John Wood and Aly Marks-Wood have lived in Portsmouth for over five years. Proud parents to two beatiful boys, Caleb who is eleven and Aden who is six. Both Aly & John are passionate about community, natural and organic foods, and family.
John started out learning about the natural and organic lifestyle from his wife. After serving in the US Army for four years and having a tour of duty in Desert Storm in 1991, John found himself suffering some symptoms of what came to be known as Gulf War Syndrome. A doctor at the Northampton VA suggested to John that GWS was actually a form of "environmental illness", meaning that as we all have an immune system to bacteria and viruses so we have one to chemicals and environmental toxins. In our modern world our bodies tend to be epxosed to these things at higher levels and our "immune system" cannot handle the loads. So we exhibit illnesses associated with these overloads of toxins. This doctor suggested eliminating as many of the environmental toxins from John's every day life and introducing a regimen of vitamins and minerals to supplement the bodies deficiencies. Aly, already leading a simpler lifestyle, was such a blessing in putting John on the right path. It would take years to convince John that the steps to prime health required him to change his clothing choices, his cleaning products, his food choices and how he took care of himself. Now you would be hard pressed to convince him otherwise, he swears by a natural lifestyle to not feeling fatigued all of the time, clear minded, happy and healthy. Now if he could just get regular excersise into his routine...
Aly is most passionate about children, seniors and animals. She is gifted in understanding so much in the care and well being of these three groups having worked closely with each of them at different points in her job history. Her uncompormising standards for quality products and excellence in customer service have earned her a great reputation with the community as some one who is easy to talk to.
Alisha Keel was a graduate student at Salve Regina University and had been a member of our team previously in our work in the natural foods industry. We were excited to have Alisha working for us once again. Alisha has moved on to the Green Mountain State, Vermont. No doubt she will find her niche and settle in nicely in the rural settings, we will miss her here.
Hap Morgan is well known locally, having been born and raised in Newport and lived most of his life on Aquidneck Island. A local herbalist with much knowledge and a natural gift for teaching.
Michael Cellemme one of our founding team members has achieved one of his ambitions and taken a full time teaching position. We wish Michael much luck and happiness and miss his smiling face here at the store.
Meet the Team
Sarah Lilley a senior at Portsmouth High is an avid dancer, she is learning all about healthy foods with us and enjoying the experience. Sarah's smiling face can be seen at the cash register many nights here.
Michael Tetrault was 
looking to put his energy into a business that takes into consideration the overall health and well being of people and planet. Michael is excited to have found that in us and to be a part of the team. He looks forward to contributing whatever is needed to make the customer happy.
Lisa Rigazio is a member of the Bristol Theatre Company and one of our newest team memebers here at The Green Grocer. Lisa's enthusiasm and warm personality makes her a great fit as Organic Outreach Coordinator. In this role she is assisting The Green Grocer in reaching out to the local schools to provide nutrition and wellness opportunities to them
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Casey Cagney has worked in the natural foods industry for five years. Her zeal for the industry and excitement for the work place will be apparent when you first meet her. Her product knowledge and understanding of different dietary restrictions make her a great assett. Casey will also be holding The Green Grocer's gluten free stour tour every third Thursday of the month.
That is spinach Casey is having for lunch, nothing like leafy greens!