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: Budgets, strategic plans, and fundraising
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
Communications & Development Manager (she/her)
Brittney is dedicated to public service and passionate about co-powering underserved and marginalized communities. In this role, Brittney leads outreach efforts, builds strategic partnerships, and develops initiatives that empower individuals to gain the skills and knowledge needed to advocate for themselves and drive positive change. With a focus on building relationships, she works to strengthen the connection between CommunityGrows staff, volunteers, and the communities they serve, ensuring programs are responsive and impactful.
Contact Brittney for: Volunteer opportunities, corporate and community partnerships
BEETs 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
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.
Garden & Food Educator (she/her)
Lucy is a Bay Area native with a background in Environmental Studies & Habitat Restoration from San Jose State. With three years of experience as an outdoor educator, she is excited to join the supportive CommunityGrows and Rosa Parks teams. She looks forward to teaching youth about healthy foods, gardening techniques, and various environmental topics. Fun Fact: Lucy is an avid rock climber, crocheter, knitter, forager, and adventurer. She loves solo travel—her last adventure was a month-long WWOOF volunteer experience in Portugal!
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.