Team
Carmen Snyder
Executive Director
When living in an intentional farming community in North Carolina, Carmen fell in love with farm life and food production, especially enjoying bee-keeping, food preservation & fermentation, hand-milking goats & cows, and making dairy products. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a middle school Language Arts teacher, yoga instructor, head of the kitchen for various events, and principal organizer for the Southeastern Permaculture Gathering.
Carmen is passionate about promoting local farmers, educating the public about the importance of supporting local food systems, and working to instill an appreciation of ag as a vital part of a resilient community. She oversees Farm Trails operations, produces the Gravenstein Apple Fair, and is especially interested in cultivating and converging community, bridging gaps, and fulfilling Farm Trails' mission to keep "farms forever" in Sonoma County.
Ellen Cavalli
Director of Programs & Communications
A Bay Area native and longtime book editor, in 2010 Ellen moved with her husband and son to a small farm on the Gravenstein Highway in Sebastopol to grow apples and start a cidery. During their first weekend in their new town, they attended the Gravenstein Apple Fair, and instantly knew they had found the perfect place to call home. In 2012, Ellen and her husband launched their inaugural Tilted Shed ciders at the Fair, and have been ardent supporters of Farm Trails and the Fair ever since.
Ellen joined the Farm Trails team in 2019. She is the primary contact for our members, manages the Farm Trails and Gravenstein Apple Fair marketing and comms, coordinates seasonal tours and campaigns, and produces the Map & Guide, among other responsibilities. She is also as a member of the Sonoma County Food System Alliance.
Lauren Halsey
Operations Manager
As a fourth-generation Northern California native, Lauren has grown up immersed in the region’s agricultural heritage, with her family attending the Gravenstein Apple Fair and Farm Tours since their earliest days. Her deep appreciation for farming and food systems started at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she worked with Edible Magazine, writing stories and building meaningful connections within the community.
Since then, Lauren has dedicated her career to strengthening local food systems, with roles at organizations such as Foodwise in San Francisco and Stemple Creek Ranch. She is deeply passionate about protecting local agriculture, fostering resilient communities, and expanding farm education programs that bring people closer to their food.
At Farm Trails, Lauren will be coordinating timelines, tracking data, and collaborating with local partners to bring the Gravenstein Apple Fair to life. When she’s not working, Lauren might be hosting an elaborate dinner party or shopping in one of Sonoma County’s amazing thrift stores.