Leadership Team
Katharine Rondthaler Krieg
Kathariner@onecoolearth.org
Executive Director
Katharine fell in love with sustainable food and farming 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 Masters 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. Katharine believes that school gardens are key to growing the next generation of environmental stewards. Katharine is excited to build on the inspiring work of her predecessors to grow the organization across the Central Coast. In her free time, Katharine enjoys hiking, cooking, watercolors, beekeeping and adventuring outdoors with her son.
Kathariner@onecoolearth.org
Executive Director
Katharine fell in love with sustainable food and farming 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 Masters 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. Katharine believes that school gardens are key to growing the next generation of environmental stewards. Katharine is excited to build on the inspiring work of her predecessors to grow the organization across the Central Coast. In her free time, Katharine enjoys hiking, cooking, watercolors, beekeeping and adventuring outdoors with her son.
McKenna Lenhart
McKennal@onecoolearth.org
Director of Programs
McKenna grew up in Denver, Colorado and moved to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University. With a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Fine Arts, McKenna graduated with the intention of learning more about what it means to live in stewardship and partnership with the natural world and to share that experience with others. 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. Each of these experiences made McKenna aware of the human to earth disconnect, and ignited an interest to help re-create a sense of wonder and 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 Denver, Colorado and moved to California in 2013 to attend California Lutheran University. With a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Fine Arts, McKenna graduated with the intention of learning more about what it means to live in stewardship and partnership with the natural world and to share that experience with others. 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. Each of these experiences made McKenna aware of the human to earth disconnect, and ignited an interest to help re-create a sense of wonder and 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 more often than not found herself outside in the dirt and under a tree, with an innate affinity for nature and life of all kinds. She studied Viticulture at Cal Poly where she strongly found her calling to be a mode for change in the way of 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 in harmony with the earth. Natalie believes in making play one of her priorities. Getting outside for a hike or in the water for a swim, she values the healing that comes from nature and all its wonder.
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 more often than not found herself outside in the dirt and under a tree, with an innate affinity for nature and life of all kinds. She studied Viticulture at Cal Poly where she strongly found her calling to be a mode for change in the way of 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 in harmony with the earth. Natalie believes in making play one of her priorities. Getting outside for a hike or in the water for a swim, she values the healing that comes from nature and all its wonder.
Miranda Daschian
miranda@onecoolearth.org
Communications and Operations Manager
Miranda is a local of San Luis Obispo county, having attended Atascadero High School and eventually Cal Poly. She graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology (minor in Ethnic Studies) and was a member of the Cal Poly cross country and track and field 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 afterward relaxing in her hammock by the beach. 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 local of San Luis Obispo county, having attended Atascadero High School and eventually Cal Poly. She graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology (minor in Ethnic Studies) and was a member of the Cal Poly cross country and track and field 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 afterward relaxing in her hammock by the beach. 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 the chanterelle, his favorite native salad, 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 the chanterelle, his favorite native salad, 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, Harloe Elementary, Branch Elementary and Nipomo Elementary
Sergio grew up in Hemet California, surrounded by dairy farms and private ranches so his passion for nature started at an early age. After high school, he moved to attend UCLA where he earned his bachelors in geography and environmental studies. While he enjoyed his time there, four years in a big city definitely left him eager to return to his roots. He moved to San Luis Obispo in July 2020 to be closer to his long-time girlfriend and he hasn't looked back since. Now they have a beautiful 2 year old dog named Igor, three rambunctious pet rats named Loco, Lisa, and Berthold and he recently completed his masters degree in agriculture education at Cal Poly. All of these experiences have served to deepen his love for the natural world and the connectivity that is inherent to ecology. As an educator, he hopes to help people see the ways that we are all interconnected and to encourage people to live more empathetically and harmoniously with nature.
sergio@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Hawthorne Elementary, Harloe Elementary, Branch Elementary and Nipomo Elementary
Sergio grew up in Hemet California, surrounded by dairy farms and private ranches so his passion for nature started at an early age. After high school, he moved to attend UCLA where he earned his bachelors in geography and environmental studies. While he enjoyed his time there, four years in a big city definitely left him eager to return to his roots. He moved to San Luis Obispo in July 2020 to be closer to his long-time girlfriend and he hasn't looked back since. Now they have a beautiful 2 year old dog named Igor, three rambunctious pet rats named Loco, Lisa, and Berthold and he recently completed his masters degree in agriculture education at Cal Poly. All of these experiences have served to deepen his love for the natural world and the connectivity that is inherent to ecology. As an educator, he hopes to help people see the ways that we are all interconnected and to encourage people to live more empathetically and 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 then taught science and engineering at a local high school and now tutors and 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 then taught science and engineering at a local high school and now tutors and 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, Glen Speck Elementary 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 the most powerful forces for building healthy communities. It is imperative all children get the opportunity to experience a flourishing garden. She looks forward to being a facilitator of environmental knowledge in her hometown.
