Rita was born and raised in East Side San Jose and attended Evergreen Valley College before transferring to San Jose State University. Rita is a recent graduate of SJSU, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Sustainable Water Resource and focus in Agriculture. While attending SJSU, Rita participated in the UC Master Gardener Program, a public service and outreach program under the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, she received her credentials as a Master Gardener by participating with the UC Cooperative Extension program. Rita grew up on her grandparent's farm. She believes that everybody should have access to healthy affordable fresh produce. As the Shared Garden and Deep Roots Program Manager, Rita's goal is to help families develop a passion for sustainable urban gardening physically and mentally, and overall help families develop a personal healthy lifestyle. 

Marlene is a recent San Jose State University graduate, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Environmental Restoration. Growing up, Marlene enjoyed visiting her grandparent's farm in Mexico, where they would grow strawberries, corn, tomatoes, and garbanzo beans. She previously worked at a farm where she loved spending time with calves and adorable little chicks. Marlene enjoys working outdoors and feeling the soil in her hands. As a Shared Garden Program Coordinator, she is excited to help families develop a healthy lifestyle and love for organic and sustainable gardening. 

Ana Luiza was born and raised in Brazil before moving with her family to the US. She lived on a ranch in Brazil for many years breeding horses. She is passionate about gardening and graphic design. She has a bachelor degree in Journalism from Brazil and she is a UC Master Gardener. Currently she is pursuing her associate degree in Horticulture and Landscape design at Foothill College. She is the garden liaison for Rinconada Community Garden in Palo Alto for the past 8 years and she loves to take care of her own plot in her free time. Gardening and helping people with their own vegetable gardens are by far her favorite activities. She thinks people need more time with nature, getting to know the soil, plants, animals and their benefits. 

Cristal was born and raised in the vibrant city of San Jose and is pursuing her Bachelor's degree in communications. Her love for plants began as a little girl watching her grandmother in her garden. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a profound creative expression. Cristal is thrilled to be a part of an organization that shares her passion for nurturing a more profound appreciation, which we call home. She loves nature and is dedicated to positively impacting communities through her love of plants for a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. 

Keira has enjoyed working in community gardens, eating fresh-grown produce, and teaching kids about food systems. She believes that gardening can help strengthen our relationships with our local environment, our waste, the food that we eat, and the people we share food with. Whenever she can, Keira loves spending time in forests, tide pools, and gardens.

Erik was born and raised in the Bay Area and has always had an interest in plants and gardening. After graduating from the University of Hawai’i, Manoa, in 2016 with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management, he went on to work on a number of different organic farms including a specialty produce farm growing primarily for restaurants through the Bay. Most recently, he worked on a farm animal rescue ranch, where he worked with rescued animals traditionally in the farmed animal industry. When not in a garden or on a farm, he enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors by backpacking, camping, or hiking while attempting to identify all the plants he passes. He is excited to be back working with plants at Valley Verde, and is excited to work with and build community in San Jose.