Looking to get in touch? For general inquiries, please email info@communitygrows.org. For more specific questions, please select the staff member that most closely matches your inquiry below.
Executive Director (she/her)
With over a decade of professional experience in the social services field, Claribette brings a passion for program development, research, and advocacy across the lifespan, making a significant impact in San Francisco and Boston communities. She holds Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and U.S. History from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Arts in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Touro University. Currently, she’s pursuing a PhD in Organizational Development & Change, aiming to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce development and training for female leaders. Claribette is excited to lead the agency's strategic planning, development, and cultural initiatives that make CG a well-rounded organization dedicated to community and youth development.
Contact Claribette for: Partnership, development, and funding inquiries
Deputy Director (she/her)
Vanessa is an educator, advocate, and lover of the outdoors. She has been working in the outdoor education sector since 2015. Over that time Vanessa has facilitated outdoor learning with youth ranging from Pre-K to High School, and has worked at both the Student Conservation Association and Education Outside. Her professional interests revolve around connecting BIPOC youth to nature, teaching youth how to grow and cook their own food, and the importance of making curriculum relevant to the communities she is in collaboration with.
Contact Vanessa for: Programming and garden maintenance.
Community Engagement & Development Coordinator (she/her)
Brittney has always been passionate about community service and building relationships within communities, having volunteered at organizations such as Planned Parenthood and FoodNotBombs. She believes that by building relationships with community members, organizations like CommunityGrows can better serve and address the needs of those communities. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Brittney hopes to continue to cultivate and nurture the relationships between the staff and volunteers at CommunityGrows and the communities that they serve and support.
Contact Brittney for: Volunteer Opportunities and other ways to get involved.
Communications Specialist (she/her)
Britt is a proud first-generation graduate, of the University of California, Merced with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Prior to joining CommunityGrows, Britt worked in community organizing, mentored first-generation high school students, and communications. She is excited to be a part of CG and can’t wait to continue to help highlight the impactful work done by the team in low-income, diverse communities.
Contact Britt for: Marketing and social media inquiries
Garden & Food Educator (they/them)
Clau is a passionate advocate for food justice, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, based in Oakland, California. Their early experiences working in industrial agriculture deeply informed their desire to foster food and land sovereignty as a way to heal from exploitative food systems. With a background rooted in herbalism, ancestral cooking, and community organizing, Clau leads food education programs that promote holistic well-being and sustainability. They have managed urban gardening spaces, including the Healing and Learning Garden at the Multicultural Community Center. Clau holds degrees in Geography and Society & Environment from UC Berkeley. In their free time, they enjoy gardening, crafting herbal medicine, and hosting community-centered dinner parties.
BEETs Program Program Coordinator (she/they)
Kailyne is an educator, advocate, and environmental steward with a passion for community connection through food and nature. She began her journey in food education with afterschool programs such as Foodwise Teens and Urban Sprouts, and her work has focused on fostering environmental justice and land stewardship. Over the years, Kailyne has contributed to conservation efforts with organizations like Sutro Stewards on Mount Sutro, Sisterhood Gardens protecting Pipevine Swallowtail habitats, and Hummingbird Farm restoring native riparian habitats and grasslands. Kailyne’s professional interests include uplifting San Francisco’s biodiversity, teaching youth about food justice, and creating opportunities for communities to connect with the natural world. When she’s not working, Kailyne enjoys traveling with loved ones, tidepooling, and exploring creative pursuits.
Contact Kailyne for: BEETs programming inquiries
Advisory Board
Click here for more information on how you can join our advisory board.
CommunityGrows thrives thanks to the unwavering dedication of our staff, advisory team, volunteers, and many others. Their efforts are indispensable to our success.