OUR FARMILY TEAM
Amy Falcone
Gatherings & Greenhouse
Growing up on a conventional dairy, cattle, grain and swine farm in Somerset, Ohio she never dreamed that one day she would be back to farming. After nursing school at Ohio University she moved to Maryland and worked for over 20 years in the healthcare industry as a Registered Nurse. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease 10 years ago, she has been on a quest to find a healthier way of eating and feeding her family. Aquaponics and organic practices became her passion. She also enjoys planning gatherings and finds joy in the smallest of details that create a big impact.
Nate Tharp
Mushrooms, Microgreens and Farmers Market
Nate grew up in Laurel just down the road a bit. He is the oldest son in the Falcone family. Nate spent his summers on the family farm in Somerset, OH learning many valuable lessons from his Uncle Andrew. He holds a degree in Accounting from Chestnut Hill College in Philly where he played Division II lacrosse. Before coming to Bella Vita, Nate worked at Curio Wellness in the medical cannabis industry. When he is not at the farm he enjoys spending time with his wife, Becky and son, Rory. He can also be found on the lax field playing and coaching. Nate is managing the regular greenhouse known as the "opal" and the mushroom production. Nate will manage Bella Vita's presence in local Farmers Markets.
Jeff Dowling
Farm Manager
Jeff is our farm manager. His major responsibility is the daily operations of the aquaponics greenhouse. Jeff enjoys the science of the greenhouse and figuring out how to manage all aspects of the aquaponics system and the outdoor market garden. He adds many years of experience to our team. Formerly he was a grounds superintendent for a healthcare facility with experience in hardscape and landscaping and has over 10 years of conventional agricultural experience. He loves to hunt and can be seen fiercely competing in Axe Throwing with his wife Kelly.
Simon Dass
Market Garden Manager
Simon is a Howard County native and enjoys working with his hands. He came to Bella Vita after spending a few years of farming in California. Simon has taken the role of managing the outdoor market garden. When Simon isn't at the farm, he spends a lot of time with his family. He enjoys winter sports, playing hockey in a men's league and also enjoys snowboarding. He is an avid surfer and fisherman in the summer.
Angelo Falcone
Man Behind the Scenes
Having spent most of his adult life in the DC area practicing emergency medicine Angelo has been blessed to be part of some incredible leadership teams over the last 25 years. He adds his collective talent and energies to help make Bella Vita Farm a success. As part of the team you will see him pitching in wherever needed to make your visit to the farm a memorable experience. Long interested in balancing health and fitness he currently has a local medical practice in Integrative Medicine, Dignity Intergatvie Health and Wellness, which focuses on treating patients holistically; mind, body and spirit. In the near future we plan educational offerings in this area to our community.
