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're featuring transition counselor, Liz Halla Mattingly, and Ria Ramsey, kitchen work team leader.
Clinical Team
Liz Halla Mattingly (she/her)
Transition Counselor
Liz joined Gould Farm in August 2019, shortly after earning her MSW from the University of Connecticut. Before her time at the Farm, Liz spent eight years working at a crisis center focused on anti-sexual violence advocacy. During graduate school, she gained diverse experience through internships—first at She Leads Justice (Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund), where she worked on policy issues, and later at Chrysalis Center, where she was involved in direct mental health services, addiction recovery, and supported housing programs.
Liz initially joined Gould Farm as a Development Associate, drawn by the Farm’s mission and the strong sense of community. During her three years in this role, one of her most meaningful projects was coordinating a video event for the opening of the Price Community Center during the pandemic. This live-streamed event, which involved both the Gould Farm community and supporters from afar, was a powerful experience for Liz. It allowed her to connect with donors around shared values, even during a time of isolation, and reinforced her belief in the strength and resilience of the Farm’s mission. The event also highlighted how many people care deeply about Gould Farm, providing a hopeful and creative way to bring the community together.
After three years in development, Liz realized she wanted to return to direct work with guests and transitioned to her current role as Transition Counselor. In this position, she assists guests with the often complex process of transitioning to life after Gould Farm. She helps them navigate tasks like applying for SSI/SSDI, building resumes, preparing for job interviews, and understanding their rights and options. Liz also leads a transition group, where guests can share their experiences and offer mutual support. Her approach is strengths-based and future-oriented, focusing on empowering guests to build confidence and develop the skills they need for their next steps.
Living on the Farm with her family, Liz cherishes the access to nature and the strong social environment for her daughter, who enjoys growing up in a close-knit, multi-generational community. The family participates in various Farm activities, from picnics by the lake to softball games and crafting sessions. Liz especially values how the community fosters connections across generations, with guests forming meaningful friendships with the Farm’s children. This unique environment, where work, play, and family life are intertwined, makes Gould Farm a special place for Liz and her family. Liz is currently studying for her LCSW exam in October, furthering her commitment to supporting the Farm’s mission and its guests.
Work Program
Ria Ramsey (she/her)
Kitchen Work Team Leader
Ria joined Gould Farm in 2017 after several years of traveling and working in farm kitchens around New Mexico. Before that, she owned a coffeehouse and food truck but decided to close them in search of a new direction that combined her cooking skills with meaningful, service-oriented work. She discovered Gould Farm through the website GoodFoodJobs.com and was drawn to the opportunity to work closely with people in a community setting.
From her first visit, Ria felt at ease in the beautiful surroundings of Gould Farm, and her kitchen experience made the transition smooth. She enjoys the creative process of cooking, particularly using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and finds fulfillment in helping guests develop their kitchen skills. Watching guests gain confidence and ability in the kitchen is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.
As an introvert, Ria values the balance between being an active part of the community and taking time for herself. She enjoys the proximity of the community and cares deeply about the people at Gould Farm. In her free time, she likes to spend time in nature and dreams of traveling to Mexico someday to learn more about local cooking traditions.
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