STAFF
Al Brown, Farm to School Apprentice
al@gardencityharvest.org
Al was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She grew up immersed in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, walking through the old growth forests and splashing through alpine lakes. She went on to receive her BA in Environmental Science and Sustainability at the University of Montana, along with minors in Climate Change Studies and Ecological Restoration. During her time there she was involved with the PEAS program, fueling her passion for plants and people. With her new found love for sustainable agriculture and food access she is continuing her life of learning with Garden City Harvest as a Farm to School Apprentice.
Liam Cody, Orchard Gardens Farm Director
Liam grew up in Ithaca, NY. In his work across many small farms he has grown vegetables, rooftop succulents, and tended to bees. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. Liam has taught in college classrooms and been a mentor and cross country coach to high schoolers. He likes board and card games, podcasts, a good book and a good trail run.
Dylan Conlin, River Road Farmstead Caretaker
Dylan started with GCH in the summer of 2021. Fresh to the world of farming, he has found digging in the dirt to be great fun! Raised in Salt Lake City, he had some exposure to the great outdoors. That exposure led to a passion, and that passion led to living in a van and working seasonally, travelling in between jobs. Dylan has spent some time in the Southwest desert, Oregon, Arkansas, and now right here in Missoula! When he isn’t pullin’ weeds or pickin’ tomatoes, you can usually find him riding his bike, hanging at the climbing gym, or slappin’ some bass.
Meredith Dahlk, Youth Farm Coordinator
meredith@gardencityharvest.org
Meredith was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin and has a degree in Environmental Science from UW Madison. She moved to Missoula for an AmeriCorps position in early 2020 and has been in Missoula since! This is her first season at Garden City Harvest and the Youth Farm. Outside of the farm, she enjoys baking, reading, and hiking around Montana.
Anna de St. Aubin, Development Manager
When Anna first moved to Missoula, the first thing she did was visit Garden City Harvest! She grew up in Utah, received her degree in Environmental Science at the University of Utah, and dived into work with both at an elementary school garden and working with one of our sister organizations there (Wasatch Community Gardens!). Garden City Harvest felt like a place that shared her values of growing food and celebrating community. Anna brings a breadth of experience to this position, from management experience at The Dram Shop, a depth of nonprofit knowledge, and some mad skills in the kitchen.
Rye Dickson, Community Gardens Coordinator
Born and raised in Missoula, Rye loves spending most of their time outdoors. They earned degrees in Environmental Studies and Biology from the University of Montana where they were introduced to Garden City Harvest through farming and education internships at the PEAS farm. Rye has spent the past eight years researching native bees and plants in Montana, Argentina, Kenya and Colorado. They have also worked for several non-profits as an outdoor educator and veggie farmer. They are excited to delve back into the local food system where they want to combine loves for community, education, science, and all other things related to eating and growing food.
Henry DiClementi, School Gardens Manager
Henry was raised outside Chicago, IL where he spent his summers jumping in Lake Michigan and growing tomatoes in the backyard with his dad. He received his Bachelor Degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Northern Michigan University, and began farming on a small family farm. After five seasons of farming, Henry took his experience to the Chicago Botanic Gardens as an assistant horticulturist, honing his skills while educating visitors. He moved to Missoula in 2021 and dove into working with youth on place-based education He believes that healthy food and access to the natural world are resources all kids should be able to access. Joining the Farm to School team brings all these skills and passions together! When Henry doesn't have his hands in the dirt, he spends his time walking by the river, painting, and dreaming of his next adventure.
Aggie Fredette, Youth Farm Assistant
Aggie was born and raised in the mountains of Vermont where her first job was on an organic garlic farm. In the spring of 2019, after completing a five week cross country roadtrip across the US, she settled in Missoula to pursue her sustainable agriculture internship at Clark Fork Organics. Aggie holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in Photojournalism from Northern Vermont University, where her passion for sustainable farming, food sovereignty, and education outreach flourished during her time as a trip leader for her school's Break Away volunteer service trip program. When she’s not working in the soil or cooking up meals at the Youth Farm, Aggie enjoys getting funky to some live music, experimenting in the kitchen, foraging for wild edible plants, practicing fire spinning, and jumping into mountain top lakes.
Maggie Gammons, PEAS Farm Caretaker
maggiegammons@gardencityharvest.org
Maggie was born and raised in Butte, MT, but has been happy to call Missoula home for the past 5 years. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Montana, where she developed a deep love for community agriculture. A big-time plant nerd, Maggie has many seasons of farming and gardening under her belt and is excited to be the new PEAS Farm Caretaker. When she isn’t poking plants, she loves playing fiddle, experimenting in the kitchen, and cuddling her big orange cat.
