A Path Rooted in Curiosity, Creativity, and Care –
Jessi’s first encounter with Camphill came years before she ever imagined herself becoming part of the movement. While volunteering in England, she was introduced to the Social Therapy program. The work intrigued her deeply, but at the time Jessi was immersed in her college studies in Economics and International Business. Though it didn’t feel like a realistic path then, the seed had been planted – and it stayed with her.
After completing her degree, Jessi began working as a commodity trader. Although the work was valuable, she began to feel that something was missing and longed to pursue a path that felt more meaningful and connected to people. This led her to transition into education. Teaching English at a private school in Korea, Jessi noticed that some children faced learning challenges. “I tried to accommodate them as best I could,” she remembers, “and that’s when I recalled the social therapy program I had once heard about.”
In 2019, that spark brought her to Camphill Communities California, where she joined the Camphill Academy’s Inclusive Social Development program as a student. This July, she graduated with her Professional Diploma in Inclusive Social Development.
Today, Jessi is the householder in Sunrose House and plays an active role in several community working groups. Most recently, she stepped into the role of chair of the Homemakers group. Alongside her community responsibilities, she is also pursuing a part-time Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University.
Photo taken at a Bay FC Game (Bay FC is a women’s soccer team) Sunrose Excursion
“Working with people here made me realize how important mental health counseling is,” she shares, “and I’m eager to learn how to support others in this way.” “I love discovering hidden creativity in people,” Jessi says. “When I lead art programs, something new always comes out. Even when painting together with someone, you suddenly discover something new in them; it’s such a joy.”
When asked to share something that people might be surprised to learn about her, Jessi laughs and admits: “I joke around a lot, and I am famous for my dad jokes”. Her playful spirit complements her dedication to supporting others. Keep joking and bringing laughter! With her warmth, humor, and creativity, Jessi continues to make an impact in the community.
Jessi offers these words of encouragement to current and future Camphill Academy students: “Be open-minded. Be patient. Wait for the right moment for that seed in you to sprout and bloom.”
from the article of Gaya Mezhlumyan, Camphill Academy Co-Director, Camphill Communities California
Cultivating a More Holistic Future
Crystal is a recent graduate from Malaysia with a degree in Medical Biotechnology. During her university studies, she was trained in conventional agricultural and biotechnological approaches that prioritize crop yield and profitability through chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetic engineering. Over time, however, Crystal began to question these methods and their long-term impact.
“I started to see how disconnected these practices are from the health of the environment, animals, and people,” she reflects. This growing awareness sparked her interest in biodynamic agriculture – a holistic approach that aligns more closely with her values and her vision for a sustainable, ethical future.
Before coming to Camphill, Crystal worked in New Zealand at a large-scale commercial greenhouse growing only tomatoes and bell peppers. The operation relied on monocropping and heavy pesticide use. “That experience made me realize even more how unsustainable and harmful these systems can be for the environment,” she shares.
Crystal’s path took another meaningful turn while she was attending the Anthroposophy Studies on Campus program at the Goetheanum. There, Crystal was introduced to Camphill communities and was moved by their transformative work. Since then, she has felt a strong calling to experience community life firsthand that combines hands-on engagement with continued learning. This calling led her to Camphill Village Kimberton Hills, where she is in her first year at the Camphill Academy studying Inclusive Social Development with a concentration in Social Agriculture.
“Although the course is called Social Agriculture, what we’ve been exploring feels very much like social therapy – especially in how we understand and connect with the villagers,” Crystal explains. As a first-year student, she is still discovering how much direct agricultural work will be part of the program, but she is eager to see how this aspect unfolds as the year progresses.
Camphill Village Kimberton Hills
