Current NAWSA BoARD

Carolynn Bernard

 carolynn@blessewesheepcompany.com

Bless Ewe Sheep Company

Enumclaw, WA

Director term 2022-2024

My name is Carolynn Bernard. I have a farm in Enumclaw, WA. I am a disabled veteran, artist and a shepherd. I have been working with and raising sheep for 15+ years. 

Years ago, when I was on temporary duty in the U.K.,I would walk for miles and miles on my days off from training. There was a farm on my favorite walking path. The pasture was full of these amazing sheep with long locks of fleece. One day I met their shepherd, as I was admiring these gorgeous creatures, and he explained they were Wensleydales. At that moment I promised myself I would one day have a few of my own. I was utterly in love with them. From their flowing locks, to the grey ears and expressive eyes. They touched my soul. Fast forward 30 years. I raise Border Leicester and Romney sheep. Wensleydales were elusive and out of my reach financially, until Joy Daly offered me my first ewe, that I named Edwina. Edwina was not registered. I didn’t care. She captured my heart with her quirky ways. 

This last year I was able to purchase two registered ewes, and work with my friend who also has registered ewes. I acquired an amazing ram from Lois Olund, two more rams from Nan Leaman, and a few more ewes. Lambing went well and I have registered my first lambs with the association. 

Several years ago, I served as a director with the American Romney Breeders association. I led the advertising committee, member of AI committee, and was the director on the science panel where we compiled educational material on color genetics and saw over the acceptance of Moorit Romneys into the registry. I am passionate about color genetics in sheep and have successfully bred the first line of registered recessive Border Leicesters. 

Lois Olund

 lolund@peak.org 

Blakesley Creek Farm

 Philomath, OR  

Director term 2021-2023

 I have been a member of NAWSA since it began and have raised Wensleydales since the first 50% lambs hit the ground. At one point, I had 80 Wensleydales in my fields, but lately run only a few dozen as I get older, smarter and crankier. I sell fleeces, roving and yarn through my fiber business, teach fiber art classes on my farm and in the local schools. I offer free field trips to share about our lovely sheep and run a sheepherder wagon Airbnb where I give quick lessons about fiber to anyone willing to listen. I was previously NAWSA treasurer for several years. I would be honored to rejoin the board, but this time as a general member. 

Nanette Leaman

 NAN@NANLEAMAN.COM 

Wild Rose Farm

Oak Harbor, WA

Director term 2021-2023

 I am a fiber artist working primarily in wool and silk using various surface design techniques including botanical printing, creating one of a kind wearables  and art pieces.  I am the mother of 4 daughters and 5 grand children. My husband, a veterinarian, and I have owned and operated a veterinary clinic for 40 years, having sheep this entire time. 12 years ago we got started with Wensleydales. We have strived through up breeding, both with AI and natural breeding to establish a really lovely flock. We raise both natural colored and white Wensleydales.
 We also raise Teeswaters and have dipped our toes into the Swiss Valais as well.

I live on Whidbey Island in  the Puget Sound area of Washington state.    

Virginia Scholomiti

yellowfarm@gmail.com

The Yellowfarm

Harpswell, Maine

Director term 2022-2024

Virginia has been breeding and upgrading her Wensleydales flock since 2005. She and her husband run The Yellowfarm in upstate NY and are thrilled with the breed and the fiber. I would like to see the Association broaden it's base, continue to stimulate lots of enthusiasm for the breed, and serve as an educational conduit for all the diverse qualities that this fabulous long wool breed offers.

 Wendy hugged her first sheep in the fall of 2003 and the rest is history. She and her husband, Chris now raise 39 breeds of fiber animals (including the elegant and magnificent Wensleydale) just for their fleeces. Wendy focuses her effort on the promotion of the less-known and rare breeds of sheep and goats to anyone who will listen and sells their fiber products up and down the west coast of the US