I’ve always been the kind of person who can’t walk past a garden bed without stopping to pull a weed or check what’s sprouting. Even as a kid, I was happiest with dirt under my nails! Some of my earliest memories come from my grandparents’ homestead-style farm—running around barefoot, eating cherry tomatoes straight off the vine, and being chased by their ducks, Mork and Mindy. Looking back, it’s no surprise that I grew up loving nature, learning, and anything that gets people outside.
That love carried me to the University of Maryland, where I earned my degree in Natural Resources Management and Environmental Education. After graduating, I jumped right into the nonprofit world with the Audubon Naturalist Society (now Nature Forward). I eventually became the Children and Family Program Director, spending my days creating hands-on programs and watching kids light up when they discovered something new.
In 2009, I moved to Annapolis and joined the Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park as Education Director. During my time there, our programs grew from serving 3,000 youths annually to more than 12,000. I helped launch the museum’s summer camp, transform the Park Campus into a full Education Center, and contribute to the development of the museum’s current exhibit. It was busy, meaningful, and incredibly rewarding work.
After stepping back for a few years to be home with my now‑five-year-old, I found myself missing the energy and purpose of nonprofit life. When I discovered Joy Grows, it felt like everything clicked into place. Their mission blends two of my biggest passions—ecology and informal learning—in a way that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
What really drew me in was the idea of creating a community garden. There’s something powerful about giving kids, especially kids who live in the city, a chance to dig in the dirt or taste something they grew themselves. Those experiences shaped my passions, and the idea of helping create those same moments for others feels incredibly meaningful. I’m thrilled to be supporting Joy Grows with program development and to jump in on grants and communications whenever needed. One of my favorite things about nonprofits is wearing lots of hats, and I’m looking forward to bringing that same spirit here.
Outside of work, I’m a plant lover with more than 25 houseplants and a native garden. I live in Eastport with my husband, 5-year-old son, two dogs, a very cute leopard gecko, and lots of fish. And if I’m not outside, I’m probably planning my next gardening project or trying to convince my family that we really do have room for another plant.
