Leadership Team
Katharine Rondthaler Krieg
kathariner@onecoolearth.org
Executive Director
Katharine fell in love with sustainable food while completing her bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Biology at UC Santa Cruz in 2010. She went on to work in garden education, organic farming and curriculum development before completing her master's in Sustainable Food Systems from Green Mountain College in 2019. Most recently, Katharine was the Organic Garden Manager at Santa Clara University where she managed a 1/2 acre production garden, oversaw food justice initiatives and taught courses on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. She believes that school gardens are key to growing the next generation of environmental stewards. She enjoys hiking, cooking, watercolors, beekeeping and adventuring outdoors with her son.
kathariner@onecoolearth.org
Executive Director
Katharine fell in love with sustainable food while completing her bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Biology at UC Santa Cruz in 2010. She went on to work in garden education, organic farming and curriculum development before completing her master's in Sustainable Food Systems from Green Mountain College in 2019. Most recently, Katharine was the Organic Garden Manager at Santa Clara University where she managed a 1/2 acre production garden, oversaw food justice initiatives and taught courses on urban agriculture and sustainable food systems. She believes that school gardens are key to growing the next generation of environmental stewards. She enjoys hiking, cooking, watercolors, beekeeping and adventuring outdoors with her son.
Leila Daniel
leilad@onecoolearth.org
Director of Education
Leila Daniel comes from a multicultural background and speaks four languages. She was born in Cairo, Egypt and lived there for six years. She has family in Germany, Egypt, Guatemala, Colombia, and the US. Her love of travel and learning about new cultures brought her to the education world. After getting her Master's degree, she became a bilingual elementary teacher and taught for two years in the Bay Area. She, along with her husband and their dog, moved to San Luis Obispo where she taught 2nd grade for four years. She believes garden education is vital for creating a strong community of environmental stewards. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and gardening (harvesting homegrown peaches, for example!).
Natalie Perez
nataliep@onecoolearth.org
Director of Programs
Natalie grew up watching her Nona and family dancing around the kitchen using fresh ingredients to whip up wholesome meals for the family to enjoy. This served as an inspiration to remain connected to her source of food and her community. She often found herself outside in the dirt or under a tree, with an innate affinity for nature and life of all kinds. She studied Viticulture at Cal Poly where she found her calling in environmental protection. Natalie is humbled by the power children possess on this planet and is so excited to hold space for them to learn sustainable ways of living. Natalie believes in making play one of her priorities. She values the healing that comes from nature and all its wonders.
nataliep@onecoolearth.org
Director of Programs
Natalie grew up watching her Nona and family dancing around the kitchen using fresh ingredients to whip up wholesome meals for the family to enjoy. This served as an inspiration to remain connected to her source of food and her community. She often found herself outside in the dirt or under a tree, with an innate affinity for nature and life of all kinds. She studied Viticulture at Cal Poly where she found her calling in environmental protection. Natalie is humbled by the power children possess on this planet and is so excited to hold space for them to learn sustainable ways of living. Natalie believes in making play one of her priorities. She values the healing that comes from nature and all its wonders.
Miranda Daschian
miranda@onecoolearth.org
Communications and Operations Manager
Miranda is a SLO county local, having attended Atascadero High School, Cuesta College and Cal Poly. She graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic Studies while competing on the Cal Poly cross country and track teams. She has always been interested in public health, and has had experience in the field ranging from healthcare settings to coaching. Miranda continues to hit the trails around the county for runs and hikes, and loves relaxing in her hammock afterward. She is excited to support local children as they grow and learn about the natural world, and feels deeply connected to the program having attended many of the same schools.
miranda@onecoolearth.org
Communications and Operations Manager
Miranda is a SLO county local, having attended Atascadero High School, Cuesta College and Cal Poly. She graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic Studies while competing on the Cal Poly cross country and track teams. She has always been interested in public health, and has had experience in the field ranging from healthcare settings to coaching. Miranda continues to hit the trails around the county for runs and hikes, and loves relaxing in her hammock afterward. She is excited to support local children as they grow and learn about the natural world, and feels deeply connected to the program having attended many of the same schools.
