STAFF

True Allard

Jamie Balesteri

As the Farm Production Manager, Jamie supports the Director of Farm Production and Distribution by managing the crop production fields, propagation house, food forest, laying hen flocks, soil fertility and compost operation to ensure the success of the farm’s distribution program and commitment to regenerative organic agriculture.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm in 2021, she worked with several farms and farmers markets in the Phoenix area while earning a degree in Food and Nutrition Management.

She also has a certificate in Permaculture Design and is passionate about healing people and the planet through good food, community, and regenerative growing practices. When she isn’t on the farm, you can find her gardening, camping, hiking, reading, doing yoga, or experimenting in the kitchen.

Autumn Benjamin

Autumn is responsible for managing Marketing for programs and private events on the Farm. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Autumn worked for The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce as the Events and Programs Specialist, focusing on networking events, economic impact, and planning large community events.

She is from Vermont and went to the University of Vermont studying Community Development. Autumn spent much of her life working and volunteering in various non profit settings. Some of her many hobbies are tending to her veggie garden, camping, skiing, pottery, and reading novels.

Jessica Bixby

Jessica’s responsibilities include working and supporting all aspects of Farm production.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Jess worked for Growth International Volunteer Excursions guiding groups of travelers in Thailand, Hawaii, and Nicaragua volunteering on permaculture sites, supporting wildlife conservation, and promoting education alongside local communities.

This past year, Jessica graduated from King’s College London with her masters in MSc Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy. She loves to spend her free time surfing, has a Husky Pit bull rescue named Cash, and has her Permaculture Design Certification. Jessica is happy to learn outside everyday – and is fascinated by the healing qualities of regenerative agriculture.

Jordon Brownwood

Valerie Chouhan

Val is the Farm’s Field Trip Coordinator and Outdoor Educator. She supports curriculum development, teaches programs, and works with teachers across the county to bring their classes to Coastal Roots.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Valerie worked for I Love A Clean San Diego on the community education team, creating and leading webinars and workshops. She has also led summer camps in Berkeley with Kids for the Bay and worked with the afterschool program at the JCC East Bay.

Valerie graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Conservation Resource Studies. Outside of work, Valerie can be found crocheting, trying new recipes, and exploring San Diego with family and friends.

Garth Denton-Borhaug

As the Farm’s Post-Harvest and Distribution Manager, Garth is responsible for overseeing the Farm’s Organic Food Distribution Program. His work addresses and reduces food insecurity and ensures low-income, at-risk communities have equal and dignified access to locally grown, fresh, organic food, regardless of ability to pay. You are likely to find Garth on Sundays and Thursdays at our pay-what-you-can farm stand chatting about recipes with our regular customers.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Garth served two years in the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project working with fellow Hive member organization ProduceGood. There he worked to coordinate and lead programs directly addressing food waste and food insecurity in San Diego County. To summarize, Garth is an all-around awesome guy who loves his job and enjoys good food and music.

Kesha Dorsey

Kesha Dorsey is Coastal Roots Farm’s Director of Philanthropy, Impact Strategy, and Communications, supporting the Farm’s development and donor stewardship, leading the Farm’s communication strategy, and driving strategy for the Farm as the organization approaches its 10-year anniversary.

Kesha has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than a decade. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Kesha managed youth development programs to prevent gang violence and promote sexual and reproductive health at Vista Community Clinic and led civil rights and outreach efforts to reduce hate and secure justice at the Anti-Defamation League in San Diego. She holds a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology and a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.

Rebecca Joy Fletcher

Rebecca Joy Fletcher inaugurates the Director of Jewish Life position at the Farm. She is responsible for deepening and multiplying the Farm’s earth-based Judaism programs, teachings, and rituals in an open-hearted, inquisitive, and inclusive way.

Rebecca — an ordained synagogue cantor, professional actor, and climate activist — started her career as cantor/educator at a NYC synagogue and as a creator and performer of original works of Jewish theater. With her show Cities of Light she had the good fortune to perform and teach around the world. After moving to Chicago, she stepped into the new position of Director of Experiential Jewish Education at The ARK, while working as an actor on multiple city stages.

In time, Rebecca began working with Climate Change Theater Action and became a certified climate coach. She founded The Fletcher Studio to coach and train individuals as well as organizations in embodied leadership & climate communications. Her passion for Judaism, creative expression and playfulness, climate and food justice, and embodied learning are at the root of every challenge she takes on. Rebecca and her husband Alan are thrilled to now live in North County, to be connected to the Farm, and to be much nearer to their families in LA.

