Board Members

Abby Sayler, Chairman Emeritus

Abby has a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Maryland and she graduated with honors from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC. She has a Masters degree in Medical and Biological Illustration from the University of Michigan. In 1997, she established Abby's Health & Nutrition.

Victor Karydis, Governing Board

Victor Karydis, Owner of Abby’s Health and Nutrition, is a certified National Health Professional, working on his doctorate in Naturopathy. With over 26 years in the health and nutrition field, he has been working at Abby's for over 23 years. Originally from Greece, he has a four year degree in Business from John Abbott College in Montreal, Quebec.

David Housefield, Governing Board

David Housefield spent 39 years in the title industry and has been actively involved in nonprofit organizations for over 40 years. A passionate gardener, he joined Abby’s Organic Community Farm in 2014 to help develop the farm. He became the Farm Director in 2015, overseeing its growth and alignment with Abby Sayler’s mission. David was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, where he has lived with his wife, Darlene, for 49 years. Together, they have four children and nine grandchildren.

John MorsE, Governing Board

John Morse retired in 2020 to pursue his passion for beekeeping and education full-time. He is currently enrolled in the UF Master Beekeeper Program and is dedicated to educating the next generation about honey bees. After joining Abby’s Farm in 2021, he expanded his outreach from small home-based experiences to larger educational programs. Rediscovering his childhood love for growing plants, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with the farm community. John and his wife are grateful to be lifelong members of Abby’s.

Nancy Niemann, Governing Board

Nancy Niemann, a Tampa native, spent 35 years as a teacher before retiring. Coming from a long line of farmers and gardeners, she has always enjoyed working with children and cooking. She believes that exposing kids to food in its natural form helps them develop lifelong healthy eating habits. As the Director of Education at Abby’s Farm, she organizes field trips and Nature Lab programs to teach families about sustainable food practices. Nancy is married with three adult children and six grandchildren.

Christina Sallustio, Governing Board

Christina Sallustio has always dreamed of farming and living a more self-sufficient lifestyle. A homeschooling mother of three, she and her family joined Abby’s Organic Farm in 2019, where she found a place to cultivate her passion. Despite living in suburbia, she has embraced the opportunity to learn and practice sustainable farming. She enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge with others at the farm. Christina is grateful to be part of a community that supports her love for growing food and helping others do the same.

Rita wickner, Governing Board

Rita Wickner started her career in banking before transitioning to medical record coding, where she worked for over 22 years. After retiring, she focused on nonprofit work, becoming involved with organizations such as the Straz Center and Feeding Tampa Bay. She joined Abby’s Organic Community Farm to support its mission and contribute to sustainable agriculture efforts. Rita and her husband, Todd, have two children and are active in the Tampa Bay community. She continues to dedicate her time to philanthropy and community service.

Gayle Maretta, Governing board

Gayle Marretta was born and raised in Michigan before moving to Florida in her 20s. She earned a degree in Gerontology and Psychology from the University of South Florida in her 40s. Inspired by a hospice patient’s gardening knowledge, she developed a passion for growing medicinal herbs and vegetables. She now raises bees, chickens, and goats while continuing her education in herbalism. At Abby’s Farm, she shares her knowledge to help others learn about natural healing and sustainable farming.