Julia Johannesen
Executive Director
execdirector@classroominbloom.org
Rooted in a lifelong passion for nutrition and gardening, I believe deeply in food as a bridge to health, well-being, and connection. I feel honored to draw on my eclectic background in nutrition, sustainable food systems, outdoor education, nursing, and public health to support an organization where the act of growing and sharing food sparks curiosity, grounds students in nature, and nurtures meaningful relationships. I’m grateful to be part of a community that grows both food and connection!
Lindsey Ashford
Farm Assistant
I joined the CiB team to bring together all my past working experiences and life long love of gardening in this amazing school garden. I am excited to get middle and high schoolers into the garden through a variety of creative ways, while navigating children’s connections and wonder into a deeper relationship with our food source and the land. Being outside everyday and sharing my love for all things growing is icing on the cake!
Macy Cunningham
Okanogan School Garden Coordinator
I'm an outdoor educator by trade, having led extended canoeing and rock-climbing trips in Colardo, Alaska, and as far south as Chilean Patagonia! Moving to the Methow Valley was my first step in "growing roots" in one place. I am inspired by the wealth of local food and agricultural knowledge in this valley. I continue to be amazed by the students in the Okanogan County and how much they love their school gardens, and all of the tasty treats that come from the soil. I hope to see you in the garden! You can find me reading a book or playing a game with school kids, or snacking off the vine in the raspberry rows.
Miles Griffin
Food and Farm Manager
While teaching in various experiential settings, I could not help but grow food so I squeezed farming into my summers and weekends. Now, after growing produce in the Methow Valley for years, Classroom in Bloom offers a beautiful mix of educational and agricultural passions. I’m ecstatic to be a part of our students’ process of becoming more deeply connected to their food and the process of how it’s brought to their table; hopefully one shared with many!
Malcolm Griffes
Youth Education Facilitator
My experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings combined with my passion for nature and the environment led me to Classroom in Bloom where I am stoked to be able to share our garden space, nature classroom, and nutritious produce with students in the Methow Valley. Every day and season in the garden provides a new opportunity for connecting wtih our natrual world through observation, action, and learning. Working in the space with our amazing group of farmers, teachers, and of course, students, is amazing season-to-season!
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STAff who have helped us grow over the years:
Anaka Mines and Lexi Koch-Founders and Executive Directors, Tori Karpenko–Garden Coordinator, Paul Smotherman–Compost Educator, Alexa Whipple–Garden Coordinator, Nick Allgood–Compost Educator, Katharine Bill-Executive Director, Kate Posey-Executive Director, Annie McKay–Garden Coordinator, Aspen Kvicala–Garden Coordinator, Ramsey Berbawy–Teen Educator, Joe Talbert–Teen Educator, Max Thomas–Elementary Educator Coordinator, Cailyn Brierley–Elementary Educator Coordinator, Jim Anderson–Okanogan Garden Coordinator,
Emily Post - Garden Manager for 10yrs, Amber Kauffman–Okanogan Garden Coordinator; Jane Strader-Teen Programs.
