Instructors

Rick and Lora Lea Misterly have been farming in Northeastern Washington since 1981, during which time their dreams of farming have blossomed into a diverse farm, cheese business and school. The Misterlys run a 36 acre farm, including an orchard and a vineyard, maintain and hand milk a herd of over 50 goats, and offer a variety of courses through their Quillisascut School of the Domestic Arts. The couple now markets their cheese to Seattle restaurants and grocers, works with culinary schools to provide students with “the big picture” farm perspective, and most recently has established a hands-on, multidisciplinary, immersion course in small scale farming.

Chef Instructor Kären Jurgensen brings 26 years of Restaurant experience to the Quillisascut program. She most recently held the position of Executive Chef at Baci Catering and Café where she managed events that range from sit-down dinners for 600 to events that feed 5000, or as few as ten. Kären is currently a Chef Instructor at Seattle Central Community College teaching sustainable kitchen practices and philosophy. Her commitment to a local family farm system is unparalleled:
“As a chef, I want access to flavor that only comes from just picked freshness; I want diversity of products to choose from (2980 varieties of tomatoes) and create with; and finally economics -if my local farmers prosper, my community prospers, then so do I. It is in the interest of our profession that chefs and restaurateurs support this family farm system. Our fates are linked.”
In 2001, Kären restarted the Seattle Chapter of Chef’s Collaborative (known locally as FORKS), she is a member of Slow Food, and a member and mentor of Women Chef’s and Restaurateurs. She speaks regularly at restaurant, seafood and agriculture functions. Kären has been the recipient of many culinary awards and accolades, and has earned a reputation for creating cuisine that is both artistic and delicious. She is the co-author of Rethinking the Kitchen, the sustainable kitchen handbook.

Jeff Herman Cliffside Orchard

John and Janet Crandall Riverview Orchard & Crandall Coffee Raosters

Paul Dye Paul’s Pastured Poultry

Dick Roberson Roberson’s Rice Organics

Stephen Schott Silver Queen Apiary

Albert Kowitz Community Agriculture Development Center