Megan Freeman

Megan is the Education Manager of School and Volunteer Programs where she leverages her decade of farm-based education experience to foster environmental stewardship among the 7,000 students that visit the Farm each year through the Field Trip program.

With a passion for experiential learning and sustainable farming, she enjoys sharing the Farm’s mission with visitors and seeing students’ excitement as they discover new vegetables. Megan enjoys making pottery, spending time outdoors and has the goal of visiting all the US National Parks.

Allison Garcia

Allison is the Farm’s Community Farmer where she is responsible for supporting all aspects of crop production on the farm. Before joining Coastal Roots Farm, Allison worked at the UC Davis Student Farm and learned about organic production on an 8-acre farm.

She graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems with an emphasis on agriculture and ecology. Allison has a passion for regenerative agriculture her favorite subjects are agroecology and anything related to helping the environment. Outside of work, Allison loves spending time outdoors! She likes to hike, BBQ, sleep, garden, cook, and try new things.

Keelin Grubb

Keelin’s responsibilities include supporting the education department with programs, including camps, field trips, and volunteering.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Keelin worked for a goat dairy, Yogoata, milking, herding, and cleaning up after goats and their kids. She loves babysitting and nannying and worked at Zachary’s Chicago Pizza during college.

Keelin recently graduated from UC Berkeley, studying Sociology and Gender and Women’s Studies. She loves to do yoga, puzzles, paint, and explore new places. Keelin loves to be in the kitchen, in her hammock, or playing with her dog, Paddington.

Javier Guerrero

Javier Guerrero is the Farm’s President and CEO. Javier works with Coastal Roots Farm staff, board members, funders, partners, and volunteers to advance the Farm’s impact initiatives of Equitable Food Access, Regenerative Agriculture, Environmental Education, and Jewish Life, welcoming people of all backgrounds.

Javier has worked in the San Diego nonprofit sector for over 23 years and brings extensive experience in nonprofit administration, organizational management, and resource development. Prior to joining the Farm four years ago, Javier served eight years as Executive Director of San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido, overseeing the Museum’s capital campaign, moving to a new indoor/outdoor location, and expansion of exhibits and programming.

Javier currently serves on the Board of Directors for Boy Scouts of San Diego and Imperial Counties, served on the Board of North County Philanthropy Council for nearly ten years, and is an active volunteer in the community.

Micah Ackerman Hirsch

Micah’s responsibilities include supporting the education department with field trips, Nature Play, and whatever other learning there is to do together!

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Micah worked for Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot, Books of Wonder, and Peace Community Center and held a variety of education-adjacent roles, ranging from designing STEAM arts/environmental curriculum to selling picture books.

Micah graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in environmental history, and loves helping young people (and people of all ages!) begin to rethink the ways we see ourselves in relationship with the world around us and with each other. Humans are a part of nature too! In their spare time Micah loves making art, writing poetry, playing chess, and writing Jewish Taylor Swift parodies to make kids giggle.

Ellie Honan

Ellie is Coastal Roots Farm’s Grants and Impact Manager, supporting the organization’s fundraising and impact reporting efforts. Before moving into this role, Ellie managed the Coastal Root’s growing fields, food forest, compost operation, and chicken flocks, and has been committed to fostering regenerative practices and systems throughout the Farm.

Prior to her time at Coastal Roots Farm, Ellie worked on farms in Kenya and the Midwest and completed a BA in Economics, Policy Studies, and Environmental Studies. She also spent 3 years working for and then managing a nonprofit microfinance organization and served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Women Food and Agriculture Network. Outside of work, Ellie loves surfing, running, gardening, reading, and exploring new places.

Whitney Johndro

Whitney is responsible for all of the farm’s financial functions, as well as all administrative and human resources activities. Working closely with the executive director and leadership team to strengthen the farm as an organization, she also collaborates with and provides support to all departments, helping move forward the farm’s impact initiatives.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Whitney worked for Culture Brewing Co as the Chief Operating Officer and has more than 10 years of experience in Human Resources, Operations, and Finance.  

Whitney grew up in a home dedicated to nutrition and healthy whole raw foods, which helped create my passion and dedication to eating well, changing the American food system, creating a healthier planet, and the desire to bridge better access to sustainable and local foods for all communities.  She completed an MLA program in Gastronomy with an emphasis on Food Policy and have continued to be an advocate for responsible environmental practices, equitable food access, and healing people through food and nutritional education.  She also hold a BA in Cultural Anthropology and am passionate about the essential role food plays in culture, heritage, and everyday lives. 