Greg Ellis
grege@onecoolearth.org
Grant Manager
Over the years Greg has worked with One Cool Earth in almost every role, from Garden Educator to Executive Director. Growing up in the mountains of Wyoming with a family that hunted, foraged and grew their own fruits and vegetables, he gained an early appreciation for nature that he hopes to foster and share through outdoor classrooms. His favorite local fruit is the hachiya persimmon, his favorite fungus is the chanterelle mushroom and his favorite native salad is miner's lettuce.
grege@onecoolearth.org
Grant Manager
Over the years Greg has worked with One Cool Earth in almost every role, from Garden Educator to Executive Director. Growing up in the mountains of Wyoming with a family that hunted, foraged and grew their own fruits and vegetables, he gained an early appreciation for nature that he hopes to foster and share through outdoor classrooms. His favorite local fruit is the hachiya persimmon, his favorite fungus is the chanterelle mushroom and his favorite native salad is miner's lettuce.
Yarrow Wilson
yarrow@onecoolearth.org
Regional Manager, Northern SLO County
Cappy Culver Elementary School and Paloma Creek High School
Yarrow has a deep love for the natural world, especially the animals, plants, and landscapes of the California Central Coast where she grew up. After studying permaculture and earning a degree in philosophy from UC Santa Cruz, she returned to her rural roots in northern SLO County where she co-managed a community garden in Paso Robles and offered workshops on native plants prior to joining the One Cool Earth team in 2017. Outside of One Cool Earth, she and her partner grow a market-garden and sell a variety of heirloom produce and floral arrangements to their local community.
yarrow@onecoolearth.org
Regional Manager, Northern SLO County
Cappy Culver Elementary School and Paloma Creek High School
Yarrow has a deep love for the natural world, especially the animals, plants, and landscapes of the California Central Coast where she grew up. After studying permaculture and earning a degree in philosophy from UC Santa Cruz, she returned to her rural roots in northern SLO County where she co-managed a community garden in Paso Robles and offered workshops on native plants prior to joining the One Cool Earth team in 2017. Outside of One Cool Earth, she and her partner grow a market-garden and sell a variety of heirloom produce and floral arrangements to their local community.
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Samantha Burton
samanthab@onecoolearth.org Regional Manager, Southern SLO County Sinsheimer Elementary School Samantha grew up in Southern California and cultivated a deep love and respect for the environment as she explored local beaches, mountains, and deserts in her childhood. She moved to Chicago in 2019 to attend Wheaton College where she developed a strong passion for environmental stewardship. In Chicago, she served as the Garden Coordinator for the Wheaton College campus community garden and was trained in permaculture and prairie restoration. She is excited to be back by the ocean and dig her hands in the California soil once again. When she is not gardening, Samantha can be found exploring local coffee shops, going out for a morning swim, hitting the trails for a hike, run, or ride, or making music with her friends. |
Garden Educators
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Christopher Apple
christopher@onecoolearth.org Santa Rosa Academic Academy, Liberty High School and Monterey Road Elementary School Christopher lives within an oak woodland in Templeton where he enjoys watching scrub jays and tree squirrels bury acorns amidst layers of leaves to store food and help future trees grow. In 2017 he earned a degree in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Gender, Race, Culture, Science, and Technology from Cal Poly. He went on to teach science and engineering at a local high school, but currently teaches outdoors to help young people connect with themselves, each other and the planet. Christopher also enjoys playing soccer, petting cats, riding bicycles, watering by hand, chopping veggies, being with others, and sitting outside. |
Madeline Schechter
madeline@onecoolearth.org
Pat Butler Elementary School, Kermit King Elementary School and Atascadero Middle School
Madeline grew up in Templeton, California and chose to remain on the central coast by attending Cal Poly, where she graduated with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a minor in Child Development. She has always had a passion for working with kids but was torn between that and having a job in sustainability. After participating in a club called Sprout Up in college and having internships with the Guadalupe Dunes Center and the Land Conservancy in San Luis Obispo, Madeline realized she could have the best of both worlds through environmental education. Her goal is to work with younger generations to help them create a relationship with the natural world and reduce their impact on it. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, yoga, and cooking meals with local ingredients.
