In 2012 I graduated from Portland State University with a major in geology and special studies in soil science. Already an avid gardener, this opened my eyes to the impacts of the growing industry on the environment and how our small actions add up. While I went on with a career in geospatial science, my real work was volunteering on evenings and weekends for over a decade with many Portland area growing groups, like the Urban Farm Collective and the Portland Community Gardens. This includes obtaining a Certificate of Home Horticulture through the OSU Master Gardener’s program where I volunteered leading education groups at the zoo and other Portland area learning gardens. I began teaching community classes in soil science, nutrients and fertilizer, garden planning, and crafts at the Portland Nursery. Bringing people together, empowering others to grow food, and growing community resilience is what it’s all about for me. A few years ago, I returned to the Olympic Peninsula and started a small family. I can’t wait to share what I can, but more importantly to meet people in the gardening community.