About Us

For 15 years, Kristin’s life has revolved around urban agriculture and education. She helped found the Monrovia Community Garden and most recently was the Director of Sustainable Edible Education at California Lutheran University. She has degrees in Leadership Studies and completed her PhD in Religion, Education, and Ecology where she studied female farmers around the U.S. Having spoke and presented her research at national conferences and taught for over a decade, she now finds herself partnering in her local community to bring together neighbors to collaborate and innovate in exciting ways.

Feeling a growing conviction to enter the fight against climate change, Jennifer was glad to discover California Climate Action Corps and  Food ED.  She is dedicated to helping San Gabriel Valley communities become more sustainable and resilient through gardens and green spaces.  Continuing a career that has ranged from engineering to client advocacy, she is particularly interested in how cities partner with community members and organizations to build healthy ecosystems and sustainable infrastructure.  She is a budding gardener and has a growing appreciation for bugs.

Rochelle is our newest member of the team bringing a passion for ecological education and a love of the great outdoors! Rochelle desires to introduce more people to the wonders of the world around them and overseeing our volunteer program is a great fit as our volunteer days include environmental work and education. 

Lifelong Monrovian, “Gio” is a Master Gardener, Master Herpetologist, California Rare Fruit Tree member, certified California Naturalist, and Certified Climate Steward. His background includes creating and designing creative curriculum that meets NGSS standards and educating all ages about soil and plants. His studies include published work on representations of animals throughout history and his Master of Library and Information Science degree focused on botanical libraries. An avid gardener and community scientist, he is constantly experimenting with new heirloom varieties, and working to identify microbial life in soil.

Having grown up in Monrovia and attending Monrovia public schools, Kelly's desire is to give back to her community. Having volunteered with Food ED in the past, she is now a Climate Change Corps fellow with Food ED activating her heart for service. She is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree in accounting and hopes to become a CPA with a focus in nonprofit accounting. On her days off she enjoys painting, hanging out with her pets, and listening to Taylor Swift.