A Taste of Organic Farming with Rolling Hills

Steph is smiling with some of Rolling Hills'  famous carrots, freshly harvested!

    Thinkubator Media had the opportunity to see into the world of organic farming with Stephanie Spock of Rolling Hills Farm in New Jersey. From providing local farmers’ markets, retailers, and restaurants, to planting and picking every carefully chosen crop, the Rolling Hills family tends to every level of operation with their bare hands. This labor of love has become a tight-knit, honest, and passionate community, spearheaded by Stephanie and her husband, John, along with their daughter, sweet little Nellie. From Earth to table, we got a chance to understand how and why they do it all. Stephanie beautifully illustrated the shared passion and dedication of the Rolling Hills family and team. 

A Farmland Love Story

    “At Rolling Hills Farm, organic farming isn’t just a method — it’s a mission. Our journey began with a deep desire to grow food that we’d be proud to feed our own family — clean, nutrient-rich, vibrant food grown in living soil. Over time, that desire grew into a calling to share this food with our wider community. From there, we've been able to help transform people's thinking about farming, health, and sustainability. 

    "I (Stephanie) majored in Environmental Science and Geology, where I realized one of the most tangible solutions to environmental issues was to change how our food was grown. After my first farming internship in Alaska, I fell in love with the land. John majored in philosophy and political science. After college, he traveled to Europe to live on farms. When he came home, he got his first farm job at Double Brook Farm, where we met. 

    "A mix of grit and hard work, a love of good food, and a shared vision for a healthier world inspired us on our journey as a family of farmers. Our farmers’ resilience, entrepreneurial drive, and compassionate hearts are the pillars of our growing farm and brand. Our growth has been incremental and intentional. We've invested in equipment that improves post-harvest processing, built strong local markets through CSA programs, and continue expanding into new territories like NY, NJ, and PA. Each season teaches us something new, and we are devoted students."

What Does it Take to be an Organic Farmer?

    "Becoming an organic farmer took years of learning — from hands-on apprenticeships to building the systems and infrastructure that now support our diversified operation. We didn’t inherit a perfect setup; we built it.

The team that started it all; the power couple Stephanie and John Squiccaiano

    There’s nothing more rewarding than walking the fields just before harvest and seeing the results of months of mindful labor — rows of glowing heirloom tomatoes, crisp specialty greens, or peppers among the many other crops we grow. It's knowing that what we grow will nourish families and support regional food security.

    "But the challenges are real. Organic farming demands a deeper understanding of ecology, plant biology, and soil health. There's no chemical shortcut when weeds take over, pests get ambitious, or a late frost surprises us. The work is physical, relentless, and often weather-dependent. But those hard days also make the wins that much sweeter.”

    Although they all serve a greater purpose, not all organic farms are created equal. 

    “We go beyond USDA standards. At Rolling Hills, we prioritize regenerative practices that restore soil fertility, biodiversity, and water cycles. Our produce doesn’t just meet the organic label — it’s vibrant, flavorful, and nutrient-dense. 

    "What sets us apart is our connection to the communities we serve and our transparency. We're hands-on with every aspect — from seed to harvest, and packing CSA shares to selling at market. Our products are 100% traceable, our practices are rooted in care, and our mission is always growing.

    "Currently, we are expanding our crops and winter growing each year. This winter, we are leading research on crops that can be grown throughout our region for the winter."

John tending to some tasty broccoli.

 Support Local Farmers Today!

   Farming is nothing short of knitty-gritty. Long hours guided by natural rhythms are accented by quiet nights surrounded by loved ones and happily growing produce. Having experienced the produce myself, we get a taste of that love from those rolling hills in every bite. You can find more cute family photos and vibrant pictures of produce on their Instagram page  @rolling_hills_farm. You can also check out their website and join their newsletter for tasty recipes highlighting their seasonal goods. 

    From the team at Thinkubator Media, we want to thank the Rolling Hills team, with honorable mention to all of our farmers and their families who sustain our nation. You can support your local farmers by attending local farmers’ markets in your area or by visiting local farms. Some mobile programs can deliver fresh produce to people with limited transportation, but options may vary depending on location. 

