Javier Guerrero, President and CEO

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

Javier currently serves on the Board of North County Philanthropy Council and is an active volunteer in the community.

Garth Denton-Borhaug, Post-Harvest and Distribution Manager

Kesha Dorsey Spoor, Director of Philanthropy, Program Strategy, and Communications

Kesha Dorsey Spoor is Coastal Roots Farm’s Director of Philanthropy, Program Strategy, and Communication, supporting the Farm’s development and donor stewardship, leading the Farm’s communication strategy, and overseeing all programs and education initiatives.

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.

Kesha is passionate about equity and sustainability, loves to travel, and strives to perform Jewish values of goodness and compassion in her personal and professional lives. She holds a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology and Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences.

Megan Freeman, Education Manager, School and Volunteer Programs

Megan is Coastal Roots Farm’s Education Manager of School and Volunteer Programs where she oversees the Farm’s School and Group Visit program, Volunteer and Internship program, and the Education Farm and Gardens. In this role, she works with the Education Manager of Camp and Community Programs to plan and implement Jewish and Farm educational programming with a specific focus in designing the long-term goals and curricula for the previously stated programs.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Megan worked for the nonprofit Pathways In Education where she led ethnically and socioeconomically diverse high school students in experiential learning programming to fulfill graduation requirements. She wrote curricula for and ran a program centered around sustainability, food justice, and leadership on a certified organic farm in Mendocino County.

Megan loves eating new foods while traveling and enjoys being outdoors- hiking, camping, and taking photos. She currently has the goals to travel to all of the US National Parks and learn to play guitar.

Ellie Honan, Farm Production Manager

Ellie is Coastal Roots’ Farm Production Manager, where oversees the farm’s vegetable production, laying hen flocks, compost operation, and food forest, supervising a team of seven passionate farmers. In this role, she creates the annual crop plan and lines out weekly operations and harvest lists to bring the plan to fruition. Since joining the farm in 2015, Ellie has been committed to creating regenerative, efficient, safe farming systems and is continuing to formalize these practices in her current role through the development of standard operating procedures and a food safety plan.

Ellie began farming over a decade ago while travelling and working on farms in Kenya and Uganda. Since then she has worked with a number of farms and CSAs throughout the Midwest and has developed a passion for regenerative agriculture and the communities built around it. In addition to her time working on farms, Ellie completed a BA in Economics, Policy Studies, and Environmental Studies and spent 3 years working for and then managing a non-profit microfinance organization. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Women Food and Agriculture Network. Ellie loves surfing, hiking, herbalism and plant medicine, soil microbiology, and food preservation.

Adam McCurdy, Director of Farm Production

Adam is the Director of Farm Production 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.

Denise Naylor, Director of Finance and Administration

As the Director of Finance and Administration, Denise Naylor is responsible for all of the farms 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.

Denise brings to the farm over three decades of financial management and business leadership experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, her nonprofit work took her to the Sacramento Zoo in Northern California as the Finance and Administration Director, and Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah where she was the Director of Operations.

Denise is a Master Gardener and feels blessed when she has opportunities to put her hands in the dirt and help in the fields now and again (one of her passions). Her favorite pastimes are gardening, hiking, travel, spending time with friends and family, and eating great food.

Sharone Oren, Education Manager of Camp and Community Programs

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 fulltime and part-time educators, and 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. She also mentored teachers-in-training through the Delet program and facilitated team building activities for the staff. Sharone also 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 has lived in Israel for a total of 9 years, has 3 children, and two dogs. She is passionate about healing the earth, one small act at a time.

Christine Spencer, Director of Grants and Impact

Christine Spencer is the Director of Grants and Impact at Coastal Roots Farm. She brings more than 15 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 for the San Diego Grants Professional Association and the Old Escondido Historic District.

Kimberly Tomlinson, Education Manager of Early Childhood Programs

Kimberly currently serves as the Education Manager for Early Childhood Programs at Coastal Roots Farm. Prior to joining the Farm Team, Kimberly has worked in both formal and informal education settings. After graduating from University of Delaware, Kimberly moved to Washington DC and taught for several years in a traditional classroom setting. As a traditional educator, Kimberly served as an ELL teacher, reading interventionist as well as a kindergarten teacher.

Following a cross country move to Southern California, she transitioned into informal education. Kimberly worked for over 4 years in various education roles at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum. Kimberly is passionate about hands-on learning and integrating play and exploration into education.

Kimberly loves hiking, swimming, rock climbing and exploring San Diego County with her husband, daughter and two dogs.

