Homeless Garden Project

Staff Profiles

	Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director darrieg@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 426-3609, ext 2# Darrie supervises the direction and day-to-day operations of a five member staff and has primary responsibility for vision and planning, fundraising, program direction, financial and staff management, public relations and staff support of HGP Board of Directors. Darrie has been with the Homeless Garden Project since 1991 when she began working one-on-one with Project trainees to help them identify and monitor their goals to move out of homelessness.
	Forrest Cook, Farm Manager forrestc@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 423-1020 Forrest manages the Homeless Garden Project's 3 acre organic farm, overseeing the farm's planning, production and maintenance. Working with the Farm Supervisor, he seeks to create an outstanding small urban farm that not only educates and employs our trainees, but in multiple ways serves the local community as well. With a history both as a farmer and chef , he tries to have fresh sustainable healthy food play a vital role in helping people get back on their feet, find meaningful employment and a home.
	Rachel Cohen, Farm Supervisor rachelc@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 423-1020 Rachel assists with the operation of our agriculture-based job training program, and is responsible for the job-training component of the program. She assists in planning and implementing production and marketing for Natural Bridges Farm, our nursery and WOFE. Rachel brings a strong commitment to social change and more than six years of agricultural experience in the United States, Peru and Haiti.
	Meredith Davis, WOFE – Retail Manager meredithd@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 426-3609, ext 3# Meredith Davis came to the project as an intern in the beginning of 2009 with a background in Art and holistic healing. She took on the position of WOFE's Workshop/ Retail Manager by the year's end. She oversees the winter arts and crafting program, retail operations, organization of WOFE's flower harvest, product production and development. Meredith also works with staff and board members to facilitate marketing and publicity for the Woman's Organic Flower Enterprise.
	Dawn Brandberg, WOFE Supervisor dawnb@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 426-3609, ext 3# Dawn Brandberg is the Workshop Supervisor at the Women's Organic Flower Enterprise (WOFE), our value-added enterprise. With a special emphasis on candlemaking, Dawn assists in all aspects of the WOFE program from harvest to placement in our store, including job training, trainee support and production.
	Lillian Kingsley, Development Associate lilliank@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 426-3609, ext 1# Lily assists the executive director with fundraising strategy, execution, and management. Lily started working with the Project last year. She feels a sense of belonging and purpose here, helping people in the community she grew up in.
	Kelly Mercer, Volunteer Coordinator (Americorps Position) kellym@homelessgardenproject.org (831) 426-3609, ext 0# Kelly is our Volunteer Coordinator through Americorps, a national service organization. Her main duties include recruitment, developing a sustainable volunteer program, facilitating our internship program and outreach within the community. Kelly is originally from New Hampshire and has gained experience through her research around the world studying the effects of globalization, her work with Equality California in San Francisco and her involvement with numerous political campaigns.