Whether through paint on a canvas, a pencil on paper, a walk in the woods or a tune carried by voice, Marissa Biswabic, MA, ATR, holds a core belief that imagination, exploration, and creativity are essential for making meaningful connections – with others and in the world we share. It is this philosophy and approach, more than anything, that guides Marissa’s work as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist and Psycho-education Specialist at The Production Farm. Having joined the TPF team in 2020, she works collaboratively with community youth, adults, and families to express themselves creatively and develop skills for coping with the challenges life can bring. Additionally, Marissa serves in the role of the Training Coordinator helping to train new employees and provide continuing education and support to providers at The Production Farm. ​

A couple of years ago, during the height of the pandemic, The Production Farm’s President, CEO & amp; Founder Wyatt Kuether reached out to Erik Foat about assisting with needed facility updates and repairs at the Farm’s Whitelaw campus. That interaction marked the beginning of Foat’s path to becoming Facilities Director for TPF, which now includes a new facility in Sheboygan Falls (see article above) as well as the Farm in Manitowoc County.

To say Erik grew up in a big family is an understatement. Born in Appleton and raised in Neenah, he counts himself one of 22 children. His mom and stepdad generously served as foster parents to dozens and dozens of children, 16 of whom they adopted into their family. Growing up in this environment led Erik to pursue a teaching degree from UW-Oshkosh, and he taught in an elementary school for several years. But, he says, “The current model of schooling constrains both the teacher and students. I left because I disagreed with the philosophy of teaching every child in the exact same way, especially seeing kids struggling within the confines of that model.”