Jo Ferneau is father to 2 brilliant girls who have both benefitted from the depth and breadth of Madrone Trail’s Waldorf Curriculum and wonderful teaching faculty. In 2002, he moved to Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center, where he lived for 3 years, practicing Zen, learning to farm and find himself. That’s also where he met his wife Rose Demmin and future land partners. In 2006, the six friends moved to a wonderful piece of land in the Little Applegate Valley where they continue to cooperatively own and operate Full Bloom Farm and Community, devoting themselves to stewarding the land. In 2008, Jo and Rosie opened Rise Up! Artisan Bread and have been working with many wonderful employees to bring organic hand-made bread to the Rogue Valley ever since. In 2007, Jo joined men’s circles focussing on emotional literacy, non-violent communication, active listening, accountability and shadow work. In 2008, he began mentoring youth through Boys to Men Southern Oregon. He was a founding board member of Alliance of Generations, a non-profit designed to mentor youth. While weekend coordinator for their Raven Rites of Passage Weekend for youth 9-13 he also became a circle leader at Central Medford High School.

Jo is also a musician, song writer, singer, recording artist, and actor who plays in a local indie rock band Outside the Deerfence. He can’t get enough of music, movies, podcasts, books, walks, and hikes in nature and fun times with family and friends. A Waldorf curriculum aligns perfectly with his values and desire to foster a society that honors the genius in every individual, promotes the ideals of social responsibility and engenders deep human connection and reverence for life.