Hadley Gideon, Orchard Gardens Farm Assistant
Hadley was born and raised in Hamilton, MT where, in high school, they participated in a summer internship program at Homestead Organics Farm. There, they were introduced to organic farming and their love for it grew. They went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. Along the way, Hadley continued working on farms, starting with Garden City Harvest as an intern at the PEAS farm, then moved to Orchard Gardens in 2019 as an apprentice and is now an assistant. They have also worked in the greenhouse at Caras Nursery for several years. In their free time, Hadley likes spending time with their two black cats, taking care of their houseplants, cooking, and roller skating.
Katie Halloran, Youth Farm Apprentice
Katie grew up in Butte, MT, and studied English and Environmental Studies at Gonzaga University. Before moving to Missoula in 2016, she spent time in various places as an Americorps volunteer, teaching preschool, and managing Farm to School efforts at a non-profit organization. Before joining the Youth Farm staff, she was a full time parent to her three boys. Her family were CSA members for three years before she started in 2021 as the Youth Farm Apprentice. All three of her boys like to come along for pick up, especially on strawberry days.
Miriam Harris, Orchard Gardens Farm Assistant
Miriam grew up in Salt Lake City and moved to Missoula in 2014 to pursue a degree in environmental studies at the University of Montana, where she was introduced to the world of sustainable agriculture through the PEAS Farm program. After graduation, she continued on at the PEAS Farm as the caretaker for three seasons, where her love for farming grew. After working at Clark Fork Organics for a season, she’s returned to Garden City Harvest as one of the farm assistants. When not working, Miriam enjoys making art, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Emily Kern Swaffar, Community Gardens Director
Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Emily earned a degree in landscape architecture from Colorado State University before discovering the wilds and wonders of Montana. Her love of all plants has provided her with a variety of professional experiences around the West, including wilderness trip-leading, ecology research, farming, permaculture and landscape design. Emily has been involved with the community garden program as a gardener, leadership committee member and compost instructor. She encourages everyone to grow some of their own food and to have fun doing so!
Laura Lee, Bookkeeper
Laura is a long time keeper of nonprofit and for profit books. She keeps Garden City Harvest’s finances ship-shape. In her free time, she and two of her three sons play with swords (in other words, she is the Director of the Missoula Fencing Association).
Jason Mandala, Farm to School Director
406.239.5524
Jason has been the Garden City Harvest Farm to School Director since 2007. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana with a focus on place-based education and sustainable agriculture, and believes the food we choose to eat at each meal is one the most important decisions we make each day. When not working at the farms or in school gardens Jason likes spending his time mushroom hunting, fishing, traveling, and cooking.
Genevieve Jessop Marsh, Outreach and Impact Director
406.550.3663
genevieve@gardencityharvest.org
Genevieve hails from the piedmont of North Carolina. She fell in love with sustainable agriculture in Vermont, and studied the subject in Missoula, Montana where she earned her Master’s of Science while Missoula wormed its way into her heart. Prior to joining the Garden City Harvest crew, she worked for the Intervale Center, Sierra Nevada Alliance, Lake Champlain Land Trust and Audubon Society of Portland. She enjoys adventures with her family of three (plus Sage the wonder dog) that require a good set of walking shoes. And, of course, tinkering in the garden and always making a mess in the kitchen.
Lou Mitchell, Farm to School Apprentice
Lou is a Missoula native and grew up exploring the streams and living ecosystems throughout the Missoula valley. As an avid rock collector, insect admirer, and fruit lover, Lou at an early age decided she wanted to build a career around outdoor education in her community. In 2023, Lou received a BA in Philosophy with a minor in Environmental Studies from Boise State University. Lou is driven by sustainability efforts and wants to continue her work in the sector of urban garden development. Lou believes she will be a lifelong learner and educator. At Garden City Harvest, Lou is fulfilling her dream by combining her passion for outdoor recreation and love of early developmental education as a Farm to School Apprentice.
Shane O’Leary, Youth Farm Director
Shane grew up in the small mountain resort town of Whitefish, Montana (before it became the boutique “mini Aspen, Colorado” of today!). After graduating from the University of Montana with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science, he pursued two very different but extremely formative career paths, organic vegetable production and social work. He has worked on vegetable production farms in Montana and Washington and has worked with youth in both group home and public school settings, and brings those two paths together as the manager of the Youth Farm. His experiences in both of these fields have put in high relief the all-encompassing need for connection and compassion. When he is not gardening or mentoring youth, he is making his way through a great novel, exploring wild places, spending time with dear friends, or passing the time with a favorite album.
