Hello Washington Island! My name is Katherine (Wren) Thelen. I feel extremely fortunate to be one of Gathering Grounds 10 week interns. I live here in the county in Baileys Harbor. I did not grow up in Door County, but have had the pleasure to be around it most of my life. I was born in Winfield, Illinois, went to kindergarten at Gibraltar in Fish Creek, and then my family moved south to Arizona following my paternal grandmother. I was a snow bird at an early age spending the school year in the Southwest, and my summers here in Wisconsin. My family moved back to the area in 2001 and I learned all about year round living in Door County.

My educational background is in Early Childhood Education. I had the pleasure of doing some of my student teaching experience right here on Washington Island in the 4K/Kindergarten classroom with Mrs. Foss. When I was in school the concept that stuck with me the most was that children learn best through their interests, their peers, their family and their community. I found that teaching in a classroom setting hasn’t been the right format for me to follow my interests and desire to help children, but I entertain new ideas of helping children and people of all ages express themselves creatively, and helping them follow their passions.

Gathering Ground is giving me the opportunity to once again learn and grow through my interests. I am passionate about the life cycle, nature and organic growing methods to help protect our health, and the health of our environment. I am a believer that our wealth is in our health, and fresh, nutritious foods can help be the groundwork to build a healthful life experience. Living and working here on the farm provides an immersive experience full of activity and creativity that is nourishing my body, mind and spirit! My housemates/team never cease to amaze, and entertain me! Thank you to the Gathering Ground community for providing this opportunity for myself and others, it is invaluable. I also want to say a big thank you to the Washington Island community for providing such a rich culture to experience and learn from. Hope to see you at the Farmers Market, or possible at the K.K. for Saturday night karaoke!