder + Board Director (since 2023)

    Co-owner of Boersma Family Roots; Lifelong farmers marketer and grower, local food and community advocate

  • Margaret Hanson

    Co-Founder + Board Director (since 2023)

    Food system educator with Copper Island Academy, cookbook author, and founder of Teach to Taste.

  • Jean McParlan

    Board Director (since 2024)

    Co-founder of Frozen Farms Co and home garden enthusiast.

  • Cassandra Reed-VanDam

    Board Director (since 2024)

    FTG Farmers Market Co-manager for 2024 Season and Essential Education Experience Manager for Michigan Tech University

  • Amanda Makela

    Board Director (since 2023)

    FTG Farmers Market Co-manager for 2024 Season, Content Manager for Visit Keweenaw, and Filmmaker for 2nd Sandbar Productions

Past Board Members

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