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.
McKenna Lenhart Johnson
mckennal@onecoolearth.org
Director of Programs
McKenna grew up in Colorado and moved to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Fine Arts. Since moving to the central coast in 2016, McKenna has worked in permaculture design, hydroponics and plant nurseries serving adults with disabilities, and managed a local produce delivery company. Her experiences made her aware of the human to earth disconnect, and ignited an interest to help re-create a sense of awe for our natural world. During her time at One Cool Earth she has been an Americorps Fellow, Educator, Program Manager, and now acts as Director of Programs. In her free time McKenna enjoys painting and drawing, surfing, hiking, and working with cob... and of course gardening too.
mckennal@onecoolearth.org
Director of Programs
McKenna grew up in Colorado and moved to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Fine Arts. Since moving to the central coast in 2016, McKenna has worked in permaculture design, hydroponics and plant nurseries serving adults with disabilities, and managed a local produce delivery company. Her experiences made her aware of the human to earth disconnect, and ignited an interest to help re-create a sense of awe for our natural world. During her time at One Cool Earth she has been an Americorps Fellow, Educator, Program Manager, and now acts as Director of Programs. In her free time McKenna enjoys painting and drawing, surfing, hiking, and working with cob... and of course gardening too.
Natalie Perez
nataliep@onecoolearth.org
Program Manager and Educator
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
Program Manager and Educator
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 also 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 also 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
Curriculum Coordinator, AUSD Farm Manager, and Educator
Cappy Culver Elementary School and Paloma Creek High School
Yarrow has a deep love for the natural world, especially the landscape of California's Central Coast where she grew up. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Philosophy, she grappled with whether to pursue a career in small-scale farming, writing, or teaching. Thanks to One Cool Earth, she never had to choose and now incorporates all of these passions into her roles within the organization. When Yarrow isn't planting crops or planning lessons, she can be found writing young-adult fiction and training for the circus that she hopes one day to run away with.
yarrow@onecoolearth.org
Curriculum Coordinator, AUSD Farm Manager, and Educator
Cappy Culver Elementary School and Paloma Creek High School
Yarrow has a deep love for the natural world, especially the landscape of California's Central Coast where she grew up. After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a BA in Philosophy, she grappled with whether to pursue a career in small-scale farming, writing, or teaching. Thanks to One Cool Earth, she never had to choose and now incorporates all of these passions into her roles within the organization. When Yarrow isn't planting crops or planning lessons, she can be found writing young-adult fiction and training for the circus that she hopes one day to run away with.
Regional Coordinators
Sergio Corona-Munoz
sergio@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Hawthorne Elementary School, Harloe Elementary School, Branch Elementary School and Nipomo Elementary School
Sergio grew up in Hemet, California surrounded by dairy farms and ranches. After high school he moved to attend UCLA where he earned his bachelor's in Geography and Environmental Studies. He moved to San Luis Obispo in July 2020 to be closer to his long-time girlfriend and he hasn't looked back since. They have a beautiful 2 year old dog named Igor and three rambunctious pet rats named Loco, Lisa, and Berthold. He recently completed his master's degree in Agriculture Education at Cal Poly. All of these experiences have served to deepen his love for the natural world and ecology. As an educator, he hopes to help people see the ways that we are all interconnected and to encourage people to live more harmoniously with nature.
sergio@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Hawthorne Elementary School, Harloe Elementary School, Branch Elementary School and Nipomo Elementary School
Sergio grew up in Hemet, California surrounded by dairy farms and ranches. After high school he moved to attend UCLA where he earned his bachelor's in Geography and Environmental Studies. He moved to San Luis Obispo in July 2020 to be closer to his long-time girlfriend and he hasn't looked back since. They have a beautiful 2 year old dog named Igor and three rambunctious pet rats named Loco, Lisa, and Berthold. He recently completed his master's degree in Agriculture Education at Cal Poly. All of these experiences have served to deepen his love for the natural world and ecology. As an educator, he hopes to help people see the ways that we are all interconnected and to encourage people to live more harmoniously with nature.
Christopher Apple
christopher@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
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.
christopher@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
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.
Celeste Geary
celeste@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Winifred Pifer Elementary School, Glen Speck Elementary School and Georgia Brown Elementary School
Celeste has been fortunate enough to grow up on the Central Coast in homes where she had the opportunity to spend ample time outdoors. She loves gardening, cooking, yoga and a multitude of outdoor activities like cycling, paddle boarding and hiking. Her love for the earth led to her pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies at UC Riverside. Through her education, she more fully realized the interwoven nature of environmental and social justice. Celeste believes education and connection with the natural world are powerful forces for building healthy communities.
celeste@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Winifred Pifer Elementary School, Glen Speck Elementary School and Georgia Brown Elementary School
Celeste has been fortunate enough to grow up on the Central Coast in homes where she had the opportunity to spend ample time outdoors. She loves gardening, cooking, yoga and a multitude of outdoor activities like cycling, paddle boarding and hiking. Her love for the earth led to her pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sustainability Studies at UC Riverside. Through her education, she more fully realized the interwoven nature of environmental and social justice. Celeste believes education and connection with the natural world are powerful forces for building healthy communities.
Garden Educators
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.
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.
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!
Mary Devlin
mary@onecoolearth.org
C.L. Smith Elementary School
Mary graduated from Cal Poly with a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science. As an undergraduate she conducted geobotany research and enjoyed volunteering at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory. She loves hiking and making pottery. Since graduating she has lived across California working as an environmental educator and has also worked as a field botanist for the U.S. Forest Service. She recently moved back to San Luis Obispo and is excited to be living in one of her favorite places. Mary loves connecting people with nature and is passionate about helping to create inclusive, livable and sustainable communities. She is delighted to continue sharing her love of plants, gardening, and the natural world with youth.
mary@onecoolearth.org
C.L. Smith Elementary School
Mary graduated from Cal Poly with a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science. As an undergraduate she conducted geobotany research and enjoyed volunteering at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory. She loves hiking and making pottery. Since graduating she has lived across California working as an environmental educator and has also worked as a field botanist for the U.S. Forest Service. She recently moved back to San Luis Obispo and is excited to be living in one of her favorite places. Mary loves connecting people with nature and is passionate about helping to create inclusive, livable and sustainable communities. She is delighted to continue sharing her love of plants, gardening, and the natural world with youth.
Sequoia Colvin
sequoia@onecoolearth.org
Virginia Peterson Elementary School and Pat Butler Elementary School
Sequoia grew up in Avila Beach and Northern California. She attended two charter schools that allowed her to experience what the great outdoors had to offer through self-exploration and outdoor learning within their curriculums. She then moved to Colorado in 2017 and received a degree in Horticulture, afterwards finding an internship at a non-profit called Growing Gardens that opened the door for her interests in outdoor education and gardening. After two years and many life changes, she moved back to SLO county in March 2022. She loves to be outside with the children and give back, believing that everyone deserves to learn in the garden.
sequoia@onecoolearth.org
Virginia Peterson Elementary School and Pat Butler Elementary School
Sequoia grew up in Avila Beach and Northern California. She attended two charter schools that allowed her to experience what the great outdoors had to offer through self-exploration and outdoor learning within their curriculums. She then moved to Colorado in 2017 and received a degree in Horticulture, afterwards finding an internship at a non-profit called Growing Gardens that opened the door for her interests in outdoor education and gardening. After two years and many life changes, she moved back to SLO county in March 2022. She loves to be outside with the children and give back, believing that everyone deserves to learn in the garden.
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.
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.