Celeste@onecoolearth.org
Regional Coordinator and Educator
Winifred Pifer Elementary, Glen Speck Elementary 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 the most powerful forces for building healthy communities. It is imperative all children get the opportunity to experience a flourishing garden. She looks forward to being a facilitator of environmental knowledge in her hometown.
Garden Educators
Madeline Schechter
Madeline@onecoolearth.org
Pat Butler Elementary , Kermit King Elementary and Atascadero Middle School
Madeline grew up in Templeton, California. From a young age she loved to spend time outdoors in nature. Due to her love for the Central Coast and our beautiful earth, she went to California Polytechnic State University in SLO, 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 that helps reduce the impact we have on our planet. 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. Madeline feels many people these days are disconnected from nature. This is why her goal is to work with the younger generations to help them create a relationship with the natural world and learn ways they can help reduce their impact on it. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, yoga, and cooking up yummy meals with fresh, local ingredients.
Madeline@onecoolearth.org
Pat Butler Elementary , Kermit King Elementary and Atascadero Middle School
Madeline grew up in Templeton, California. From a young age she loved to spend time outdoors in nature. Due to her love for the Central Coast and our beautiful earth, she went to California Polytechnic State University in SLO, 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 that helps reduce the impact we have on our planet. 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. Madeline feels many people these days are disconnected from nature. This is why her goal is to work with the younger generations to help them create a relationship with the natural world and learn ways they can help reduce their impact on it. In her free time she enjoys hiking in the great outdoors, yoga, and cooking up yummy meals with fresh, local ingredients.
Alyssa Checkeye
Alyssa@onecoolearth.org
Mary Buren, Oceano, and Los Ranchos Elementary Schools
Alyssa grew up alongside California's serene central coast. She has been fortunate enough to have the beaches, valleys and hillsides as her playground. She is a mother, food connoisseur, adventurer and lover of the outdoors.
After finishing Hancock College's Culinary program, she furthered her interest in teaching and became a Preschool Teacher. The pandemic then directed her into another path through Social Services, working with foster children and her community. When not working, she enjoys being in nature, working on her garden, staying active, and finding all the hidden gems around the coastline to reconnect.
She looks forward to teaching and growing alongside the youth's hungry minds and busy hands within the garden.
Alyssa@onecoolearth.org
Mary Buren, Oceano, and Los Ranchos Elementary Schools
Alyssa grew up alongside California's serene central coast. She has been fortunate enough to have the beaches, valleys and hillsides as her playground. She is a mother, food connoisseur, adventurer and lover of the outdoors.
After finishing Hancock College's Culinary program, she furthered her interest in teaching and became a Preschool Teacher. The pandemic then directed her into another path through Social Services, working with foster children and her community. When not working, she enjoys being in nature, working on her garden, staying active, and finding all the hidden gems around the coastline to reconnect.
She looks forward to teaching and growing alongside the youth's hungry minds and busy hands within the garden.
Mackenzie Holtog
Mackenzie@onecoolearth.org
San Gabriel and San Benito Elementary Schools
Mackenzie believes in the power of the garden as a place for growing one’s mind, body, spirit, and community. While completing her bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures at UCLA, Mackenzie had the privilege of attending lectures by prominent figures in the food movement such as Alice Waters and Michael Pollan. This lit a spark that has progressively guided her entire life towards sustainability, wellness, food justice, and edible education. Mackenzie has served as a volunteer for The Edible Schoolyard Project, Oakland Based Urban Gardens and, now, One Cool Earth. Since moving to the Central Coast in 2016, Mackenzie has become a student of permaculture, working to grow her green thumb and transforming her own property into an edible paradise. Mackenzie’s garden is her ultimate “happy place” 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 and San Benito Elementary Schools
Mackenzie believes in the power of the garden as a place for growing one’s mind, body, spirit, and community. While completing her bachelor’s degree in World Arts and Cultures at UCLA, Mackenzie had the privilege of attending lectures by prominent figures in the food movement such as Alice Waters and Michael Pollan. This lit a spark that has progressively guided her entire life towards sustainability, wellness, food justice, and edible education. Mackenzie has served as a volunteer for The Edible Schoolyard Project, Oakland Based Urban Gardens and, now, One Cool Earth. Since moving to the Central Coast in 2016, Mackenzie has become a student of permaculture, working to grow her green thumb and transforming her own property into an edible paradise. Mackenzie’s garden is her ultimate “happy place” 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 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Environmental Earth Science. As an undergraduate she conducted geobotany research and enjoyed volunteering at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory, 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 US 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, 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 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Environmental Earth Science. As an undergraduate she conducted geobotany research and enjoyed volunteering at the Cal Poly Plant Conservatory, 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 US 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, 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