Trace Potter, Youth Farm Assistant
A Missoula native, Trace Potter has been a mainstay at Garden City Harvest’s Youth Farm since 2010. Trace started out as a member of the youth employee crew and built their considerable skills over time to become the Youth Farm apprentice. With close to a decade of experience farming this site, Trace is an invaluable member of the team. When they’re not helping run the show at the Youth Farm, Trace can be found hiking, tending to their cat Ashes, or getting lost in a good book.
Greg Price, River Road Farm Director
406.240.3848
Greg has served as the River Road Neighborhood Farm and Community Garden Manager since 2002. Under his management, the farm produces more than 30,000 pounds of food in an annual growing season averaging just 120 days. In a past life, Greg cooked for and managed the kitchen of Second Thought Restaurant. He now uses his kitchen creativity in cooking up the menu for Garden City Harvest’s Wintergreens locally grown supper and fundraiser. Greg is a great advocate for grizzly bears and loves a good funk band.(Photo by Athena Photography.)
Alexi Rampp-Taft, River Road Farm Apprentice
Alexi grew up in Sequim, Washington. She moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana where she is currently pursuing degrees in environmental studies and art. Alexi has had previous experience working at a lavender farm and at a vegetable farm on the Olympic Peninsula. This is her first season working at Garden City Harvest as a farm apprentice. In her free time she enjoys biking, backpacking, snowboarding, and going on long hikes with her dog.
Tara Santi, Community Gardens Coordinator
Originally from Golden, Colorado, Tara fell in love with growing food while working at the educational garden at Middlebury College, where she earned a degree in Environmental Studies and Sociology and Anthropology. She moved to Missoula to work at Missoula Grain & Vegetable Co. and learn the ins and outs of vegetable farming year-round in Montana. She believes that accessible local food, sustainable growing practices, and strong communities of care are foundational in our efforts to address climate change. In her free time, Tara plays ultimate frisbee, gardens, hikes, works out, reads, and plans fun things to do with her friends.
Ethan Smith, Operations Director
406.240.3506
Ethan has a Master’s of Science from the University of Montana and works to keep Garden City Harvest facilities and general operations running smoothly – especially at the PEAS Farm. He enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and lying in the summer sun with his daughters, Harley and Wylie.
Caroline Stephens, PEAS Farm Lecturer
502.797.8266
caroline@gardencityharvest.org
Caroline Stephens was raised in the bluegrass region of Kentucky. She got her introduction to farming back in Kentucky and then moved west to pursue her M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, where her research addressed the history of drought management on grain farms in central Montana. After graduate school, she managed vegetable production at Foothill Farm. She and her wife also serve as caretakers at the Moon-Randolph Homestead in Missoula. Today, she is thrilled to be farming alongside UM students at the PEAS Farm. Off the farm, she loves skiing, walking, and biking in the mountains and making food for friends and family. (Photo by Teal Barmore)
Dave Victor, PEAS Farm Director
406.240.7590
Dave is a lover of plants and the soil that sustains them. He has a Master's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana where he focused on seed saving at the River Road Farm. Off the farm, he enjoys tending to his red worms, riding his bike down dirt roads, and spending time with his son Otis.
Ian Wilder, River Road Farm Field Manager
Ian started with us in 2015 as the PEAS Farm Caretaker while he was an undergraduate at the University of Montana. He now works at River Road as Field Manager, helping plan, nourish and harvest the fields and educate and work with the many volunteers.
Peter Wilson, PEAS Farm Field Manager
Peter grew up in Portland, Oregon, and spent most of his childhood surrounded by plants at his grandparents’ nursery. Peter spent summers running around the greenhouses and garden store and working with his sisters and cousins for his grandparents. He moved to Missoula in 2011 to attend the University of Montana and got his degree in Philosophy with a minor in Environmental Studies. He started at the PEAS Farm as a summer intern and later became caretaker at the PEAS Farm, and now the PEAS Farm Assistant. When he isn’t up at the farm he enjoys fishing, hunting, biking, and of course yoyo-ing!
Jean Zosel, Executive Director
406.239.3555
Jean grew up in a small farming community in the Midwest where she first learned the value of community and of neighbor helping neighbor. Those values exist at Garden City Harvest as well, and are a part of what drew her to this job in 2011. Prior to joining Garden City Harvest, Jean worked for KECI-TV, starting at the ground level and working her way up to Station Manager of a 3-station working group. She has served on a number of nonprofit boards including the YWCA, NCBI, Run Wild Missoula, and the Women’s Hockey Association of Missoula (WHAM). She currently serves on the MAYHA board that is affiliated with Glacier Ice Rink. Jean has coached youth soccer for more than 25 years in Missoula, and enjoys playing ice hockey.