Our Team
Dakota Rudloff-Eastman
Co-Owner . Farmer
Dakota has a Sustainable Food Systems degree, and loves to think about the bigger picture. Prior to starting her own business she spent years managing different vegetable operations throughout New England. Dakota is passionate about building systems, soil, and community. She loves good food, and loves to grow it!
Matthew Went
Co-Owner . Farmer
Before Matt decided to be a farmer he studied Philosophy and Physics; and after spending years as an outdoor educator leading wilderness trips, and instructing white water kayaking, he chose a career in agriculture. In addition to being a great farmer, Matt is also a skilled brewer, and when time allows he spends his time brewing beer.
-
Brett Deresienski
Field Production Manager
A Connecticut native, Brett has returned to the area after earning his Masters degree in Food Studies and working on a variety of small farms in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Brett is passionate about using his background in sustainable food systems and soil health to promote climate smart agriculture practices. In his free time, Brett can still be found outdoors either taking a good hike, exploring a local brewery, or attending a baseball game.
-
Brenna Larson
Market Operations, Marketing, and Grants Manager
Brenna comes to us most recently from Florence, Italy, where she was completing her Ph.D. in Art History (UMich 2023). Over many years living in Tuscany, Brenna fell in love with Italy’s obsession with local, seasonal food and could not be more thrilled to support River Ridge in cultivating that same culinary joy in Connecticut!
-
Christine Bellanceau
Market Associate
Christine comes to us with a background in catering, professional pierogi making, and real estate. She is passionate about food systems, pitch-perfect recipes, and cultivating her own, extraordinary culinary garden.
-
Ellen Perry
Wholesale & Wash/Pack Manager and Organic Certification Coordinator
Ellen Perry is an experienced farmer, urban gardener, food justice activist, and artist. She has been working in food systems, in restaurants and on farms for nearly a decade. She brings with her a passion for growing healthy, delicious food and getting it to the people! Community care and mutual aid are critical to Ellen’s value system. When she’s not farming, she enjoys spending time with her partner, Fernando and their 2 year old, Gabriel. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading science fiction, studying and practicing herbalism, foraging, and has recently taken up visible mending and knitting!
