Each month, we feature two of our staff members as a way for you to get to know the good folks who make up our community. This month, we feature two residential team members, Kendra and Michelle.
Michelle Silven (she/they)
Residential Advisor
Michelle joined Gould Farm as a Residential Advisor in January 2021. Her journey to the Farm began when she was searching for a new environment after working at McCall Behavioral Health Network in Connecticut, where she supported clients in an outpatient program for mental health and substance abuse. Michelle enjoyed building relationships with clients, drawn to their unique personalities and senses of humor. She heard about Gould Farm from a high school friend and was intrigued by its sense of community and beautiful New England setting.
As a Residential Advisor, Michelle values the deep trust she establishes with guests. She is particularly moved by how guests feel empowered to come to her, using their voices to advocate for themselves. Michelle’s own recovery journey, which she openly shares, has allowed her to connect authentically with guests who are also in recovery, fostering a sense of equality and mutual understanding. Her lived experience strengthens these relationships, offering a foundation of support where she and the guests can navigate recovery together.
In addition to her role as a Residential Advisor, Michelle serves as a Recovery Coach, where she facilitates meetings and supports Gould Farm’s recovery community. She is also the secretary for the local Monterey Marijuana Anonymous group, which is open to both the community and Farm guests. Recovery coaching has helped Michelle stay accountable to her own sobriety, which she has maintained for over six years. She credits her role in this capacity with helping her grow in self-trust and deepen her commitment to her recovery journey.
Michelle is also Gould Farm’s BIPOC Coordinator. In this role, she provides a safe space for BIPOC staff, volunteers, and guests to share their experiences and navigate challenges. She facilitates important and sometimes complex conversations, helping individuals resolve conflicts and celebrate the unique cultural aspects of their identities. Michelle also works closely with the Farm’s DEI committee, organizing educational activities such as book groups, video discussions, and mindfulness workshops to foster an anti-racist and anti-oppressive community.
Living at Gould Farm has been a meaningful experience for Michelle, who enjoys the peaceful retreat of her cabin in the woods and the strong connections she’s built with coworkers and guests. She holds certifications as a Recovery Coach and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which she integrates into her work. For now, Michelle is content to continue growing in her roles at the Farm, contributing to our mission and fostering an inclusive, supportive community.
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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