Whitney is a foodie who loves to grow and eat food from my own land, pickling, and recently became an amateur bread baker.  She loves to travel and experience different cultures and their food ways and traditions, hiking and camping in my van, teaching, and taking yoga classes, watching live music, and dancing my way through the day.  When Whitney isn’t not working, you will most likely find her adventuring with her Red and White Irish Setter Keely, spending time with her family, and dedicating time to upholding my Jewish values of healing the world and spreading kindness to others. 

AJ Johnson

AJ (they/them) is an Outdoor Educator. Their role at Farm Camp is to foster a safe and welcoming environment for all to experience the joys of the outdoors.

AJ has a passion for urban farming and is currently working toward a degree in Sustainable Agriculture.

They enjoy nature walks, foraging for edible plants, and tending to their garden.

Zachary Johnston

Zach is the newest community farmer here at coastal roots farm, helping to support all aspects of farm production. Originally from New York State, Zach recently graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a degree in Natural
Resource Conservation.

Before joining Coastal Roots Farm, Zach worked in biodiversity conservation, management, and planning both in New York and more recently for his Alma Mater with the SEEDS Sustainability Program. Outside of farming, Zach loves baking, hiking,
and identifying plants!

Dominique Kirkendile

Dominique is a Programs and Events Associate, she’s responsible for creating a safe, fun, and interactive space for all friends of the farm to enjoy. She also assists the Education team with community programs and school visits, and helps with events on the Farm.

Prior to working at Coastal Roots Farm, Dominique worked at a few nonprofit organizations in the community; Rancho Coastal Humane Society and the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.

She enjoys roller skating, going to concerts, street luge, plant medicine, and reading.

Ashley Langley

Ashley is responsible for facilitating and executing the various events held on the Farm such as the Farm Film and Music Series, Farm to Table Dinners, and other community and private events.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Ashley graduated from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, CA where she majored in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing, and minored in Environmental Studies.

During her free time, Ashley enjoys running, cooking, doing yoga, and attending farmers markets and live music events.

Claire Lockwood

Claire is part of the Events & Programs team and helps facilitate Farm events and the Nature program.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Claire has travelled around the country working on regenerative farms, and has taken a Permaculture Design Course. She has worked in environmental education and researched fractal applications in ecology at the Exploratorium in San Francisco.

Claire is also an artist and runs a vintage shop online. In her free time, Claire loves to knit, upcycle clothing, make kombucha, skate, surf, and roller skate.

JAMI MACLEOD

Jami supports the education department with Farm Camp, field trips, volunteer days, events and occasional build projects.

The farm is a wonderful balance to her life on the ice where she has been teaching figure skating for many years. Jami’s passion for getting her hands in the dirt came from helping out on her grandparent’s lavender farm and she is hoping to create a similar space to nourish the mind, body and spirit one day.

Adam McCurdy

Adam is the Director of Farm Production and Distribution and is responsible for overseeing all areas of production, including crop fields, food forest, animals, and composting.

Adam is originally from the Pacific Northwest and leads our production as a skilled farmer and manager with over 20 years of agricultural experience. Adam has managed both nonprofit and for-profit farms ranging in scale from 5 to 100 acres. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, he managed Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center where he oversaw the production of 30 acres of mixed vegetable crops and supplied product throughout the region to over 600 Community Supported Agriculture members, hunger relief organizations, local grocery stores and the regions finest restaurants. Adam also worked in close collaboration with agricultural researchers from area Universities and was passionately involved in studies related to minimizing tillage, cover cropping and nutrient management to optimize nitrogen levels and protect our watersheds in organic farming systems.

Both as a farmer and engaged citizen, Adam has long been a strong local food systems advocate and has been instrumental in increasing the supply of, nutrient dense, locally-grown produce to hunger relief agencies. Adam has committed a lifetime of study in agriculture, horticulture, forest stand management and team leadership in diverse formal and informal settings throughout the Pacific Northwest, New England and Southeast Asia.

Adam is dedicated to healthy organizations, healthy communities, sustainable land stewardship, and cultivating positive evolutions within our food and farming systems. In this spirit, Adam honors learning from our ancestors and integrating innovation for future generations and the health of our planet. When Adam isn’t in the field, he is enjoying time and celebrating life’s gifts with his family.

Cole Medley

Cole is responsible for coordinating with the production team in the pay-what-you-can Farm Stand and helps provide a point of contact between the community and the farm.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm as a Farm Stand associate, Cole was an intern with the Coastal Roots Farm production team over the summer of 2023. They come from a background in game development but became interested in sustainable agriculture and community aid through gardening during the COVID lockdown.

Cole graduated from UCI and likes to run tabletop games for his friends, gardening, and take long naps with their dog in the afternoon.

