“Gianclis Caldwell takes complex classroom theoretical concepts and consolidates them into accessible, easy-to-understand ideas.  After just a three-day course on Phalia farm, I am now making all sorts of new cheese varieties that I tried to do unsuccessfully for years.  Gianclis is one of these rare individuals who is a respected expert in her field, but also a natural teacher and mentor.  She is flexible to classroom dynamics and interests, responsive, creative and open.  You won’t find a more comprehensive, personalized cheese course out there.  I consider myself lucky for having found her, and you will too.”

Anne Dudte Johnson, Alumni Fall 2018 Short Course

“Gianaclis came out to our farm in Washington to help us with our initial facilities planning and to provide some in-depth pointers on cheesemaking. She was deeply knowledgeable on herd management, facilities design, food safety, and of course cheesemaking. She spent a lot of time listening and helped us refine our approach in several areas.

Most notably in our facilities design, she actually drew a rather detailed floor plan for our creamery that was quite a departure from what I had in my head. Her plan will end up saving us tens of thousands on construction utilizing more of the existing work and reducing waste. I cannot recommend her enough. I find that spending a little on her very reasonable consultation fee for a day or two is a must have for any creamery at all stages of development that will net far more in savings.

She is easy to talk to, and despite her wealth of knowledge very down to earth about making cheese and milking animals, which I found deeply refreshing. My wife and I are so grateful to have had her help and look forward to more in the future as we continue forward in our plans.”

 Seth M, Duvall, WashingtonGrey Bottega Farms & Creamery

“In October 2012, my friend Tammy and I went to Pholia farm for the two day training course that Gianaclis offers. From meeting us at the airport, to dinner on our last night, Gianaclis and her husband Vern were open and welcoming. At the time of our visit, our dairy and creamery had not been completed. Gianaclis spent several hours talking it over with us and thinking of ways to improve our floor-plan and design. She showed us how to think of things in terms of milk flow, and offered many great suggestions of how to organize the space we have. As the cheesemaker, I am most grateful for Gianaclis’ suggestion to put windows in our make room. It was something I hadn’t thought of, and I would really be regretting it now if not for her. Gianaclis is a pleasure to learn from. She is so enthusiastic and passionate about what she does. There is so much to be learned from her, and she is happy to share her knowledge. I would definitely recommend this training to anyone starting a creamery, or already running one!”

Kat Tsomo, White Lotus Farmstead Creamery, Ann Arbor, Mi

“I met Gianaclis at the Mother Earth News Fair where she was giving an informational lecture on the development of Pholia Farm.  Gianaclis showed such compassion for her animals.  Gianaclis and Vern had not only built Pholia to produce delicious, award winning cheeses, but to be self sustaining – the operation is fueled by the sun, and they are not tied to the grid.

“I spent 10 days at Pholia and left with a smile on my face and a head full of ideas.  Although the time was short, the exposure laid the foundation needed to become a conscientious steward of the environment, farm production, and animals in my care.  Our days began at 6AM with a cup of coffee.  We hit the barn to feed does, bottle feed babies, milk, and muck.  I received the 101 training in kidding (complications, procedures), tatooing, disbudding, vaccinating, feeding, and observation, as well as barn layout, milking equipment, etc.  Cheesemaking!  What fun!”

Stacy Kidd, Freeland, Maryland