madeline@onecoolearth.org
Pat Butler Elementary School, Kermit King Elementary School and Atascadero Middle School
Madeline grew up in Templeton, California and chose to remain on the central coast by attending Cal Poly, where she graduated with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection and a minor in Child Development. She has always had a passion for working with kids but was torn between that and having a job in sustainability. After participating in a club called Sprout Up in college and having internships with the Guadalupe Dunes Center and the Land Conservancy in San Luis Obispo, Madeline realized she could have the best of both worlds through environmental education. Her goal is to work with younger generations to help them create a relationship with the natural world and reduce their impact on it. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, yoga, and cooking meals with local ingredients.
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Alyssa Checkeye
alyssa@onecoolearth.org Mary Buren Elementary, Oceano Elementary and Los Ranchos Elementary Alyssa grew up on the central coast with the beaches, valleys and hillsides as her playground. After finishing Hancock College's Culinary program she furthered her interest in teaching and became a preschool teacher. The pandemic directed her into another path through social services, working with foster children and her community. She enjoys being in nature, working on her garden, staying active, and finding all the hidden gems along our coastline. She looks forward to teaching and growing alongside our local youth's hungry minds and busy hands within the garden. She is a mother, food connoisseur and lover of the outdoors. |
Mackenzie Holtog
mackenzie@onecoolearth.org
San Gabriel Elementary School and San Benito Elementary School
Mackenzie believes in the power of the garden as a place for growing. While completing her bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures at UCLA Mackenzie had the privilege of attending lectures by prominent figures such as Alice Waters and Michael Pollan. This has guided her entire life towards sustainability, wellness, food justice, and edible education. Mackenzie has served as a volunteer for The Edible Schoolyard Project and Oakland Based Urban Gardens. Since moving to the Central Coast in 2016 Mackenzie has become a student of permaculture, working to grow her skills and transforming her own property into an edible paradise. Mackenzie’s loves her garden and she can think of no better way to spend her time than sharing the many gifts of gardening with beautiful little humans!
mackenzie@onecoolearth.org
San Gabriel Elementary School and San Benito Elementary School
Mackenzie believes in the power of the garden as a place for growing. While completing her bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures at UCLA Mackenzie had the privilege of attending lectures by prominent figures such as Alice Waters and Michael Pollan. This has guided her entire life towards sustainability, wellness, food justice, and edible education. Mackenzie has served as a volunteer for The Edible Schoolyard Project and Oakland Based Urban Gardens. Since moving to the Central Coast in 2016 Mackenzie has become a student of permaculture, working to grow her skills and transforming her own property into an edible paradise. Mackenzie’s loves her garden and she can think of no better way to spend her time than sharing the many gifts of gardening with beautiful little humans!
Kara Kirkpatrick
kara@onecoolearth.org
Creston Elementary School and Carrisa Plains Elementary School
Kara grew up in Southern California, where she cultivated a love for the natural landscapes in surrounding areas. She graduated from UC San Diego with her bachelor’s degree in Biology. During her undergraduate studies she joined Roger’s Community Garden from which she grew her own vegetables, led volunteer programs and worked on a hydroponic gardening project. She co-founded the Willow Grove Elementary School Garden, serving as a garden educator and developing a nutrition and science-based curriculum there. Kara learned she can help our natural world by sharing its wonder with the younger generations. In her free time, Kara enjoys going on adventures with her dogs, backpacking, kayaking, snowboarding, crocheting, reading and gardening.
