Leadership Team
Katharine Rondthaler Krieg
[email protected]
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.
[email protected]
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
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Director of Education, Co-Educator at Pacheco Elementary School
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
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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.
[email protected]
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.
McKenna Lenhart
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Director of Communications and Operations
McKenna grew up just outside of Denver, Colorado and relocated to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University. After graduating with degrees in Environmental Science and Fine Arts, she moved herself up to the central coast to begin her journey with One Cool Earth as an Americorps volunteer - and never really left! Amazed by the ability to grow food and flowers YEAR ROUND she developed her love of gardening both at home and in schools. Her favorite thing about working at One Cool Earth is having the opportunity to learn about nature's incredible mysteries alongside students and teachers. It never ceases to amaze you, no matter your age! Outside of work you can find McKenna trail running in Montaña de Oro, surfing at the rock, painting and printmaking, or walking her little doggie on the beach.
[email protected]
Director of Communications and Operations
McKenna grew up just outside of Denver, Colorado and relocated to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University. After graduating with degrees in Environmental Science and Fine Arts, she moved herself up to the central coast to begin her journey with One Cool Earth as an Americorps volunteer - and never really left! Amazed by the ability to grow food and flowers YEAR ROUND she developed her love of gardening both at home and in schools. Her favorite thing about working at One Cool Earth is having the opportunity to learn about nature's incredible mysteries alongside students and teachers. It never ceases to amaze you, no matter your age! Outside of work you can find McKenna trail running in Montaña de Oro, surfing at the rock, painting and printmaking, or walking her little doggie on the beach.
Greg Ellis
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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.
[email protected]
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
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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.
[email protected]
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
[email protected] 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
[email protected] Santa Rosa Academic Academy 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
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Templeton Elementary School and Vineyard Elementary 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.
[email protected]
Templeton Elementary School and Vineyard Elementary 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
[email protected] 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
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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!
[email protected]
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!
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Marly Miller
[email protected] Nipomo Elementary School, Lillian Larson Elementary School, Carrisa Plains Elementary School and Creston Elementary School Marly hails from San Francisco, California where she saw the value of outdoor education in her schools and spent hours in Golden Gate park building forts. She attended Cal Poly SLO where she was the Chapter Director of Sprout Up, an environmental education program, and graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Child Development. She went on to teach third grade for two years where she enjoyed raising butterflies with her class and hosting science education programs for her students. Most recently Marly was the Curriculum and Operations Coordinator with Sprout Up where she updated their environmental education curriculum for first and second grade. She loves growing wildflowers, roller skating, reading, thrift shopping, playing with her cat, and is currently learning how to surf! |
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Ariann Landaverde
[email protected] 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
[email protected] Shandon 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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Molly Wilson
[email protected] 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. |
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Rachel Kimball
[email protected] Santa Margarita Elementary School Rachel grew up in Southern California but made her way to the Central Coast twenty years ago and fell in love with the surrounding mountains, beaches and community. After obtaining her Art History degree from San Francisco State University she worked various office jobs in Office Administration, Customer Service Leadership and Business Analysis. The pandemic brought on a new job as a Home and Family Manager. One of her many passions is creating art, such as paintings inspired by the flowers, fruits, veggies and plants from her garden. She enjoys being outdoors and believes that children thrive and grow in outdoor spaces. In her free time she is baking, reading, doing sudoku puzzles, hiking and spending quality time with her husband, two boys and two cats |
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AUSD Farm Team
Tyler Cook
[email protected]
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.
[email protected]
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.
Board of Directors
Tony Pastore
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Board Chair
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.
[email protected]
Board Chair
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.
Mark Monday
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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.
[email protected]
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.
Victoria Carranza
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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.
[email protected]
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.
Sadie Rogers
[email protected]
Board Member
Sadie is a visual artist and creative entrepreneur based on the Central Coast where she was born and raised. She earned her B.S. in Agriculture Business with a minor in Viticulture at Cal Poly and has held several marketing and graphic design roles over the years where she's developed a wide network of talented friends. She is the co-founder of SLOcally Made, a seasonal collective store located in Downtown SLO, which brings together 60+ artists and makers to provide the local community a place to shop for quality, local goods during the holidays. Sadie loves to connect people to local artisans and is passionate about keeping our resources close to home. She lives in SLO with her daughter and their sweet pup Buddy and she is excited to support One Cool Earth's vision of connecting kids to their food and the earth.
[email protected]
Board Member
Sadie is a visual artist and creative entrepreneur based on the Central Coast where she was born and raised. She earned her B.S. in Agriculture Business with a minor in Viticulture at Cal Poly and has held several marketing and graphic design roles over the years where she's developed a wide network of talented friends. She is the co-founder of SLOcally Made, a seasonal collective store located in Downtown SLO, which brings together 60+ artists and makers to provide the local community a place to shop for quality, local goods during the holidays. Sadie loves to connect people to local artisans and is passionate about keeping our resources close to home. She lives in SLO with her daughter and their sweet pup Buddy and she is excited to support One Cool Earth's vision of connecting kids to their food and the earth.
Everett Kinkade Smet
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Board Member
Evie is a former OCE Garden Educator and Leadership Team Member who is happy to continue to support the organization as a member of the board. Everett holds a B.S. of Environmental Science from Santa Clara University. She is currently working in the financial services industry by day, and teaching ceramics and leading creativity workshops by night. She spends her free time making art, tending her garden, and exploring California's wild spaces with her husband and dog. Her passion for outdoor education and supporting our local youth make her an enthusiastic supporter of One Cool Earth's mission.
[email protected]
Board Member
Evie is a former OCE Garden Educator and Leadership Team Member who is happy to continue to support the organization as a member of the board. Everett holds a B.S. of Environmental Science from Santa Clara University. She is currently working in the financial services industry by day, and teaching ceramics and leading creativity workshops by night. She spends her free time making art, tending her garden, and exploring California's wild spaces with her husband and dog. Her passion for outdoor education and supporting our local youth make her an enthusiastic supporter of One Cool Earth's mission.