Julia Meyer

Julia is the Farm’s Post-Harvest and Distribution Coordinator, where she is responsible for supporting post-harvest tasks on the farm as well as fostering strong relationships with the community through our harvest distribution.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Julia worked for University of Washington Student Food Pantry where she coordinated gleaning efforts around campus to minimize food waste and completed harvest work on the farm to bring fresh produce to the pantry. When not working, Julia can be found in the kitchen trying out new recipes, at the farmers market soaking in the sun, or scoping out the next live music scene to attend

Nora Mitchell

Nora is the Farm’s Outdoor Educator where she supports the Education Team with Farm Camps, Farm Tours, and school programs.

Nora enjoys teaching all aspects of growing, preparing, preserving, and appreciating food. As a “foodie”, loves to cook and dissect flavors, she’s passionate about diverse foodways, food system equity, and responsible environmental practices. Nora is a veteran organic farmer and prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, ran a luxury resort’s culinary garden program. As a Master Gardener, she has taught kids in school gardens. She’s also a certified sommelier, longtime hospitality pro, and wine writer. Nora grew up in Encinitas. She’s interested in psychology and human behavior, loves traveling, the ocean, baseball, dogs, and music. In her free time, she likes to rock out.

Sophie Musgrave

Sophie is the Farm’s Programs and Events Associate where she is responsible for facilitating and executing the various events held on the Farm such as the Farm Film and Music Series, Farm to Table Dinners, and other community events.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Sophie worked for the Helen Woodward Animal Center and supported the on-site foster program team for incoming animals as well as events off-site such as the Surf-Dog-a-Thon and KUSI Hope Telethon.

Sophie is currently studying sociology and sustainability and is passionate about finding new ways that communities can be used for connection and support towards the Earth. She enjoys yoga, rock climbing, and going to her friends’ bluegrass concert!

KIM O’DONNELL-BOYD

Kim is an Outdoor Educator on the Farm. Prior to working at the Farm, Kim worked in the commercial furniture industry and more recently at Nature Collective, where she found her way into informal, outdoor education teaching science to 3rd-5th graders at the San Elijo Lagoon.

In 2022, she happily joined the team at Coastal Roots Farm to expand this newfound path. She loves reaching students from preschool through high school in a broad-ranging outdoor curriculum at one of the most beautiful spots in Encinitas, her hometown.

Kim spends her leisure time running or hiking our local trails, playing Pickleball, hanging out with family, and cooking with seasonal farm veggies.

Sharone Oren

Sharone Oren is Coastal Roots Farm’s Education Manager of Camp and Community Programs where she is responsible for the planning and implementation of Jewish and agricultural programming and events for Coastal Roots Farm. She designs the long-term educational content and curricula for Farm Camp, trains and supports full-time and part-time educators, manages community and private programs and events for the Farm, and works closely with local and regional community partners.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Sharone worked for Kadima Day School in Los Angeles where she designed and implemented the elementary school’s general and Judaic studies curriculum for 10 years and facilitated team-building activities for the staff. She also mentored teachers-in-training through the Delet program. In addition, Sharone worked for Brandeis Collegiate Institute as the Assistant Director, guiding and advising program fellows and leading high and low ropes challenge activities for the participants.

Sharone is passionate about community and living a life guided by Jewish values. She loves hiking, cooking, and travel. She lives with her son, partner, dog, and 5 chickens. 

Janie Overland

Janie is one of the Farm’s Outdoor Educators and she is responsible for supporting the Education Department in facilitating activities that immerse farmers-in-training in the great outdoors.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Janie graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR where she majored in Environmental Studies and minored in Political Science. In her free time, Janie enjoys surfing, hiking, finding the best matcha in San Diego, and playing pickleball or cards with her friends.

CLAUDE PATE

Claude is the Outdoor Educator and he is responsible for ensuring campers have a safe and enjoyable experience with the Coastal Roots Farm summer camp.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Claude worked for Trader Joe’s and performed all necessary tasks to provide an optimal grocery store experience for Trader Joe’s customers. In their free time, Claude likes to skateboard and play the drums, often exploring new music. He enjoys walking around farmers’ markets to be around fresh people and veggies.

Lunna Piggato

As an Outdoor Educator at Coastal Roots Farm, Lunna help lead hands-on, nature-based learning experiences that inspire a deeper connection to the environment and sustainable practices. Her goal is to foster community engagement through nature exploration and creative education.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Lunna worked for Echos Desirable Futures Lab and did educational programs development focusing on design leadership. In addition to her role at Coastal Roots Farm, Lunna serves as a Design Lead for World Design Capital San Diego 2024, managing community-based climate and sustainability projects.

