Meet the Team
Get to know your local farmers!
Throughout the month of March we will be rolling out one-on-one interviews with the full-time Cellanie team members. Get to know the crew that grows your food and cares for the land.
We’re kicking things off with a short intro video where the Cellanie team reflects on the moments from the past year that made them most proud.
More videos will be linked below as well as posted on our social media channels.
Nic Stapel – Owner / General Manager
Prior to starting Cellanie Farms, Nic worked nearly two decades in pharmaceutical drug development with increasing roles of responsibility in sales and operations. Most recently he served as Vice President of BioPharma Services for biotechnology start-up Elephas Biosciences in Madison, WI.
Prior to his professional career, he spent eight years landscaping and has been an avid gardener for several years. Cellanie Farms is a creative outlet where Nic can utilize his professional skills coupled with personal interest in land stewardship and human health.
Cellanie would not exist without his incredible foresight and thorough work ethic. He has put all of his time and energy into ensuring the farm is not only productive but efficient.
Betsy Stapel – Owner / Business Manager
Prior to starting Cellanie Farms, Betsy spent several years in TV and film production, having served in roles of increasing responsibility such as Script Supervisor for many prominent movie productions. Ask her about her favorite movie you have never heard of that stars another Wisconsin native.
When her children were young, she took time off to be home and learned her greatest lessons in time management, process optimization and conflict resolution.
Betsy is thrilled to create a space for the community that honors agriculture, celebrates the land, and reminds us of life’s simpler things.
Jared Schulz – Production Manager
Jared Schulz spent four seasons working at Crossroads Community Farm in Cross Plains, WI. While there, he developed a passion for growing food for the community and enjoyed the complexity of diversified vegetable and fruit farming. In his last two seasons he trained as an apprentice under the sponsorship of Fairshare CSA Coalition, learning to manage an organic vegetable farm.
Prior to his farming career, he spent two years serving in AmeriCorps working on environmental stewardship projects in Iowa and California.
Jared enjoys the fast-paced work environment and problem solving associated with farming. He is excited to be able to help people reconnect with food (most notably through his excellent cooking skills!) while being a good steward of the land.
Jason Matthes – Senior Lead Facilities & Fulfillment
Prior to joining Cellanie, Jason worked as a vivarium scientist, caring for laboratory animals on a daily basis. Ready for a new challenge, he reached out to Nic, a former colleague, after learning that help was needed for a construction project at Cellanie.
Over the course of more than a year, Jason and a small team built Cellanie’s six hoop houses and U-pick apple orchard. In January 2026, he stepped into a new role for the farm, overseeing fulfillment and facilities. He thrives on the dynamic nature of farm work and finds deep satisfaction in seeing a challenging project through to completion.
Outside of the farm, Jason enjoys disc golf, chess, snowboarding, and landscaping. He has also been known to carry a harmonica in his pocket in the event an opportunity to karaoke presents itself.
Katy came to us from Texas with a love for the outdoors, hard work and carrots. She started as a full-time seasonal crew member and quickly found a talent in assembling beautiful market stands and engaging with customers.
She’s now our Market Lead and will be running our farmer’s market stands throughout the summer! Come visit her at the Waunakee Farmers Market on Saturday mornings this summer.
Ashla & Winnie – Outdoor Enthusiasts
These two became best friends at first sniff. When they aren’t chasing frisbees or each other, they must not be at the farm.
Ashla brings a sweet demeanor and agility that even the barn cats can appreciate.
And Winnie is a loyal companion, always up to play or take a dip in a puddle of any size.