Patsy, with over 15 years nonprofit executive leadership and management, enjoys the honor of serving as Casa De Miel's Executive Director. With over 15 years nonprofit executive leadership and management, it is a privilege to lead, manage operations, and execute our unique mission according to the strategic direction of the board of directors. She genuinely embraces and enjoys the layers of experiences that come with convening and connecting a dynamic and diverse community of individuals from all parts of the greater Austin community. The experiences of learning in nature, connection, rest, laughter, pause, and healing fill her heart. In her free time, she loves live music and spending time with friends and family.

Prior to coming to Texas Beau lived in the Virgin Islands as a sailing instructor. Austin’s vibrant music scene and outdoor spaces is what eventually drew him to Austin. Growing up he was always enchanted by nature and animals and the connection they both could foster for humans. It was his passion around these concepts that eventually landed him in his role as Program Director at CDM. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking Lady Bird Lake, vintage resale and fashion, refinishing old furniture, and supporting the local art and music scene - especially on the East Side where he lives.

As a horse enthusiast from age six, Sophia has always admired how captivating these animals are and how they allow us to be so present and grounded while working alongside them. She. grew up riding and showing horses in various English and Western disciplines. Working with horses for almost 15 years now has allowed her to connect and learn from equine trainers and experts from across the world. In her current role at Casa De Miel as barn manager, she gets the privilege of working alongside and caring for these magnificent creatures while supporting the equine programs and horse-facilitated experiences with various groups and volunteers. Our horse-facilitated experiences provide an opportunity to engage, connect, and learn from these incredible herd animals.

Claire is originally from Chicago, IL and moved out to Austin to pursue farming. She was drawn to Casa De Miel because of the mission to connect people to nature. In a world where we are more connected to the internet than ever, she recognizes the value of stepping outside and receiving the calming and restorative medicine that nature offers. It’s a blessing for her to facilitate that experience for others. When she’s not coordinating programs, she’s got her hands in the dirt, furthering her food-growing journey, and connecting with Mother Earth.

Kara was born and raised in the Austin area and came upon CDM while working on her MBA. She started volunteering out at the farm 2-3 times each week and fell in love. The mission and practices CDM values and walks out day to day resonated deeply with Kara and changed her perspective on what life looks like. Coming from a fast-paced suburban background she now considers herself a true farm girl learning to operate on horse time! When shes not setting up volunteer events and snuggling pigs, Kara is a huge volleyball fan and coaches at a club in Austin.

I've always had a love for the outdoors and finding new experiences, and my travels have led me to various careers throughout the country in agriculture and natural resources. My passion for growing food and sharing my love of farming with others has brought me back to Texas and led me to my role as Garden Support at CDM. Every day working at the farm is another opportunity to appreciate nature and the outdoors and share that appreciation with those around me. When I'm not farming, I'm usually gardening at home and using farm fresh ingredients for cooking or baking, or working on motorcycles and taking motorcycle trips through the Hill Country with my friends and family.

Thomas grew up in the great state of Michigan and fell in love with all the outdoor activities the state had to offer. An interest in farming is what led him to come to Texas and once he got his feet wet, it was like a duck to water! With a good foundation of sheep and poultry experience, he is looking forward to learning more about horsemanship, beekeeping and expanding his knowledge of the overall day to day operations of the farm. When not eating all the prickly pear fruits while maintaining the ranch, he likes to be outdoors looking for arrowheads, metal detecting or target shooting. When the summer heat is getting to him, he can be found inside listening to all kinds of music and reading books.

Jenny has been with CDM since the very beginning. In 2018, she attended a beginners beekeeping class , and found a love and admiration for honeybees. In 2020, after spending several years continuing her bee education, and spending time at CDM seeing all the great nature experiences/programs it had to offer, she had an idea of adding a beekeeping program to CDM. Creating a space for bee education and sharing her experiences with others on the vital importance of honey bees has been enjoyable! CDM has made it possible for any group whether it is families, volunteers, schools or community-based organizations to experience, and learn from our honeybee program. Jenny’s time outside of CDM is spent with her husband and 2 kids. Some of her hobbies include cooking and helping her husband with interior design for his company.