Jamie Balesteri, Community Farmer

Jamie is a Community Farmer supporting all aspects of farm production. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, she managed an organic food and juice store in Solana Beach. While earning a degree in Food and Nutrition Management from Arizona State University, she worked at farmers markets in Phoenix, Arizona and spent 3 months working on a sustainable farm in the Tuscany region of Italy.

She recently completed a Permaculture Design Certification and is passionate about healing people and the planet through good food, community, and regenerative growing practices. When her hands aren’t in the dirt, you can find her camping, hiking, reading, doing yoga, or experimenting in the kitchen.

Kevin Beall, Community Farmer

Kevin is a Community Farmer supporting all aspects of crop production.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots, Kevin graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Plant Sciences, concentrating in Fruit and Crop Sciences. He has worked in a variety of settings, from zoos to botanical gardens, learning as much as he could wherever he went. Kevin loves to camp and backpack, and would love recommendations for local trails and sites!"

Macey Bishop, Farm Stand Associate

Macey is the Farm's Farm Stand Associate where she is responsible for helping operate our on-site pay-what-you-can Farm Stand. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Macey worked in specialty coffee and did gender equity research at University of Portland. She loves backpacking, painting, reading, and cooking food from her backyard garden. Macey is always open to trail, music, and podcast recommendations!

Virginia Fall, Community Farmer

Virginia is a Community Farmer supporting all aspects of farm production. After completing her Masters in Landscape Architecture in North Carolina, Virginia worked for several years as a Landscape Designer. Before graduate school, Virginia worked in nonprofit field for the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association where she developed appreciation for mission-focused work with a shared purpose.

Prior to nonprofit work, Virginia served in the Peace Corps in Botswana, Africa where she worked on HIV/AIDS development work in addition to small-scale permaculture farming practice. These combined experiences have brought her to Coastal Roots where she hopes to get her hands dirty, and learn more of organic farming practices and landscape maintenance. This Louisiana girl loves living and exploring in Southern California with her husband, dog (Zoe), and cat (Maybe).

Claire Manuccia, Community Farmer

Claire Manuccia is one of the Farm's Community Farmers where she is responsible for supporting crop-growing and daily farm operations.

Claire is a Community Farmer responsible for supporting crop production and overall farm operations. Prior to joining Coastal Roots, Claire worked at Toluma Farms, a sheep and goat dairy in West Marin, where she focused on sustainable land management, animal medicine and small-scale veggie production to feed the farm's staff. Claire studied agriculture plant sciences at San Diego City College and is passionate about sharing her knowledge of cultivation with others. In her free time she enjoys backpacking, hot yoga and expanding her medicinal herb garden.

Mitch Masser, Community Farmer

Mitch Masser is one of the Farm's Community Farmers where he is responsible for supporting crop-growing and daily farm operations.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Mitch worked for Alaskan Observers, Inc, and did at-sea fisheries monitoring aboard commercial fishing vessels in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Mitch enjoys cycling, swimming, and learning different languages in his spare time. He was motivated to pursue a career in agriculture after working with rural farmers in Zambia during his volunteer service in the U.S. Peace Crops.

Julia Meyer, Post-Harvest and Distribution Assistant

Julia is the Farm’s Post-Harvest and Distribution Assistant, 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

Anthony Moore, Community Farmer

Anthony is the Farm's Community Farmer where he is responsible for supporting crop production, assisting in care and maintenance of chicken flock, and support all departments as needed.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Anthony worked for Go Green and did seeding, greenhouse walkabouts, propagation, harvest, and production support. In his downtime, you can find Anthony in his home garden planting planting more food and flowers for his family or on one of the many great trails in San Diego fellowshipping with the land along with all of the beautiful native plants and animals.

Josh Raser, Temporary Community Farmer

Josh is the newest community farmer 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 new Dad and trying to make the best crispy tofu recipe!

Bill Stallcup, Community Farmer

Bill Stallcup is a Community Farmer at Coastal Roots Farm, where has previously been involved as a volunteer with planting, irrigation, weeding, and harvesting of vegetables.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Bill has been a biochemist/cell biologist for the past 50 years, most recently at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute on Torrey Pines Mesa.

Bill lives in Leucadia a little ways north of the Farm, and maintains a fruit and vegetable garden in his yard. He hopes his home “farm” benefits from his experience at the real Farm.

Emma Tuttleman-Kriegler, Farm Stand Associate

Emma is Coastal Roots Farm’s Farm Stand Associate, responsible for helping operate our on-site pay-what you can Farm Stand and serving our community through dignified, fair access to fresh, organic food regardless of ability to pay.

