Kelly McNiff
Cofounder
Kelly is a certified elementary teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and pursued her graduate studies at the Teton Science School in Wyoming. It was there that she discovered her passion for place-based learning and outdoor education, which she later integrated into her classroom in Providence, RI.
Beyond teaching, Kelly co-runs Pat’s Pastured, a livestock farm, with her husband, Pat. During the pandemic, she and her sister Stacy launched outdoor programs on the farm, finding immense joy and value in the experience. Since 2016, Kelly has also run a summer camp at the farm, while managing everything from the farm store to bookkeeping, and even collecting eggs in the winter.
When she's not milking her cow or chasing her two young children, Kelly enjoys gardening, exploring the woods, or curling up with a good book.
Stacy Gale
Cofounder
Stacy is a dedicated 4th grade teacher and former STEM specialist at Paul Cuffee School in Providence, RI. Her passion for outdoor education began as a camp counselor in Lake George, NY, where she developed a love for guiding kids in outdoor exploration and adventure. Since 2014, Stacy has served as a GEMS-Net Science Teacher Leader, helping to enhance science education. She was also a Science Communication Fellow aboard the EV Nautilus, working alongside Dr. Robert Ballard to explore the ocean's depths.
In recognition of her work, Stacy was named Rhode Island Environmental Education Association Teacher of the Year in 2022 and was a PAEMST state finalist in 2024. She feels fortunate to share her love of outdoor learning with her sister, and they have found the perfect setting for it on the farm.
In her free time, Stacy enjoys spending time with family and hiking.