Since January 2021, CommunityGrows has been in the process of restructuring our organization. We are currently working towards a collective leadership model. Our intention is to create a work environment where each member of our team has an equal voice in how we operate. We hope that this new structure will better reflect our values and vision for a just world. The process has been slow and intentional, and has grounded us in our values, excited us in the potential, and brought us closer together as a staff. We look forward to sharing more details on our new ways of operating in the coming months.
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.
Director of Programs (she/her)
Anna has worked at the intersection of youth development and sustainable agriculture for over 10 years. She believes that co-powering youth to grow their own food is key to creating a more just and sustainable food system. Her favorite vegetable is delicata squash.
Contact Anna for: general program questions and inquiries, contracts and MOUs, garden questions and inquiries
Director of Operations (she/her)
Karen is a recent graduate of the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities, in Minnesota, with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in English. Since graduating, she has worked performing hands-on conservation efforts in Colorado, teaching at an outdoor science school in southern California, and is now happy to join the team at CommunityGrows. She enjoys theater, spontaneous storytelling, and exploring new places in her free time.
Contact Karen for general operations and development, grants, finances, & funding opportunities, VISTA program inquiries, advisory board & volunteer opportunities
Bi-lingual Garden Educator & Operations Specialist (she/her)
Cristina has always been passionate about the environment, cities, sustainability, and food systems. She believes in facilitating classes so students can learn, enjoy themselves, and be more passionate for the natural world.
Contact Cristina: Spanish-language program and curriculum , grants, finances, & funding opportunities
BEETs Program Manager & Organizational Strategist (they/them)
B is an educator, gardener, and climate organizer who has lived in the Bay Area since 2017. Before joining the CG team, they taught kids about birds in Vermont, and worked as a bilingual garden teacher with Education
Contact B for: Organizational strategy & sustainability, CommunityGrows' restructuring process, BEETs program
Environmental Education Programs Manager (she/her)
Vanessa is an educator, advocate, and lover of the outdoors. She brings over five years of experience in environmental education, trail work, and conservation, which she cultivated during her time at the Student Conservation Association and Education Outside.
Contact Vanessa for: Garden education program and curriculum, Program Scheduling
Operations and Development Manager (she/her)
Abigail has always been a creatively driven person, expressing herself through art, food, and exploring ways of living an environmentally sustainable life. She has worked with CommunityGrows on the rebranding of the organization, which includes the new logo and marketing materials.
Contact Abigail for: Marketing and social media inquiries
Communications and Development Coordinator (she/her)
Brittney is a proud first-generation graduate, of the University of California, Merced with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Prior to joining CommunityGrows, Brittney 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 Brittney for: Marketing and social media inquiries
Click here for more information on how you can join our advisory board.