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, garden maintenance, and general inquiries
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 communities.
Contact Britt for: Marketing and social media inquiries
Garden & Food Educator (they/them)
Criss graduated from American University with a B.A. in Psychology and Environmental Studies. Afterward, Criss became a Service Member for FoodCorps in Washington D.C., where they discovered a passion for garden and cooking education. Following the service year, Criss honed their agricultural skills as a Plant Science Associate at Walt Disney World but realized they feel most fulfilled when sharing garden and food knowledge with children and the wider community. Joining Community Grows aligns with Criss's core values of food justice, creating access to garden and green spaces for marginalized communities, and teaching about the connectivity of our lives to our environment. Fun Fact: Criss trains in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!
Garden & Food Educator (she/they/ella/elle)
Sonya earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Global Environmental Justice from UC Santa Cruz and has worked as an educator in various roles throughout her life, including outdoor and environmental education, creative mentoring, and higher education. As a radical San Francisco-based creator, educator, and ecologist determined to protect people and the planet through youth empowerment, CommunityGrows is an ideal match for Sonya. Fun Facts: Sonya loves growing snacks to share with her dog, especially carrots. When not gardening, Sonya is usually found reading.
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.