There’s a little farm hiding out in the valley of Los Angeles, and not many know about its existence. I luckily discovered it and sought out the woman that’s on a mission to educate us about sustainable care farming. Um, care farming? In one sentence, that’s compassion, cooperation and connection with the earth, animals and each other.

Karen Snook created this specific farm, part of the Kindred Spirits Care Farm, to help the at-risk kids in the neighboring continuation high school. As the kids connect with nature, they learn new skills and a deeper knowledge of the rescue animals and agriculture they nurture, and in turn find new ways of healing their own lives.

I spent the day with Karen, touring the farm in Reseda, understanding firsthand how it works and why it matters to the community. We also spoke about Karen’s career shift, leaving a corporate career to work with the animals. It seems more than just following a passion—this desire to educate and connect all of us with mother earth is actually part of Karen’s DNA.