I grew up both in Avila beach and Northern California. During my time growing up, I went to 2 charter schools that really allowed me to have a taste of what the great outdoors has to offer. Both schools introduced self exploration and help me to find my passion. From a young age, I knew I only ever wanted to be outside. I loved that my school had incorporated outdoor learning into the normal day- to-day curriculum. When I moved to Colorado in 2017, I went to school for horticulture and soon found an internship at a non-profit called Growing Gardens that opened the door for outdoor education and gardening. I felt I was exactly where I needed to be. After the internship ended I planned to get a job in outdoor education, but, the world had other plans; the pandemic. So, after two years and many life changes, I moved back to SLO county in March 2022 to ground myself. This is when I discovered One Cool Earth! It sounded perfect, just what I was looking for. I immediately applied, received an interview and was welcomed to join the team. It‘s been a whirlwind but, I have the same feeling as I did in my internship. I’m exactly where I need to be. So stoked to be on the OCE garden education team! I love that I get to be outside with the kiddos and give back. Everyone deserves to learn in the garden and experience nature.
sequoia@onecoolearth.org
Virginia Peterson Elementary School and Pat Butler Elementary School
I grew up both in Avila beach and Northern California. During my time growing up, I went to 2 charter schools that really allowed me to have a taste of what the great outdoors has to offer. Both schools introduced self exploration and help me to find my passion. From a young age, I knew I only ever wanted to be outside. I loved that my school had incorporated outdoor learning into the normal day- to-day curriculum. When I moved to Colorado in 2017, I went to school for horticulture and soon found an internship at a non-profit called Growing Gardens that opened the door for outdoor education and gardening. I felt I was exactly where I needed to be. After the internship ended I planned to get a job in outdoor education, but, the world had other plans; the pandemic. So, after two years and many life changes, I moved back to SLO county in March 2022 to ground myself. This is when I discovered One Cool Earth! It sounded perfect, just what I was looking for. I immediately applied, received an interview and was welcomed to join the team. It‘s been a whirlwind but, I have the same feeling as I did in my internship. I’m exactly where I need to be. So stoked to be on the OCE garden education team! I love that I get to be outside with the kiddos and give back. Everyone deserves to learn in the garden and experience nature.
AUSD Farm Team
Brandon Sanders
Irrigation Specialist, AUSD Farm Director
Brandon attended high school in Templeton, and graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies: Conservation and Restoration, and a minor in Biology. Doing so allowed him to reflect on and assess the impacts of the type of 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 after graduating, and began farming vegetables to feed his community, combining prior farming experience from with his new understanding of natural systems and 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.
Irrigation Specialist, AUSD Farm Director
Brandon attended high school in Templeton, and graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Environmental Studies: Conservation and Restoration, and a minor in Biology. Doing so allowed him to reflect on and assess the impacts of the type of 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 after graduating, and began farming vegetables to feed his community, combining prior farming experience from with his new understanding of natural systems and 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.
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 MS in management and leadership from Pepperdine University, a certification in paralegal studies from Cal Poly SLO and a BS 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 MS in management and leadership from Pepperdine University, a certification in paralegal studies from Cal Poly SLO and a BS 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 Bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of science degree in Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University.
Mark completed the certification for Master Gardener in June 2020 and is an avid home gardener as well. 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 Bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of science degree in Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University.
Mark completed the certification for Master Gardener in June 2020 and is an avid home gardener as well. 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 Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management specializing in Community Planning & Sustainable Environments from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. She was the former Education Director of One Cool Earth, and before that a garden educator herself, and is honored to be working with the One Cool Earth team and its greater community again. Victoria and her husband are raising their two daughters in North County of San Luis Obispo, wandering the local creek bed while tracking for animals and identifying plants often. She is very active in the birthwork community and runs her own business The Gardening Doula.
victoriac@onecoolearth.org
Board Member
Victoria earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management specializing in Community Planning & Sustainable Environments from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. She was the former Education Director of One Cool Earth, and before that a garden educator herself, and is honored to be working with the One Cool Earth team and its greater community again. Victoria and her husband are raising their two daughters in North County of San Luis Obispo, wandering the local creek bed while tracking for animals and identifying plants often. She is very active in the birthwork community and runs her own business 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.