Our Staff

Todd Flenniken is Deep Roots Resident Program Assistant. Todd’s tenure with Deep Roots began even before the organization had a “home” as a volunteer driver and a mentor for their monthly events.  When Deep Roots purchased Clairvaux Farm in 2013, he was part of the original core of volunteers who welcomed the first families to this community.  “To watch how this program has evolved over the years has really been a rewarding experience and I feel very fortunate to have been a small part of it”.  As big baseball fan, you can usually find him traveling to any one of a number of major and minor league ballparks in the region during his off time.

Lori Goldsmith is Deep Root’s Operations Director. As the Director of Farm Operations, she is responsible for the overall operations and performance of the Farm. She manages the administrative function, while supporting, strengthening, and growing farm operations in multiple areas and is responsible for the operational oversight of site management. Lori’s primary focus is ensuring standards of operations and accountability as she interacts with the entire Deep Roots team to further ensure checks and balances and strong communications that will benefit the families we serve. “It is not a job for me, it is a mission,” Lori said. “I’m grateful to God for allowing me to rise every morning, making a difference in the families lives we serve is what motivates me.

Jeremy Plath is Deep Root’s Deputy Director of Operations. Jeremy has a deep appreciation for the challenges our families are experiencing and is eager to show his compassion while ensuring that our family houses, buildings, and grounds are safe and well-functioning. Even on his days off, you can find Jeremy somewhere of the farm inspecting and fixing things. “It is my passion to help families who are in need of housing, that is what drew me to Deep Roots,” said Jeremy,” “coming to work every day, so the facility is properly maintained provides a new learning opportunity for me and is so rewarding.”

Jessica Stone is the Deep Roots’ Children’s Program and Volunteer Program Coordinator. Jessica has worked with children for over 13 years as a Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher in grades K – 12 prior to Deep Roots. She is committed to helping our young people connect with the world and enhance their health well-being, particularly for our most vulnerable children. When she is not working at Deep Roots, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, bird watching, and reading. “I want the children in our program to know that they are loved,” said Jessica.  “At Deep Roots, we make sure the kids know their parents are here because they want to make their lives better.  Families come to Deep Roots because they care about their children.  This is a safe place where our families can come and be unconditionally loved and cared for.”

John Thompson is the Deep Roots’ Executive Director. Building dynamic teams and producing lasting results have been the cornerstones of John’s non-profit career for more than 20 years. He has held leadership positions in three different non-profit organizations. As Executive Director, he is responsible for the overall performance of the Deep Roots organization and leads the development and execution of strategies that support, strengthen and grow the services at Deep Roots, while strengthening relationships and partnerships within the local community. “I love working with the amazing individuals at Deep Roots who are committed to making a difference in our residents’ lives,” said, John, ” there is no better satisfaction than to help those who need you the most and to know you have done it well. I have found that being generous and compassionate has had real tangible benefits in my own life.”