Chyann grew up on a small farm in western Wisconsin where she developed an early appreciation for tending land and water, and a deep respect for local food. Now as a resident in the St. Croix Valley, she hopes to support the local farmers responsibly feeding our communities and stewarding this land as she similarly works toward a return to farming.

As an education and engagement professional, the relationship between water and people has become the primary focus of Chyann’s career, and farming is one of the most critical ways humans interact with water systems. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a MAEd in Natural Science and Environmental Education. For the past five years, she’s worked at Freshwater, a Minnesota nonprofit on a mission to inspire and empower people to value and protect water throughout the Great Lakes region. At Freshwater, Chyann manages and implements a range of projects, with a primary focus on safe drinking water for private well users through community-centered solutions and cross-sector collaborations to ensure flourishing rural communities. 

In her board role, Chyann will bring a holistic understanding to the positive impacts of local food systems by integrating a watershed health perspective, while contributing her nonprofit experience to support a thriving St. Croix Valley Food Alliance. In her free time, Chyann enjoys reading, growing flowers, and exploring western Wisconsin with her husband, dog, and two cats.