    With massive budget cuts directly impacting many small, family-owned farms across the country, several organizations support and connect with farmers. Farm AID, OFRF, and SAFSF are just a few of the groups that continue to support our farmers.

    We can make our nation stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Starting with where we get our food. Supporting local farmers supports us, and that is the true heart of the American way.  

 

 

Chiderah Okoye: Transforming Power Systems

Chiderah Okoye was raised in a world of science through the love and legacy of her family. She was always inspired and encouraged to improve the lives of others through science and technology. She grew up in Maryland, surrounded by empowered women in healthcare. Chiderah naturally developed a stronghold in STEM early on. 

Chiderah’s Early Years

In middle school, Chiderah decided to become a biomedical engineer, gaining instant encouragement from loved ones to ensure her success. In high school, her mother connected her with a doctor from Case Western Reserve University - renowned for its biomedical program. Her mother, who never drove long distances, left her apprehension in the backseat when she personally escorted her daughter from Maryland to Cleveland for the program. Chiderah’s family paved her way in gold, gifting her a beautifully planned roadmap, sealed with love. Look at how far she’s come! 

Chiderah Okoye looking fabulous in a headshot.

Early in her career, she spent much of her time sharing her resources and expertise in her community while deepening her involvement in STEM programs with a tangible social impact. Through the National Black Society of Engineers  (NBSE)  conference, she connected with Rockwell Automation where she would go on to shift career paths again. There she saw how the company solved business problems for companies of all sizes by designing and deploying systems for manufacturing and information operations. While this emerged as a passion, the NBSE’s call to “positively impact the community” led her to find ways that she could identify and solve business and community needs as well.

In her early college studies and beyond, Chiderah has remained an avid student. She actively learns from and appreciates the perspectives of her peers, mentors, and the world around her. 

Transform Power Systems

Today, Chiderah has shifted her focus by creating solutions for business and community challenges in the clean energy sector. Transform Power Systems (TPS) is Chiderah’s latest venture. On one end, the organization designs and deploys power distribution and renewable energy systems to help businesses and communities meet their sustainability objectives. More recently, TPS has launched its Workforce Hub, rooted in training and placing emerging leaders in clean energy careers. 

With rising concerns about the climate crisis, the TPS Workforce Hub programming allows adults across different educational, skill, and career experiences to join the frontlines of creating a sustainable future. Not only will selected participants grow and transfer their skills, but they also earn generous stipends while they learn! 

The TPS Workforce Hub offers two core programs:

TPS Clean Energy Fellowship 

This program is for professionals with degrees looking to apply their skills in the clean energy sector. Our program helps fellows: 

The intensive upskilling curriculum grants fellows the opportunity to:

Adult Mobilization Program (AMP) 

This program is for individuals with prior work experience who have not obtained a college degree. Participants receive several opportunities for training and growth through; 

Chiderah and her team have a huge vision for the impact the TPS Workforce Hub can have in advancing Massachusetts's sustainable future. In this startup phase, TPS continues to garner the support needed to bring this program to its full potential. 

As Chiderah’s World Turns

In the spare time that she has between family life, work, research, community service, and studying, Chiderah has had to prioritize her wellness to maintain all that she is navigating. She has gone from regularly teetering on the edge of burnout to becoming a vocal advocate for her restoration. Her work days incorporate daily walks and “silent/screenless meals” to make sure she stays grounded. Chiderah prides herself on the strides she’s made to compartmentalize her work and home life, making for a more fulfilling experience for herself and her loved ones. 

We need clean energy for a brighter future. Everything we do requires energy to function; from the water we drink to the phone charging by the bed. Transform Power Systems (TPS) plays a unique role in creating greater job retention and sustainability for an up-and-coming generation of professionals. From expanding the program to spreading the word about clean energy initiatives to local communities, we look forward to seeing all that TPS has to offer.