kara@onecoolearth.org
Creston Elementary School and Carrisa Plains Elementary School
Kara grew up in Southern California, where she cultivated a love for the natural landscapes in surrounding areas. She graduated from UC San Diego with her bachelor’s degree in Biology. During her undergraduate studies she joined Roger’s Community Garden from which she grew her own vegetables, led volunteer programs and worked on a hydroponic gardening project. She co-founded the Willow Grove Elementary School Garden, serving as a garden educator and developing a nutrition and science-based curriculum there. Kara learned she can help our natural world by sharing its wonder with the younger generations. In her free time, Kara enjoys going on adventures with her dogs, backpacking, kayaking, snowboarding, crocheting, reading and gardening.
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Ashley Fry
ashleyf@onecoolearth.org Carrisa Plains Elementary School and Creston Elementary School Ashley grew up in Monterey County, where she was fortunate enough to regularly visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium - a place that truly sparked her love for the environment & conservation. After earning her degree in Social Sciences from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she's worked in various roles including: software development leadership, wedding & family photography, & real estate. Ashley volunteers with Learning Among the Oaks (LATO), a local non profit part of the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo, that focuses on fostering environmental awareness and leadership with children in the community. In her free time, Ashley enjoys photography, reading, tending to her houseplants, and splashing around at the beach with her husband & 3 boys. |
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Ariann Landaverde
ariannl@onecoolearth.org Pacheco Elementary School and Baywood Elementary School Ariann grew up in Southern California but moved up to the Central Coast to attend Cal Poly SLO. She graduated with a degree in Environmental Management and Protection with minors in both Biology and Spanish. While at Cal Poly, Ariann had the opportunity to work with Sprout Up, a club that teaches environmental science lessons to elementary school students and ended her time with the club as President. Additionally, she served as a curriculum developer and program coordinator for Nuestra Ciencia, a research project that aims to teach microbiology topics in Spanish. Through those two organizations, Ariann discovered her passion for teaching. In her free time, Ariann enjoys spending time at the beach, painting, and hiking. |
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Maddie Rubin
maddier@onecoolearth.org Shandon Elementary School, Lillian Larson Elementary School and Atascadero Middle School Maddie is a Bay Area native that moved down to the Central Coast for college. She first fell in love with plants when she worked as a caregiver for people with dementia and Parkinson's. One of her clients loved to stop and notice plants throughout San Luis Obispo county. Through him, she learned the power of slowing down and observing the beauty of nature. Maddie graduated in 2017 from Cal Poly with a degree in Sociology and concentration in Social Services. In her spare time, she loves to read, cook, exercise, garden, and play with her Labrador. She is looking forward to teaching children the joys and benefits of gardening. Her favorite plant is the Congo Philodendron and she has a collection of Philodendrons in her home. |
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Amanda Knapp
amandak@onecoolearth.org Santa Margarita Elementary School and Nipomo Elementary School Amanda is the first born of more than twenty grandchildren and grew up in the Midwest. As an entrepreneur serving families for the past 15 years, she is excited to bring her passion for children and love for gardening together! When she is not working in the garden, you can find her soaking up as much fresh air and ocean breezes as one can fit into a day! |
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Molly Wilson
mollyw@onecoolearth.org Grover Beach Elementary School Molly is thrilled to be living back in her hometown on the Central Coast after obtaining a degree in environmental science and management from Cal Poly Humboldt. She has a broad background in environmental education, having led naturalist programs for youth at multiple nonprofits and elementary schools, and has worked in various state parks throughout California as an interpretive guide and restoration technician. Some of her favorite memories are from her season working as a farmhand on a historic, organic and sustainable farm in Northern California, where she became a firm believer that there is nothing better than a homegrown tomato on buttered toast. She enjoys spending her time hiking, hanging out with her cat, getting creative in the kitchen, foraging treats, and learning to play her banjo. |
AUSD Farm Team
Brandon Sanders
brandon@onecoolearth.org
Irrigation Specialist, AUSD Farm Director
Brandon attended high school in Templeton. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies, Conservation and Restoration with a minor in Biology. This path allowed him to reflect on and assess the impacts of the large-scale, conventional agriculture that he was raised around. With a desire to have a more positive impact through agriculture, he moved back to the central coast. He began farming vegetables to feed his community, combining past experience with a desire for environmental protection. Brandon has found a home at OCE, where he can continue to put technical knowledge of infrastructure, irrigation, and growing systems to good use and further aid his community and the next generation of farmers and eaters. In addition to tending to plants he enjoys camping, cooking, and playing percussion and drums.