Prior to Joining Coastal Roots Farm, Emma worked for Isabella Freeman Jewish Retreat Center in Falls Village, Connecticut as an Environmental Educator. She has volunteered at Brooklyn Botanic Garden as a Docent and worked as an Herbalist at Radicle Herb Shop in Brooklyn, New York.

Emma believes that food, nature, and community are our best healers. She is excited to be a part of nourishing community at Coastal Roots Farm!

Hannah Arledge, Outdoor Educator

Hannah is an Outdoor Educator where she supports the Education team with Farm Camp, guiding school groups, and other event programming. When not teaching here at the farm, she is in the classroom as an upper and middle school substitute teacher.

Jess Arroyo, Marketing and Events Coordinator

Jess Arroyo is the Farm’s Marketing and Events Coordinator where she is responsible for connecting the Farm and community through digital communications, marketing, events and outreach, while supporting the Education and Philanthropy departments.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Jess lived in Thailand, Morocco and New Zealand where she worked with startups to help build brand identity through digital marketing. Her education in psychology helped shape her passion for connecting communities and curating experiences for individuals of all interests and backgrounds. In her free time, Jess enjoys expanding and tending to her at-home garden along with, hiking, camping and practicing yoga.

Christina Cranwell, Farm Educator

Christina is a Farm Educator assisting with camps, programming, and events. Prior to joining the team at Coastal Roots, Christina farmed for several years in New York, Florida, and Tennessee. She also participated in multiple outdoor and nature outreach programs, where she developed interest in wild foraging and entomology. When not on the farm, you can find Christina in the mountains backpacking, or in the kitchen developing her next great culinary creation.

Hannah Gruen, On-Call Farm Educator

Hannah is an On-Call Farm Educator where she supports the Education Team with designing curriculum and facilitating school field trips. She assists with volunteer groups and other events held at the Farm.

Alongside her work here at the Farm, Hannah is an Assistant Marine Biologist for the City of San Diego where she develops outreach material to connect the public with sustainability initiatives. Prior to these positions, she was an outdoor educator for the Environmental Leadership Program in Oregon, where she developed curriculum and facilitated hands-on and ecology-based middle school field trips to the Willamette Forest. While pursuing her B.S. in environmental studies, she learned farming techniques on an Urban Farm for four years with the goal of providing fresh organic produce for students at the University of Oregon.

Hannah loves traveling, scuba diving, hiking, camping, educating, and meeting other passionate and innovative people.

Dominique Kirkendile, Visitor Experience Associate

Dominique is a Farm Visitor Experience Associate and she is responsible for creating a safe space and assisting the education team with community programs. Prior to join in coastal Roots Farm Dominique works for Rancho Coastal humane society Thrift Shop. Her favorite color is orange, her favorite vegetable is a brussel sprout, she went to Cal State San Marcos and she roller skates & downhill street luges for fun.

Jamie Macleod, Outdoor Educator

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.

Janie Overland, Visitor Experience Associate

Janie Overland is responsible for greeting and guiding farm visitors, as well as supporting the education department in implementing public farm experiences. She strives to provide a safe, clean, fun, and educational experience for all farm visitors.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Janie attended Lewis and Clark College, where she is currently taking a semester off before completing her senior year. At Lewis and Clark, Janie studies Environmental Studies and Political Science, and is a part of Students Engaged in Eco Defense, where she and other students help to pioneer new ways on campus to be more sustainable.

Janie has worked at Coastal Roots as a Farm Education Intern where she worked on the education farm and supported seasonal farm camps. Her time at Coastal Roots has inspired her passion in exploring climate change solutions at different scales, from local community farms to large national policy. Janie has also worked with local politicians such as Assembly member Tasha Boerner Horvath to learn how environmental policy is applied on the local level. She plans to attend law school in the future, and is excited to be a part of the Coastal Roots team! When Janie is not busy with school or work, she loves to surf, hike, run and read.

Adam Ryan, Visitor Experience Associate

Adam is Coastal Roots Farm’s Visitor Experience 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.

Ashly Tamayo, Farm Educator

Ashly first joined us on the farm in 2017 to collaborate on a series of Jewish educational programs for preschool children and their families called Mitzvot on the Farm. She has been a preschool teacher and garden educator at San Diego Hebrew Day School for the past 6 years. Her role as an assistant farm educator allows her to combine the passion she has for Jewish education with her enthusiasm for helping children develop an appreciation for the natural world.

Ashly served in the United States Navy from 2002-2005, which is what brought her from Texas to San Diego 17 years ago. She is a proud Navy spouse to her husband who currently serves on active duty. As a busy mom of 3 very active teenagers, Ashly enjoys spending time with her family, their pets and exploring the great outdoors.

