Hello! Whether you call me Farmer Chris, Dr. D, or just plain Chris— I am a science teacher who is passionate about growing food using ecological principles while seeking to transform our relationship with nature.
I was initially drawn to studying science due to my curiosity about the natural world. As a result of following that interest, I earned a graduate degree in molecular biochemistry and biophysics from Yale University and started my professional life as a research scientist at the FDA and as a program manager at the National Academy of Sciences.
As I learned more, I observed the interconnections between our food and lifestyle habits and our physical, mental, and environmental health. These observations led me to explore the science and practices of regenerative, small-scale agriculture. Before leaving the FDA I spent time volunteering on farms and realized that I love working outside growing food. Furthermore, inspired by the work of the staff at Farm Aid and the many stories shared at their Farm Aid event I knew I wanted to realign my professional career. So In order to share my interest in science and to continue to follow my passion for farming, I decided to become a high school science teacher and to practice my food growing skills in the summer.
Recently, I received a Permaculture Design Certificate and completed Level I and II of the Future Harvest Beginner Farmer Training Program (BFTP).
I established The DeFeo Family Farm, LLC in 2022 and I currently teach biology and AP Environmental Science at Georgetown Preparatory School.
Hi! Laura here. I'm a community health educator, health coach, and volunteer passionate about helping individuals and communities prevent chronic disease by building healthy habits in ways that are realistic, sustainable, and meaningful.
My interest in health began early through distance sports, which sparked a lifelong fascination with science, nutrition, exercise, human motivation, and the psychology of behavior change.
After earning a Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale University, I spent ten years working in science policy at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in Washington, DC. During that time, I also volunteered as a co-coordinator for an employment assistance program at the Community for Creative Non-Violence (CCNV).
In 2021, I completed Duke's Professional Health Coach Training Program and founded Illumine & Align Integrative Health Coaching, LLC. The following year, I became a Certified Lifestyle Coach for the CDC's National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and served as Lead Coach for Frederick Health's DPP from 2022–2026. Today, I continue as a Community Health Contractor at Frederick Health, where I conduct community outreach and education, co-coordinate a SHARE Food Network host-site, and serve as Acting Lead of the Affordable Healthy Food Work Group organized by the Coalition for a Healthier Frederick County. Since 2024, I've also served as adjunct faculty in Public Health Science at Frederick Community College.
At DeFeo Family Farm, I love bringing these worlds together. Whether through growing nutritious food, teaching, community partnerships, or creative ways of helping people enjoy more fruits and vegetables, our goal is the same: to make healthy eating more accessible, practical, and enjoyable. We're always looking for opportunities to partner with organizations and share our harvest in support of community health!