brandon@onecoolearth.org
Irrigation Specialist, AUSD Farm Director
Brandon attended high school in Templeton. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies, Conservation and Restoration with a minor in Biology. This path allowed him to reflect on and assess the impacts of the large-scale, conventional agriculture that he was raised around. With a desire to have a more positive impact through agriculture, he moved back to the central coast. He began farming vegetables to feed his community, combining past experience with a desire for environmental protection. Brandon has found a home at OCE, where he can continue to put technical knowledge of infrastructure, irrigation, and growing systems to good use and further aid his community and the next generation of farmers and eaters. In addition to tending to plants he enjoys camping, cooking, and playing percussion and drums.
Tyler Cook
tyler@onecoolearth.org
AUSD Farm Manager
Growing up on the Central Coast, Tyler got to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer. He went to Cal Poly and received a degree in Environmental Engineering. During that time, he realized how satisfying it is to grow food for others and how important it is for the local community. In his free time Tyler enjoys going to the beach with his dog, surfing, and working in his own garden at home.
tyler@onecoolearth.org
AUSD Farm Manager
Growing up on the Central Coast, Tyler got to enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer. He went to Cal Poly and received a degree in Environmental Engineering. During that time, he realized how satisfying it is to grow food for others and how important it is for the local community. In his free time Tyler enjoys going to the beach with his dog, surfing, and working in his own garden at home.
Garden Assistants
Aspen Tenaya Garrido Karina Hawkins
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Board of Directors
Maria Kelly
maria@onecoolearth.org
President
Maria has applied her collaboration and networking skills to all aspects of education, corporate branding, government affairs and community relations. She has been responsible for building capacity through community engagement, promoting sustainability and strengthening strategic relationships for both public and private organizations. Building community and solving problems are core to her approach. Maria holds an M.S. in management and leadership from Pepperdine University, a certification in paralegal studies from Cal Poly and a B.S. from Oregon State University. Her passion for community keeps her focus on improving communications among stakeholders and work to highlight how an industry can serve a community.
maria@onecoolearth.org
President
Maria has applied her collaboration and networking skills to all aspects of education, corporate branding, government affairs and community relations. She has been responsible for building capacity through community engagement, promoting sustainability and strengthening strategic relationships for both public and private organizations. Building community and solving problems are core to her approach. Maria holds an M.S. in management and leadership from Pepperdine University, a certification in paralegal studies from Cal Poly and a B.S. from Oregon State University. Her passion for community keeps her focus on improving communications among stakeholders and work to highlight how an industry can serve a community.
Mark Monday
markm@onecoolearth.org
Board Member, Master Gardener
Mark is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in building businesses in high tech companies like Cisco Systems and Avaya. In his current role as Vice President of Business Development at Phonism, Mark helps lead Phonism’s strategy and channels, and to find and nurture strategic partnerships. Mark holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University. Mark completed the certification for Master Gardener in June 2020 and is an avid home gardener. In addition, he volunteers for Sunwork, a non-profit that focuses on making solar affordable for the smaller households and at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helping startup businesses in the very beginning of growth.
markm@onecoolearth.org
Board Member, Master Gardener
Mark is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in building businesses in high tech companies like Cisco Systems and Avaya. In his current role as Vice President of Business Development at Phonism, Mark helps lead Phonism’s strategy and channels, and to find and nurture strategic partnerships. Mark holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University. Mark completed the certification for Master Gardener in June 2020 and is an avid home gardener. In addition, he volunteers for Sunwork, a non-profit that focuses on making solar affordable for the smaller households and at the Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, helping startup businesses in the very beginning of growth.