Lunna is passionate about sustainability, art, and holistic healing. She founded VAINANA, an art project transforming food waste into art to raise awareness about climate issues. She also enjoys yoga, creating art, and exploring nature—especially at the beach.

Josh Raser

Josh is a Farm Production Coordinator where he is responsible for supporting crop production and compost operations. Prior to joining Coastal Roots, Josh has worked the better part of a decade on farms in New England and New Orleans. He developed a passion for growing food while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the rural highlands of Ecuador. When he isn’t farming, he loves being a Dad and trying to make the best crispy tofu recipe!

Alex Renner

Alex has joined our team as a Farm Associate here at coastal roots farm, helping to support all aspects of farm production.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Alex was earning a degree in Agroecology from UC Santa Cruz, where he interned
at the student-led university Farm Garden and a local organic farm. In addition to farming, Alex participated in a
forest ecology research program in the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

He is eager to gain more hands-on experience, and is passionate about regenerative agriculture, food justice, and California native plants. Outside of farming, Alex enjoys hiking, reading, and orchids.

ADAM RYAN

Adam is Coastal Roots Farm’s Programs and Events Associate, responsible for welcoming guests at special events.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Adam worked for various publications as a writer and editor. Adam plays the piano and guitar, speaks French, and writes poetry.

Zack Schuman

Zack is responsible for upholding the high-quality standards of Coastal Roots Farm by supporting the Farm’s operations in all areas of production, cultivation, development, and maintenance.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Zack worked for the Ecology Center managing their 2.5 acre Market Garden and Farm apprentices.

Zack attended college at the UCSC, where he graduated with a B.A in Agroecology, and interned under Orin Martin at the Alan Chadwick Garden. This time spent in Santa Cruz, and abroad in Guatemala, shaped his farming ethos. He is an advocate for soil health, and some interests include surfing, cooking, and woodworking.

DANIEL SCHWARTZ

Daniel Schwartz is the Farm’s Outdoor Educator where he is responsible for making sure students have the best time of their life and tell the world about Coastal Roots Farm.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Daniel worked for a variety of school programs. His work with kids and agriculture began at Cal Poly while working as part of the Organic Farm elementary school education program. He then went and worked in England for a few years at an after-school youth soccer program. When not outdoors loving nature, he enjoys being creative whether it is making crotchet beanies, designing shirts, or making art.

Christine Spencer

Christine Spencer is the Director of Grants and Impact at Coastal Roots Farm. She brings more than 18 years of experience working in the fundraising area of nonprofits and most recently was the Director of Development at an animal welfare organization. Christine grew up in North San Diego County and has a love for helping everyone gain access to healthy food. She enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking, and traveling worldwide with her husband and two boys.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, specializing in Health Policy. She currently serves on the board of the Old Escondido Historic District, Escondido Art Association, and is a member of the San Diego Women’s Foundation and Grant Professional Association.

Simone Stivi

Simone’s role on the farm is connecting the Coastal Roots Farm community to the Farm’s programs and impact through digital communications and outreach, namely social media.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Simone worked for Point Foundation and did Social Media Management and graphic design for their primary social media accounts.

Simone studied Animation at Cal State Fullerton before diving into storyboarding full-time after graduation, and later transitioning to Digital Marketing in the gaming industry. Now, she is following her passion for sustainability and gardening with a certification in Permaculture Landscape Design from Oregon State University.

Her sweet senior dog, Julie, is her constant companion. She enjoys gardening everyday, nature walks, swing dancing, and alternating between binge-watching mysteries and binge-watching Gardeners World (it’s a nice balance of intrigue and relaxation!).

Kimberly Tomlinson

Kimberly has worked in education for the past decade. Her background includes a combination of traditional and non-traditional education experience. Kimberly served as an ELL teacher, reading interventionist, and kindergarten teacher in Washington DC.

Following a cross-country move, Kimberly pivoted into the world of non-formal education by serving as an Education Manager at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum from 2016-2021. Kimberly joined the Coastal Roots Farm team in 2021 where she shares her passion for the integration of play and exploration into outdoor education spaces.

Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family and friends exploring beautiful San Diego County!

Jenn Webb

Jenn Webb is the Farm’s Administrative and Data Coordinator where she is responsible for being the first point of contact for Farm inquiries and administrative support for multiple departments to provide friendly and clear communication. Duties also include website and database management.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Jenn worked for several non-profit organizations in North County San Diego in the Development arena. She also has volunteered on a lettuce farm and comes from a family-owned produce business. When not working you will find her with her kids and dog at the beach or in the kitchen cooking.

Gidi Wilardson

Destinee Williams