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Staff
Jennifer Papa
Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer leads all aspects of the organization from program development and property enhancements to fundraising and strategic planning, forging a positive path forward for local food systems, while using the beauty and enchantment of public garden and farm installations to inspire new pride in communities, change the personal and public experience of urban life, and ensure good food for all.
Jasmine Moreano
Director of Community Engagement & Advocacy
Jasmine fosters community participation and collaboration in the greening and beautification efforts that liven our cities and neighborhoods and oversees all food access initiatives ensuring affordable, local, farm-fresh food is available to everyone.
Lisa Martin
Director of Food Access
Lisa connects the community to Jersey-fresh, local produce through City Green’s farm stands and mobile markets while increasing affordability for low-income families through a double bucks program at our own markets and others around the state.
Henry Anderson
Director of Agriculture
Henry is responsible for the planning, management and organic cultivation of City Green’s farm in Clifton, while overseeing the farming operation at City Green’s Farm at South Branch Preserve in support of our food access program. Henry also cultivates public participation in community-based regenerative agriculture.
Liz Kleisner
Director of Community Horticulture
Liz is responsible for educational programming and the vegetable and perennial gardens at the Farm Eco-Center, our Learning Garden in Paterson, and all of our City Sprouts children’s gardens in support of nature exploration and outdoor garden education.
Joseph Lynch
Farm Director, South Branch
Joe is responsible for planning, management and organic cultivation of over 25 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and fruit at City Green Farms at South Branch Preserve. He oversees the care of all machinery and equipment, while also building out the infrastructure of this new 12 acre farm.
Alex Caroleo
Farm Market Director
Alex manages City Green’s farm stands, Veggie Mobile markets, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs to ensure food access and affordability throughout Clifton, Paterson, Passaic, and our other neighboring communities.
Emily Jacobi
Farm Manager, South Branch
Emily supports all aspects of the South Branch farm operation from seed to harvest, ensuring an efficient and productive growing season.
Isabel Anderson
Farm Manager, Clifton & Agricultural Education Coordinator
Isabel supports all aspects of the Clifton farm operation from seed to harvest, ensuring an efficient and productive growing season. In the summer Isabel is a Growing Strong Crew Leader, mentoring teens in our youth development program.
Lia Italiano
Grant Manager
Lia tracks City Green’s portfolio of foundation and government funders, ensuring funds and contracts are successfully administered for all City Green awards. Lia assists in the fiscal management, budget development, and evaluation of City Green’s grant funded programs and projects.
Robbie Economou
Good Food Bucks Manager
Robbie coordinates City Green's Good Food Bucks program, New Jersey's only statewide nutrition initiative program. He works with farmers, farmers’ markets, and grocery stores throughout the state to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible for New Jersey residents.
Erin Baniaga
Administrative and Volunteer Manager
Erin makes sure that City Green’s day to day operations are running efficiently and smoothly! She also serves as the point person for events, volunteers, and fundraising initiatives at the organization.
Kirsten Yascko
Youth Program Manager
Kirsten oversees City Green’s youth gardening education programs, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students at our educational gardens and partner sites. She creates engaging lessons and field trips that connect young learners to nature. Kirsten also supports a network of teachers and educators who run their own school gardens or outdoor classrooms by providing curriculum support, garden troubleshooting, and more!
Miranda Madrazo
Teen and Community Garden Program Manager
Miranda manages City Green's Teen and Community Garden programs. She works with school, garden groups, and organizations throughout the region to support their efforts in creating community garden spaces of their own. Miranda also operates City Green’s Youth Climate Change Collective and academic eco-learning experience for teens and Growing Strong, a paid youth development opportunity for teens.
Kelly Bedoya
Farm and Garden Facilities Coordinator
Kelly Bedoya joins us as the Farm and Garden Facilities Coordinator. Kelly will oversee and maintain City Green’s properties, buildings and equipment to ensure that the workspace is safe, functional, and serves the organization and program staff’s needs.
Karen Myers
Head Gardener
Karen Myers is City Green's new Head Gardener. Karen will oversee the maintenance of the vegetable and perennial gardens at the City Green Farm Eco-Center, Learning Garden in Eastside Park and additional urban satellite gardens in the community. She will also work alongside volunteers, youth educators and interns in support of community programs.
Briana Valdez
Youth Program Associate
Briana supports City Green’s youth education programs, including afterschool & summer garden programs, school field trips, and Storytime in the Garden. She connects our youngest learners with nature through enriching hands on garden based activities.
Chase Barnes
Good Food Bucks Communications and Outreach Associate
Chase supports City Green’s Good Food Bucks program by promoting nutrition incentives at farmers markets and fresh-food retailers statewide. They visit markets and retailers across New Jersey, creat online content and social media posts to spread the word about Good Food Bucks.
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