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 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, move 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.

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.

Rebecca Fletcher, Director of Jewish Life

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 their families in LA.

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.

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.

Garth Denton-Borhaug, Post-Harvest and Distribution Manager

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.

Jamie Balesteri, Farm Production Coordinator

Jamie is a Production Coordinator supporting all aspects of crop production with specific responsibilities related to our propagation house and care of our chicken flocks. 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, Farm Production Coordinator

Kevin is a Production Coordinator supporting all aspects of crop production with specific responsibilities related to our IPM program and harvest coordination.

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!"

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).

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!

Mariah Reinke, Farm Stand Associate

Mariah Reinke is the Farm’s Farm-stand Associate where she is responsible for helping operate the farm’s pay-what-you-can Farm Stand while creating connections with the community. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Mariah worked as an outdoor educator for young children and as a server for a traveling farm-to-table catering team. Mariah is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to spend her time hiking, traveling, and is always exploring. Mariah recently moved to California from the east coast and is enjoying learning about native plants & the southern California culture.

Karie Stadtmiller, Community Farmer

Previous to joining Coastal Roots Farm’s team, she had the privilege of interning In the Education Garden. In addition to working 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.

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!

Jess Arroyo, Marketing and Events Manager

Jess Arroyo is the Farm’s Marketing and Events Manager 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.

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.

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.

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.

Christina Cranwell, Outdoor Educator and Volunteer Coordinator

Christina is an Outdoor Educator and Volunteer Coordinator 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.

Tana DeSandres, Outdoor Educator

Tana DeSandres is the Farm’s Outdoor Educator where she is responsible for helping to support the Education Team with Farm Camps, Farm Tours, and school programs.

Lara Lenta, Outdoor Educator

Lara is the Farm's Outdoor Educator where she is responsible for supporting the Education Department in facilitating activities that immerse farmers-in-training in 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.

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.

Nora Mitchell, Outdoor Educator

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.

Claude Pate, Outdoor Educator

Claude is the Farm's Outdoor Educator where he is responsible for ensuring students have a safe and enjoyable experience at Coastal Roots Farm.

Daniel Schwartz, Outdoor Educator

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.

Estee Bartell, Visitor Experience Associate

Estee is the Farm's Visitor Experience Associate where she is responsible for creating a safe space and assisting the education team with community programs.

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.

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.

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.

Eduardo Carnalla-Gastelum, Farm Intern

Eduardo grew up in Mexico, has worked in the Mechanical Design Engineering field for the last 25yrs, now lives in Escondido where he tends a small backyard square-foot garden, is a husband and father of two, enjoys genealogy, wine, goat milking, and cheesemaking. He dreams about homesteading in retirement.

Eduardo acknowledges that he was born and lives on indigenous land & is learning the Kumeyaay language.

Vanessa Case, Farm Intern

Vanessa is a Fall Intern at Coastal Roots Farm. Originally from Hawaii, Vanessa moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and Loyola Law School.

Vanessa is a Fall Intern at Coastal Roots Farm. Originally from Hawaii, Vanessa moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA and Loyola Law School. After five years of practicing law, Vanessa left her profession to focus on her three young children. This dramatic lifestyle change led Vanessa to seek a community of like-minded families.

She joined MOMS Club, a support network that organizes playdates, speakers and outings for mothers and their young children. She quickly moved into a leadership role in her local chapter. When the family moved to San Diego, she founded a new MOMS Club chapter which kept her actively engaged with other community groups. She has also volunteered as a leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts for many years.

Now that all her children are in school, she is pursuing a Horticulture Certificate through UCLA Extension. Vanessa is excited to have the opportunity to share her love of nature, gardening, and sustainability during her time on the farm. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys yoga, hiking, gardening, and crafts of all kinds.

Jackie Domi, Fall Farm Intern Intern

Jackie is delighted to be participating as a Farm Intern at the Coastal Roots Farm this Fall. While living in the countryside of Washington during the pandemic, she developed a budding interest in sustainable living and farming due to the critical reality of organic food accessibility. She aspires to live on a homestead and provide organic food to her future family and community.

Beyond the garden bed, she studied Film at Chapman University and is pursuing a career in photography and film. She was born and raised in San Diego.

Louis Eisenberg, Communications and Events Intern

Louis is a Communications and Events intern that graduated in May from Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida with a Bachelors of Arts in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in Photography.

Prior to interning at Coastal Roots farm, Louis worked as a summer camp counselor at the Farm overseeing kids ranging in ages from 7-10 year old's. Louis is passionate about using his nonprofit work to make a positive impact on the lives of others with whom he works.

Kai Guerrero, Marketing and Events Intern

Kai is the Farm’s Marketing and Events Intern who assists the Marketing and Events Manager with communications and on-site events.

Kai is currently a junior at Scripps Ranch High School. He enjoys water-based activities, yoga, and meditation. And is interested in majoring in biochemistry in college.

Victoria Gollan, Farm Intern

Victoria is a Farm Intern looking to gain a deeper understanding of regenerative farming practices.

She's also interested in finding ways to use her data science background to help nonprofits. She loves learning about new cultures, traveling and being outdoors.

Sienna McMahon, Farm Intern

Sienna McMahon is finishing her last year of undergraduate education at the University of California San Diego where she is pursuing an Anthropology degree with a concentration in Climate Change and Human Solutions.

She has prior experience tending the land of a small holistic herb garden in Santa Cruz and conjoining herb shop. In her free time Sienna enjoys cooking, creating, hiking, and meditating.

Lawrence Williams, Farm Intern

Larry is a Fall Intern from Austin, Texas and a Certified Massage Therapist. He graduated from Maui School of Massage in 2018.

Now that he lives in San Diego, he is diving into Regenerative Farming to learn and contribute to making the land and community healthier.