Leslie, Community Coordinator
Leslie is inspired by the current trend of people growing food everywhere, from guerilla gardening in alleyways to school gardens, in other people’s backyards and on city lots in temporary garden boxes. Her mission is to propagate and pollinate. For her, growing is not just about delicious food—it’s about growing rich relationships and a sense of place (connection to ourselves, to other people, to our health, to the land). Leslie brings a diverse background that includes teaching youth in school garden programs with Green Thumbs Growing Kids, starting her own backyard farm project in Toronto, and facilitating community garden spaces. Jason, Education Coordinator
After teaching for many years in the States, Jason immigrated to Vancouver with his wife in 2009. Now, he’s father to two kids, and many plants. In his first full season as the EGP’s Education Coordinator, Jason Mertz has been having a blast with the kids in the gardens and on the farm. “I love getting kids out into the gardens and to see their reactions. To plant that seed of future gardeners/farmers is just exciting. I’m learning that teachers are as excited and learning just as much as the kids. The administration is excited, the parents are excited and volunteering. It’s great to see. For 2014, Jason hopes to build on the success of the last year and continue streamlining and refining the Fed Up program to allow for further expansion. In addition, he hopes to make EGP events even more kid-focused and friendly – turning every farm visit into an educational opportunity. Mostly though, he just wants to keep getting kids out into the dirt and excited about food and farming. “I love seeing the kids eat kale and love it- they stuff it in their faces like it was the greatest thing ever– it’s just awesome. It gets me every time.” Jillian, School Garden Coordinator
Jillian draws on her rich experience in farm management, facilitation of garden education and a broad love of the outdoors. She is especially connected to the “farm to forest” aspect of gardening, and strongly believes that cultivating wholesome food is the perfect gateway to exploring nature. She enjoys taking children and youth on harvesting adventures, and her passion and knowledge of native and cultivated plants will inspire students and teachers across the North Shore this season. Her favourite vegetable is the beet! |
Lisa, Executive Director
Lisa has lived on the North Shore for her entire life. She is a mother and active member of the community. lisa has been working in childcare since 1988 and has been with the North Shore Neighbourhood House since 1990. She holds her certificate in Early Childhood Education from Capilano College as well as her Special Needs Certificate. Lisa started as a special needs assistant in the childcare program, then moved to Manager of Care, then Director of Childcare, and eventually moved to her current role as Executive Director of the North Shore Neighbourhood House. Lisa feels honored to work for an organization that supports families and their members. Empowering families to recognize their value continues to fuel her commitment. She believes that building strong families results in a stronger community. Kristi, Manager
Kristi Tatebe is the EGP’s Manager, bringing her organizational, analytical, and policy skills and background to her work with the EGP. When she’s not behind the computer, she loves to get out in the garden as much as possible with her 3-year old daughter. Kristi has a Master’s degree in Planning and in her other work she helps BC farmers prepare for the realities of climate change. She’s excited to be part of a team advancing urban agriculture. “Urban agriculture reconnects us to where our food comes from, it’s about growing a food culture and economy. Many large scale farmers are recognizing that small-scale, bio-diverse farms are inherently more resilient in times of increasing variability and uncertainty. So we’re also providing a hands-on education and training on what that looks like. The EGP is a very inspiring place to work.” Holly, Farm Manager
Holly comes to farming from a background in international development and environmental education. She has worked on community development projects across Canada and abroad, and it was during her time running a school and family garden program in Honduras that she saw the potential for enhancing community through growing food. After a few years fine-tuning her skills as an apprentice at Cropthorne Farm in Ladner, BC, she joined the Edible Garden Project, first as Farmer, now as Farm Manager. Holly believes that growing your own food is an incredibly empowering and rewarding experience, and that food growing spaces are some of the best venues for people to get engaged and involved in their community. Her favourite veggie is garlic! |