Shawna Whitfield, M.A.
shawnaw@onecoolearth.org
Board Member, School & Curriculum Representative
Shawna Whitfield currently teaches sixth grade at Lucia Mar's Ocean View Elementary in Arroyo Grande, CA and is passionate about creating authentic, rigorous and flexible learning opportunities for all students. Three years of collaboration with One Cool Earth has inspired and informed many instructional modules for teachers and students, and she looks forward to every collaborative conversation. Awarded Site Teacher of the Year in 2015, she attributes this honor to being a part of a diverse and empowering network of professional and community educators. Ms. Whitfield received her M.A. from Cal Poly in 2017 in Educational Leadership and Administration and lives with her husband and two children in Arroyo Grande.
shawnaw@onecoolearth.org
Board Member, School & Curriculum Representative
Shawna Whitfield currently teaches sixth grade at Lucia Mar's Ocean View Elementary in Arroyo Grande, CA and is passionate about creating authentic, rigorous and flexible learning opportunities for all students. Three years of collaboration with One Cool Earth has inspired and informed many instructional modules for teachers and students, and she looks forward to every collaborative conversation. Awarded Site Teacher of the Year in 2015, she attributes this honor to being a part of a diverse and empowering network of professional and community educators. Ms. Whitfield received her M.A. from Cal Poly in 2017 in Educational Leadership and Administration and lives with her husband and two children in Arroyo Grande.
Victoria Carranza
victoriac@onecoolearth.org
Board Member
Victoria earned a B.S. in Natural Resources Management specializing in Community Planning & Sustainable Environments from Cal Poly. She was the former Education Director of One Cool Earth and before that a Garden Educator herself. She is honored to be working with the One Cool Earth team and community again. Victoria and her husband are raising their two daughters in northern SLO county and often enjoy wandering the local creek bed while tracking for animals and identifying plants. She is very active in the birthwork community and runs her own business called The Gardening Doula.
victoriac@onecoolearth.org
Board Member
Victoria earned a B.S. in Natural Resources Management specializing in Community Planning & Sustainable Environments from Cal Poly. She was the former Education Director of One Cool Earth and before that a Garden Educator herself. She is honored to be working with the One Cool Earth team and community again. Victoria and her husband are raising their two daughters in northern SLO county and often enjoy wandering the local creek bed while tracking for animals and identifying plants. She is very active in the birthwork community and runs her own business called The Gardening Doula.
Tony Pastore
tonyp@onecoolearth.org
Board Member
Tony brings nearly 40 years of sustainability dedication and professional experience to serve One Cool Earth. He began planting fruit trees with his father as a child. Tony continued learning from his dad while designing and building solar energy prototypes in the early 1980s. His first business venture, Backyard Farms, was founded in 1992. Under the banner Ecologic Design, he continued to pioneer hybrid permaculture and restorative ecological landscape design and construction for a decade and half. He left his green civil engineering firm for a solar tech startup in 2010. Tony currently works in the electric energy space focusing his work on regional program design, resiliency and high tech grid edge and future grid technologies. He still loves planting trees and is thrilled to support One Cool Earth.
tonyp@onecoolearth.org
Board Member
Tony brings nearly 40 years of sustainability dedication and professional experience to serve One Cool Earth. He began planting fruit trees with his father as a child. Tony continued learning from his dad while designing and building solar energy prototypes in the early 1980s. His first business venture, Backyard Farms, was founded in 1992. Under the banner Ecologic Design, he continued to pioneer hybrid permaculture and restorative ecological landscape design and construction for a decade and half. He left his green civil engineering firm for a solar tech startup in 2010. Tony currently works in the electric energy space focusing his work on regional program design, resiliency and high tech grid edge and future grid technologies. He still loves planting trees and is thrilled to support One Cool Earth.