Doni Cain, Community Center Manager

Born and raised on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge outside of Portland, Oregon, Doni graduated from Evergreen State College.  After living in Santiago, Chile for 3 years, he found his way to Plainfield.  He loves growing and fermenting food, bike riding and conversing about odd topics.  Active in the community, he is opening the Plainfield
Community Bikeshop at the former Plainfield Hardware Store.

Nancy Ellen, Perishables/Frozen/Meat/Beer & Wine

For this longtime resident of Plainfield (since 1988), it was love at first sight. “I've loved Vermont - and Plainfield specifically - since the moment I got here on a cold February night years ago. It's hard for me to pin down all the reasons why this is home -- the rural funkiness, four beautiful seasons, the lushness of woods and little streams, woodsmoke, dirt roads, my crazy and brilliant friends. The Co-op is one of the things that makes Plainfield the great place that it is and I feel lucky to be a part of it, working alongside the best bunch of folks I've ever had the pleasure of working with.” The manager of several departments - frozen, perishables, beer and wine, cheese, and health and beauty – Nancy views her work at the co-op as more than just a day job. “Working at the Co-op has involved me in this community like nothing else, for which I am endlessly grateful. We all care deeply about our Co-op, our community, and each other, and are always trying to find ways to make the Co-op the best that it can be. And while all these are all good and true, the real reason is because it just feels like home and always has.”

Aaron James, Weekend Manager

Part of the co-op staff since March 2008, Aaron ranks it as one of his most enjoyable experiences ever. “Both the staff and the community have been welcoming, and one of these days I might even learn everyone's name. I've felt more at home in Central Vermont than anywhere else in my life, despite the fact that I've lived in the Northeast for just about all of it. I like its honesty, at least in comparison to most other places I've been. Its general appreciation for the kind of lifestyle that values modesty over grandeur seems to reside in even the most affluent Vermonter I've met, and it humbles me to live and learn among them.” Since moving to Plainfield, Aaron has been active in local theater, finding it “immensely fun pretending to be someone else in front of people I know.” A former music student, he professes “an odd fondness for Gilbert and Sullivan” and has been know to sing “I Am The Monarch of the Sea” at random times.

Mike Peabody, Produce/Website

A child of the 80s, Mike was born in Williamstown, Vermont, where he also attended Johnson State College, graduating magna cum laude with a BA in Music Studies. Whether it's as a farmhand, music tutor, animal shelter assistant, or recycling depot attendant, he has always lived around Central Vermont.  After starting to volunteer at the Co-op in 08, he joined the Board in 09 and currently works at the co-op full-time.  Mike is married with two cats and an infant son, Ozias Ambrose. Likes include gaming, farming, sunshine, and scrap metal. Dislikes: post-Keynesian economics, hernias, baby teeth and unemployment.

Jessi Robinson, Staff/HABA

"I moved to the Plainfield area 8 years ago, and am currently homesteading in Orange with my family. I am happy to be joining the Co-op staff once again!  I am originally from Provincetown, MA and have lived part-time in Vermont for 21 years.  Recently, I recommitted myself to the process of getting my teaching certificate, and enjoy being part of an awesome staff!"

Jill Frink Thompson, Staff

In her practice located directly above the co-op in the community center area, Jill is a practicing Clinical Herbalist, Energy Healing Practitioner, and Certified Postpartum Doula (DONA) focusing on East Indian Ayurveda. Currently in her fourth year of study of Atmo, she also recently began a formal mentorship with David Osborn in Greek Medical Astrology. Downstairs, Jill manages all the herbs, tea, and Vitamin-buying at the co-op, and is active in all aspects of the co-op’s survival, advancement, and development. “For me, living in Central Vermont is like being a chickpea in a big yummy pot of soup. It’s warm and healthy, and contains no additives or preservatives. The flavor of all the veggies blend, and the spices add the extra flavor that keeps me satisfied. Simple, yet intelligent, fragrant and full of flavor. This is my soup, this is my community.”

Dorothy Wallace, Teas & Herbs

For three decades, Dorothy has lived at the end of a dirt road with her family and garden. “I lived in Plainfield for 30-odd years (take that as you please). Most of my jobs have been in town (not common in this bedroom community to bigger towns). I've been a member, working member, and former and present employee of the co-op for most of that time--so, of course, it feels like home: always changing, always staying the same.”

Margie Yoder, Vitamins/Taxables

Even though I've lived in the Plainfield area for almost 30 years, many Vermonters still consider me a "Flatlander."  As they say: "If a cat crawls in the oven and has kittens you don't call them biscuits, do ya?"  I love the Plainfield area, a diverse town filled with old hippies, young hippies, theater and interesting intellectuals.  After 30 years in the Health Care field, I retired and came to work part-time here at the Co-op.  We recently changed from the manager model to collective management, a change I really enjoy.

Dawn Fancher, Staff/Collective Coordinator/Bread

Alanna Dorf, Staff

DawnRose Kearn, Staff/Cheese

Jeannine DeWald, Grocery & Bulk