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 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.

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.

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.

Denise Naylor

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 Director of Finance & Business Operations, 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

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.

Kesha Dorsey Spoor

Kesha Dorsey Spoor 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 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.

Kimberly Tomlinson

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.

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.

Ellie Honan

Ellie is Coastal Roots’ Farm Production and Production Intern 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

Jamie is a Farm Production Coordinator 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.

TERA BLACKMAN

Tera is one of the Farm’s farm stand associates where she is responsible for building relationships with the community through operating the farm’s pay-what-you-can farm stand on Thursdays and Sundays. Tera studied International Relations and Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Sustainability and Social Justice while residing on unceded Ohlone land.

She has worked in environments ranging from the soil to yoga studios to local city government buildings. In addition to supporting Coastal Roots, Tera co-creates with intentionally sourced plantitas to share their medicine. If she’s not playing in the ocean, you may find her vending at local markets offering tinctures, tea blends, nopales en escabache, and honeyed conversation.

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.

Zachary Johnson

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!

Andi Kaffai

Andi is a community farmer who is responsible for working and supporting all aspects of farm production. Andi graduated in June from Cal Poly SLO with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Science. She is passionate about regenerative agriculture and increasing food security within her community. Andi is originally from Encinitas, and she is excited to be back home and working for a company that shares her values. She hopes to learn as much as she can about regenerative agriculture from her coworkers and managers and give back to the community she grew up with. When she isn’t farming, Andi is crocheting, at the beach, or eating sushi.

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

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

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.

Jess Arroyo

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

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

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.

Valerie Chouhan

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.

Christina Cranwell

Christina is the Volunteer Coordinator and Outdoor 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 an 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.

LARA LENTA

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.

Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Lara worked for Hoover high School and did teaching in Special Education. Lara enjoys making art with oil pastels and paint. She also enjoys gardening, hanging out with her chickens, cat, family and friends. She likes to learn about particle physics and other sciences for fun!

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.

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

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.

Milla Rebello

Milla Rebello is the Farm’s Marketing and Events Associate where she is responsible for producing digital media, social media content, and helping out with events. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm she was working at an e-commerce startup where she was heading up the marketing and creative team.

In her free time, she volunteers with the International Rescue Committee in the immigration department. She’s an avid gardener and cat mom of 3 rambunctious cats (Bailey, Walter, and June), she resides in Escondido with her husband.

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.

Alaina Smith

Alaina is the Farm’s 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, Alaina worked as an algal biofuel researcher, studying the potential of algae to be used as a carbon capturing source, and as an alternative to fossil fuels. She is a woodworking hobbyist with the goal of using this creative outlet to inform others about the historical significance of her Unangax̂ ancestors from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. She is passionate about gathering others, listening to bluegrass, wildflowers, camping, and biking!

LOUIS EISENBERG

Louis is the Farm’s Visitor Experience Associate where he is responsible for creating a safe space and assisting the education team with community programs. Prior to joining Coastal Roots Farm, Louis worked as the Vice President of his fraternity. Where he oversaw day-to-day duties, held other leadership positions accountable, and addressed member concerns.

Louis is a recent graduate of Lynn University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism with a minor in photography. Louis is passionate about using his nonprofit work to make a positive impact on the lives of others with whom he works.

Dominique Kirkendile

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

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

Jenn Webb is the Farm’s Administrative 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.

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.