Donna Garnett
Board of Directors - President
Donna Garnett is the CEO of Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC), leading initiatives like the $97M FreshLo HUB cultural arts center and affordable housing project. She is an experienced nonprofit consultant, grant writer, and advocate who has helped communities secure over $400M in funding. Donna co-founded several urban farms and organizations dedicated to teaching children about agriculture and food access. She holds degrees from the University of Alabama, Colorado State University, and is PhD-ABD from the University of Denver. Donna is active in numerous food access coalitions and leads collaborative efforts to expand healthy food markets in Denver.
Gretchen Hubbard
Board Member
Gretchen enjoys working outdoors with horses and gardening. She finds it very fulfilling to teach children about where their food comes from. Gretchen is passionate about connecting kids to nature and healthy eating through hands-on experiences.
Jessie Boukarim
Board Member
Jessie's love for gardening began in his village in Lebanon, where he learned from his grandmother the importance of growing quality produce and sharing with the community. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in nutrition and food sciences. Jessie has worked with community-based nonprofits and inner-city schools in Rhode Island and now serves as an educator in Colorado. He is committed to creating opportunities for all students to learn about gardening, bridging gaps in food access, and fostering collaboration across diverse communities.
Kelly Goalz
Board of Directors - Secretary
Kelly Goelz is a lifelong gardener who believes every child should connect with the earth by getting their hands in the soil. She joined Children’s Farms in Action’s board to help nurture kids’ curiosity, confidence, and connection to food. When not gardening, Kelly works in research and enjoys finding creative ways to support community programs.
Mary Ann Bash
Board Member
Mary Ann Bash has spent over 21 years gardening with students, families, and infants in Montbello. She integrates daily literacy and science lessons through gardening, summer programs, and after-school cooking classes. Mary Ann has collaborated with leaders like Alice Waters and Ron Finley to inspire youth. Many students have gone on to pursue culinary and landscaping careers because of their gardening experiences.
Mary Etta Curtis
Board of Directors - Treasurer
Mary Etta Curtis loves golf, gardening, and her work with Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) and Children's Farms in Action. She is deeply committed to supporting community initiatives that improve local quality of life.
Mersi Canales
Board Member
Mersi is passionate about advocating for the community and helping people find resources. She enjoys working with both youth and older adults and is a proud mother of a 16-year-old teenager. Mersi loves working at summer camps with children and adolescents, supporting their growth and development.
Verenice Galvan
Board Member
Verenice Galvan is passionate about building and fostering connections with community members. She is always open to opportunities to build new skills to serve the community! She has helped build raised garden beds for families across Colorado, providing plants, mulch, and essential supplies. Verenice also supports a community garden where youth and teens learn about the world around them – growing food, learning about videography, catching grasshoppers, pulling weeds, assisting with mulching, and creating community.
Becca Harley
Staff - Director
As the Director of Children’s Farms in Action, Becca manages the growing and educational programs at the Montbello Urban Farm, which provides fresh produce for the community. She also facilitates several school-based and community garden programs. Becca is a farmer, educator, and food access advocate with experience in farm management and youth education. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, focusing on agroecology, food systems, and social work. Becca is passionate about land stewardship, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
Namiah Hope
Staff - Intern Manager
Namiah is the Intern Manager for Children’s Farms in Action. Her role includes recruiting and engaging youth interns to help provide food resources to the community and partnering with the Struggle of Love Foundation to distribute fresh produce through their food pantry. Namiah also engages with community members and groups as a Community Engagement Specialist for Montbello Organizing Committee. A Montbello native, Namiah is passionate about serving the community where she grew up.
Ronald Taylor
Staff - Farm Assistant