Over the summer, Tracy Zhang picked up her trowel and dug it into the dirt for the first time as a Gardening Assistant for Wheatley Farms & Arts Center’s (WFA) Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts retail shop. She was hired in August and couldn’t be prouder of herself and her new role. Two days a week, she assists Meletios (Mel) Tsarouhtsis, Greenhouse Manager with daily gardening and gift shop management duties.
“I like working in this place,” Tracy said of working at the greenhouse. “My favorite thing to do is caring for the plants and I like to socialize. I like to do my job. Someday, I want to do this kind of job all by myself.”
Tracy strongly believes in being independent. She likes to indulge in the quiet moments of her day. While working—pruning flowers, repotting plants, or propagating them—Tracy focuses on the task at hand and relaxes into a flow state, “I like the freedom.”
Since 2023, Tracy had been volunteering at WFA as part of her day habilitation supports and services. During this time, she picked up the valuable skills that led to her employment.
During the many inclusive volunteering projects held year-round at WFA, Tracy emerged as a leader, guiding volunteers as they pulled spent plants, plucked weeds, and racked soil.
She assisted children and adults visiting the farm, guiding them past animals, leading tours and providing visitors with hay to feed the goats and resident ponies, Mango and Belle. So when she heard about the Gardening Assistant position, she asked how she could apply.
To support her, WFA team members connected her with the Supported Employment Program (SEMP), which assists people with disabilities on their journey from job search to employment and beyond.
One day a week, Tracy is accompanied by Megan Seligman, her employment training specialist (ETS) or job coach, who is there if she needs any assistance.
Mel is familiar with Tracy’s passion at the farm as a volunteer. He is happy to work alongside her these past few months, finding Tracy to be a conscientious coworker.
“It feels amazing because she’s been with the day program for so long,” Meletios said. “It’s a no brainer. She’s a hard worker; whether it’s cleaning stalls, or preparing the gift shop for customers, I don’t have to give much guidance.”
Tracy is excited to learn and grow into her role at WFA. Earning this position has been a milestone event in her life, affirming her ability to set and achieve personal goals and giving her the confidence to reach for more.
Tracy arrives each day with a smile and has been an invaluable part of many exciting greenhouse projects. In addition to caring for the property and plants, she played a key role in cultivating the farm’s vibrant fall mums and nurturing delicate tea leaves and fig trees.
Stop by the greenhouse to meet Tracy and Mel and grab your new favorite plant and holiday décor items while you’re here! Every purchase supports vocational training and increases employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
We look forward to seeing Tracy thrive and contribute to the beauty and spirit of WFA.
Support and shop fall favorites at Big Tree Greenhouse & Gifts here.