HerSTORY

The quick professional version:

Amy Todisco is a dynamic force for positive change, dedicated to inspiring and guiding people towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Her passion is palpable when she speaks, and she is committed to helping others live toxin-free, earth-friendly lives, avoiding illness, doctors, and pharmaceuticals to achieve their healthiest, most enjoyable lives.

With over 30 years as a nationally recognized green living expert and mentor, Amy has made significant contributions to the field. She was featured on HGTV for her innovative food and farm tours and was nearly interviewed by Oprah for her expertise in green living.

As the technical editor of "Green Living for Dummies," Amy has shared her extensive knowledge with a wide audience. For 17 years, she has worked as a Life Reinvention coach, helping individuals at life crossroads—such as post-divorce, empty nesters, retirees, or widows—achieve their dreams, whether starting a business, finding a soulmate, improving health, or relocating.

During the summer, Amy leads immersive food and farm tours, workshops, and retreats, and collaborates with her partner, Dave, to manage their organic farm in Vermont. Additionally, she writes educational eBooks and is set to launch her podcast, the Green Living Now Podcast, and her Green Essentials online course to further spread her message and expertise.

The more personal version…

I grew up in Manhattan with two foodie parents (before the word "foodie" was even a thing)—a chef Stepfather, Ron, and a mom, Alexandra, who was into organic and natural foods in the 1970's. My great Aunt Jojo, who lived in West Virginia, was an early inspiration and my mom. Jojo grew the best organic beefsteak tomatoes, delectable vegetables, made her own soap, grew herbs and dried them in the cool basement. Sunday dinners at Jojo and Harry's was a treat to be savored.

Back at home, no sugary cereals, soft drinks, or junk food entered our NYC apartment. Rarely did I ever go to a McDonald's or other fast-food restaurant—and that was only when visiting with my dad and stepmother. It was there that I sampled TV dinners (yuck) and some strange custard like concoction called Junket. among other food-like substances. 

Eating healthy, vibrant, made from scratch food from such a young age created some very discerning sophisticated taste buds. I do have a sweet tooth and I’m not a total purist, but the majority of my diet is farm fresh organic foods.

My passion for good food and gardening was further inspired when Ron (after he and my mom divorced) moved to Connecticut and started a backyard garden. It was there that I got to put my hands in the dirt and pick fresh plucked produce to help Ron prepare his culinary creations. 

Once on my own (first in Massachusetts, then Vermont) I started planting veggies, herbs, and flowers in pots on decks, and finally got my first big real garden in the ground when my daughter, Diana, was about 5. Bliss! So beautiful and productive, I was totally hooked on growing.

Fast forward to 2009, when I met Dave (on Match.com of all places). Nationally recognized green living expert meets organic farmer and maple sugarmaker. Match made in heaven. Together we have grown Dave's farm, Hartshorn Certified Organic Farm, in Waitsfield, into an educational & experiential center which has offered 3 years of farm camps for kids, 4 annual food festivals, farm to table dinners, special events, workshops, personal growth & wellness retreats, a farm immersion program, and for the past 5 years these FOOD AND FARM TOURS.

Media Appearances

As a highly sought after Green Living & Wellness expert, Amy has frequently appeared in the media, including WCAX News, Vermont Public Television (VPT), Vermont Public Radio, Rachel Ray Everyday Magazine, Seven Days (Vermont’s Independent Voice Newspaper), Vermont Life Magazine, Farm & Ranch Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, and In With Skin, among others.

Early Green Living Expert Work

Amy’s early work in green living led to opportunities including her role as the technical editor for the Green Living for Dummies book, appearing in Vermont Life and Farm & Ranch magazines, authoring the Greener Life Guides ebook series, and co-authoring the Amazon best seller You Make A Difference: 50 Heart Centered Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories of Inspiration and Transformation. She even got a call from one of Oprah's producers some years ago.

Hartshorn Organic Farm

She handles the marketing, promotions and event planning at Hartshorn Organic Farm, among other things. She also ran the summer kid's farm camp for 3 years, leadership retreats with Janis Cooper and the horses, personal growth and wellness retreats (week long as well as 3 day weekends), and a variety of workshops on the farm.

Growing Economic Vitality in her community

Amy is passionate about her community, and has been devoted to improving the economic vitality of the Mad River valley, She served as a very active Board Chair of her local Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, where she led the positive transformation in turning the Chamber around. It was on it’s way to becoming a community asset and much needed direct marketing organization for her community. She's also the former Founder and Chair of the the Mad River Valley Wellness Alliance (a nonprofit collaborative of business owners who are committed to helping residents and visitors invest in themselves and enhance their journey of health and well being.)

Personal Growth & Wellness Retreats

In 2014, Amy created a unique and transformational personal growth and wellness retreat that earned the interest of Bernie Sanders, the Veterans Administration, WCAX news in Vermont, among others. She weaves some of the features of these retreats into her farm camps, food & farm tours, and other on farm programs. 

New 501c3 Nonprofit, the Vermont Farm Immersion Program

In February of 2019, Amy created this new nonprofit so that she and Dave can help grow the next generation of sustainable farmers and food entrepreneurs. Check it out here.