Valerie Lowe, Outdoor Educator

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

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.

Jenn Webb, Administrative Assistant

Jenn Webb is the Farm’s Administrative Assistant 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.

Milla Rebello, Farm Intern

Milla is a Farm Intern where she supports the Farm’s mission through mutually beneficial volunteer work. In addition to interning at Coastal Roots Farm, she works full-time as a Marketing Manager at A Bar Above, gardens on the weekends, and has recently picked up surfing. Milla is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady.

Adam Simon, Farm Intern

Adam is a Farm Intern where he supports the Farm’s mission through mutually beneficial volunteer work. In addition to interning at Coastal Roots Farm, he serves as the Director of Advancement at SCY High School, volunteers at his synagogue to run youth programming, and homeschools his three kids. In his free time (and not-so-free time), Adam enjoys biking, trying to find balance, creating things, and growing things (including himself).

Karie Stadtmiller, Farm Intern

Karie is a Farm Intern where she supports the Farm’s mission through mutually beneficial volunteer work. In addition to interning at Coastal Roots Farm, she is a student at San Diego City College's Agriculture Department, studying Urban Farming. Her previous education includes a degree in English Literature. When she's not at Coastal Roots Farm, you can find Karie working as a financial assistant at her church, reading, snowboarding, spending quality time with her family and spending as much time in nature as possible.

Sophie Delaplane, Camp Counselor

Sophie Delaplane is the Farm’s Camp Counselor where she is responsible for keeping campers smiling from the time they arrive to camp until the time they leave. She loves to play games, do arts and crafts, hike and work on the Farm!

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Sophie volunteered on many eco-friendly farms including one on her most recent visit to Costa Rica. She was also a dedicated Girl Scout during grades K -8 and could hardly wait to become a Camp Counselor at Coastal Roots Farm. Sophie is a rising sophomore at La Costa Canyon High School and continues to volunteer for Produce Good gleaning leftover produce to be donated to the homeless. Sophie loves to be outdoors gardening, hiking, swimming or golfing. She will be visiting her 10th National Park this summer!

Brooke Levan, Camp Counselor

Brooke is a Camp Counselor at Coastal Roots Farm where she is responsible for supporting the Education team with Farm Camp during the summer season. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Brooke completed her first year at Oberlin College. She is studying Environmental Studies and has enjoyed working at her school farm and learning about beekeeping. In her free time, she loves to do yoga, play soccer, cook, and make art.

Kali Medlock, Farm Camp Counselor

Kali Medlock is the Farm's Camp Counselor where she is responsible for watching over and having fun with the munchkins. This is Kali's first job and she couldn't be more optimistic about joining Coastal Roots Farm! She loves to dance at CADENCE in Oceanside, do morning yoga, and work on slowly becoming a vegan!

Lola Myers, Farm Camp Counselor

Lola Meyers is the Farm's Camp Counselor where she is responsible for making sure kids attending camp have the time of their lives and amazing educational opportunities.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Lola worked for a family, providing care for their two young children, helping grow their educational mindsets while making sure they had a fun time doing so. Lola is a student at Mission Hill High School, a competitive volleyball player, and a member of the marching band program as a percussionist for her high school. Lola loves activities, such as, sketching and spending time outdoors.

Leza Nikitin, Camp Counselor

Leeza Nikitin is the Farm’s Camp Counselor where she is responsible for supervising a group of youth in a supportive agriculture-based environment. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Leeza volunteered at San Diego Public Library and Helen Woodward Animal Center. Leeza is a rising freshman in Canyon Crest Academy. She loves gardening, collecting crystals, and surfing.

Daniel Schwartz, Camp Counselor

Daniel Schwartz is the Farm’s Camp Counselor where he is responsible for making sure campers have the best week of their life and summer 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.

Anna Shishkin, Camp Counselor

Anna is a Farm Camp Counselor where she is responsible for leading and working with children during the Farm Camp, exploring the world around us, and engaging them in creative and meaningful ways.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Anna volunteered for the Beach Kids program in Encinitas, supervising and interacting with the camp participants. She is passionate about ballet, and dance in general, and loves the beach and the outdoors.

Sylvana Szuhay, Camp Counselor

Sylvana is the Farm's Camp Counselor where she is responsible for supporting campers in forming meaningful connections and discovering the joys of the natural world.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Sylvana worked as a farm camp counselor in MA, conducted soil carbon field work as part of a student-faculty research position, and worked on vegetable and livestock crews at Caney Fork Farms in TN. She graduated from Skidmore College with degrees in Environmental Science and Music, and is passionate about the land, rock climbing, and playing her cello.