Ellen Conti (she/her) – Farm Director Ellen is beginning her first season at Phillies Bridge after managing Back Home Farm in High Falls, NY for two years. A New York native, she grew up playing in the woods and learning about nature and science. She is excited to share her love of learning and farming with our apprentices while leading the farm. Ellen and her dog Amelia look forward to making connections with the community here and contributing to the farm’s mission. Outside of work she enjoys walking in the woods, mountain biking, spending time with friends and family, reading and cooking.
Suzannah Schneider (she/they) – Food Justice Director & Assistant Farm Director Suzannah (Suz) is entering their second growing season with Phillies Bridge, and their third in the Hudson Valley after completing the Glynwood Vegetable Apprenticeship in 2022. They find deep joy and satisfaction in work that connects mind and body to the outdoors while supporting the needs of their community and environment. They’re excited to kick off season two at such a thoughtful and productive farm!
Suz previously lived in Brooklyn for nearly nine years where they grew, taught, wrote, and planned with GrowNYC, Certified Naturally Grown, The Queens County Farm Museum, and Katchkie Farm/Great Performances. They hold a Masters in Food Studies from NYU, and a Bachelors in Environmental Studies from Tulane University. After work, Suz loves to cook, strength train, laugh at and learn from podcasts and audiobooks, and mend their clothes with sashiko. They live in Newburgh with their partner Nate and many houseplants.
You can reach Suz at foodjustice@philliesbridge.org.
Ella Schwarzbaum (she/her) – Education Director Ella is a New York City native who came to agriculture as she learned more about the industrial farming system that provided most of the food around her. Ella majored in Environmental Studies at Binghamton University and received a masters in Childhood Education, General and Special Education (grades 1-6). After teaching elementary school science in the South Bronx it was time for a change of pace, and she has been farming in the Hudson Valley ever since. She is very excited to continue combining her love of education and farming as part of the Phillies Bridge Farm Project family! When she is not farming, Ella is often dreaming of goats or working on a crochet project.
You can reach Ella education@philliesbridge.org
Jazmine Langlitz (she/her) – Admin & Finance Director
Jazmine is the administrative director in her seventh year at Phillies Bridge Farm. Beginning her tenure with Phillies Bridge as the camp director, Jazmine moved into the administrative office in 2020. A Hudson Valley native, Jazmine attended SUNY New Paltz and fell in love with the town. She went on to receive her Masters Degree in Education from Endicott College in Beverly, MA. She enjoys teaching math, among other subjects, and is intrigued by creating connections to nature in education. In her spare time, Jazmine explores liberty training with her horses, Pax and Nami, and hangs out with her family while camping, hiking, skiing, and fishing. She is looking forward to a beautiful and fruitful 2024! She can be reached at info@philliesbridge.org.
Phyllis Cosenza (she/her) – Nature Nursery Lead Teacher Phyllis Cosenza has over 20 years of experience in education. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and now immensely embraces her current residence in Rosendale for several years with her family. She holds a Professional New York State Department of Education Teacher license in early childhood for general and special education, from birth through second grade. She has previously been employed as real estate agent, financial planner, provider for early intervention of special instruction, applied behavior analyst, special education itinerary teacher, Pre K teacher, and high school substitute teacher. Phyllis strives to foster a positive, safe and conducive environment for child development. She aspires to provide creative, quality support and strategic planning for children to fulfill their objectives/goals. Phyllis offers various modalities of learning, customizing to each individual’s needs for their preferred means of learning. With a concentration on scaffolding each child’s strengths, she will provide an outlet for them to show growth and meet both their academic and social milestones. An aim to collaborate with families, other providers and administrators is Phyllis’ utmost focus towards the betterment of each individual child.
Katie O’Brien (they/them) – Farm Apprentice 2024 Season Hi! My name is Katie (or KT) and my pronouns are they/them. I grew up in Queens and I am about to enter my last year of studying Environmental Studies at SUNY New Paltz. Previously, I worked on a trail crew in Colorado for two seasons and I have worked on a couple different farms in Vermont and New York. I am super excited to continue farming and to start the season at Phillies Bridge!