2021 Regenerators
Aaron Mosley
I graduated Peekskill High School in the class of 2020 and am currently attending Mercy College. As a former president of the Peekskill Youth NAACP and MBK Black Diamond, I am excited to use what I have learned over the summer to help better our community. I’m one of two regenerators taking over the site in Peekskill in 2021. My goal is to create a space where all generations and cultures can collide and deepen the sense of understanding and genuine care for not only the earth but ourselves as well.
Josh mosley
I'm 21 years old and have lived in Peekskill most of my life. I went into this project not knowing much about gardening or community, but being a part of this program set a different tone for how I want to live my life. I want to make a community where people can feel safe and comfortable to express themselves in a way that's bigger than farming. Our mission at the Peekskill Regeneration Farm is to bridge the gaps between different worlds and create a space where all bodies can commune and learn from one another and learn together on Mother Earth, a place where the people will enlighten and uplift.
lauryn dimmie
Lauryn is a singer-songwriter, dancer and painter. As a budding multimedia artist, she has used her art to express herself and heal from childhood traumas. Art is her therapy and nature is her solace. She considers herself a mystic in the sense of being a woman who communicates and learns from all of life. This soulful journey has established a deep respect of life in her and cultivated a unique understanding of nature, mindfulness, and transformation. Her mission as a land steward is to help and protect our most vulnerable community members from greedy corporations looking to exploit our flavor, skills and resources for selfish reasons. She will uplift, guide and create safe spaces for youth, while seeking to bridge gaps between all generations. Offering help through free resources and access to wholesome creative spaces is a way that she intends to turn the tides in the favor of what’s best for all people. She will always center Earth and the most vulnerable in our community in her efforts to restore harmony and balance.
Nick Jackson
Nick "Nico" Jackson is a Hip Hop dancer from Poughkeepsie, NY. His style of dance is of his own creation, entitled ‘Water Style’, with a focus on body waves, gliding, popping and locking. He started dancing at 5 years old, to Michael Jackson, at family functions and local events. As a teenager, he formed his very own dance crew called 'Circus Freaks' and they performed together for 11 years. In 2015, they auditioned for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School class of 2012. From there, he began his personal journey of mastering his craft. Dancing is his life and he "can’t imagine where he would be without it." The reason why he teaches is to build confidence and encourage honest self expression in his students.
When Nico's not dancing, he's a chef, an avid gardener and he loves to travel. Nico started apprenticing with the ECP in June 2021 where he looks to master new skills in farming and community organizing. He plans to give back to his community through free fresh foods and Outreach events so that more stability can be created in his hometown and beyond. Providing a safe haven for people to Express, Learn and Grow with a specific focus on the Black community. This Fall, he will move to running a farm at Pershing Avenue Park in Poughkeepsie and work in collaboration with the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Scenic Hudson and the surrounding community members.
shawn mcphee
Shawn is our talented herbalist and chef of the Regenerator team, always displaying himself as a source of knowledge on how plants can be used in cooking and medicine, often as a mix. He was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, but attended schools and graduated in Georgia where he discovered his passion for plants. He has worked with the Poughkeepsie Farm Project for several years now. His goal is to teach others about having a proper view on plant life and how to best utilize them.
steve chizmadia
Steve Chizmadia is an actor/ writer/ musician living in Peekskill, N.Y. He has acted on stages in NYC and regionally, appeared on film and done voice-over work. His songwriting has been recognized by The Music2Life Songwriting Competition, The Wildflower Songwriter’s festival, South Florida Folk Festival, the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival and Kerrville Newfolk Contest. He most recently had his short play “The Last Hayride” read at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s “Bake Off” in 2019. He’s art directed commercials, been a prop master, set builder /dresser, as well as a maitre ‘d for events for some of New York’s top caterers. Being a regenerator is a game changer, a chance to pull the varied threads of his experience and channel them toward the community in a “hands in the dirt” way. As one, I will actively engage in my community, reaching out to offer my skills and knowledge with an open heart and mind. I intend to listen much more than I speak and see all sides of issues, working to bridge divides.
