STAFF

Kyle Adams, Youth Farm Intern A Butte native who grew up in Minnesota near a dairy farm, Kyle returned to Montana to finish up his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana in 2014.  As a student in the Environmental Studies program, Kyle was presented with the opportunities to work on campus developing native plant gardens around the Payne Family Native American Center and participate in small scale organic farming on the University’s various cultivated land plots.  On the weekends, the wild Kyle can be seen in his natural environment catching excessive amounts of trout, with a spin rod, on the rivers around Missoula.

Kyle Adams, Youth Farm Intern

A Butte native who grew up in Minnesota near a dairy farm, Kyle returned to Montana to finish up his undergraduate degree at the University of Montana in 2014.  As a student in the Environmental Studies program, Kyle was presented with the opportunities to work on campus developing native plant gardens around the Payne Family Native American Center and participate in small scale organic farming on the University’s various cultivated land plots.  On the weekends, the wild Kyle can be seen in his natural environment catching excessive amounts of trout, with a spin rod, on the rivers around Missoula.

Rachel Ariaz, Youth Harvest Project Youth Manager rachel@gardencityharvest.org

Rachel Ariaz, Youth Harvest Project Youth Manager

rachel@gardencityharvest.org

Erin Benefiel, Administrative Coordinator erin@gardencityharvest.org Originally from Carbondale, Illinois, Erin grew up playing in the woods of the Shawnee National Forest and working in her Grandmother’s garden. She recently moved to Missoula from rainy Ketchikan, Alaska where she spent 7 years helping run a snorkeling and scuba diving tour. Yes, you can snorkel in Alaska! Since moving to Montana Erin has taken up fly fishing and cross country skiing. Erin studied Art History in college and in her free time she designs and sews clothing.

Erin Benefiel, Administrative Coordinator

erin@gardencityharvest.org

Originally from Carbondale, Illinois, Erin grew up playing in the woods of the Shawnee National Forest and working in her Grandmother’s garden. She recently moved to Missoula from rainy Ketchikan, Alaska where she spent 7 years helping run a snorkeling and scuba diving tour. Yes, you can snorkel in Alaska! Since moving to Montana Erin has taken up fly fishing and cross country skiing. Erin studied Art History in college and in her free time she designs and sews clothing.

 
Heide Borgonovo, Marketing & Outreach Intern heide@gardencityharvest.org Originally from San Francisco, Heide moved to Missoula to study Journalism at the University of Montana, with a focus on audio and social media. She grew up attending a Waldorf school so gardening and outdoor play were essential parts of her childhood. Heide is also an employee with UM Housing and is a leader in that community and enjoys helping freshmen adjust to life on campus. With only one year left in her studies, Heide is excited to try new things and to get her feet wet in the professional world, especially with non-profits. In her free time she enjoys learning to cook, exploring Missoula’s many local businesses and reading a good mystery novel.

Heide Borgonovo, Marketing & Outreach Intern

heide@gardencityharvest.org

Originally from San Francisco, Heide moved to Missoula to study Journalism at the University of Montana, with a focus on audio and social media. She grew up attending a Waldorf school so gardening and outdoor play were essential parts of her childhood. Heide is also an employee with UM Housing and is a leader in that community and enjoys helping freshmen adjust to life on campus. With only one year left in her studies, Heide is excited to try new things and to get her feet wet in the professional world, especially with non-profits. In her free time she enjoys learning to cook, exploring Missoula’s many local businesses and reading a good mystery novel.

Samantha Cypher, Youth Farm Field Manager 406.660.0661 ·  samantha@gardencityharvest.org Samantha came to Missoula from the big sky country of southwestern Montana to pursue an education in Visual Art. There, she found herself growing an interest in food and community which landed her interning at the PEAS Farm and pursuing an Environmental Studies minor. She started with Garden City Harvest as the PEAS Farm caretaker, spent some time as the River Road Farm Assistant and now is managing operations at Youth Farm. When she’s not watching the magic happen in the greenhouse or out in the fields, she enjoys outdoor adventure, sewing, making art, cooking, biking, and good books.

Samantha Cypher, Youth Farm Field Manager

406.660.0661 · samantha@gardencityharvest.org

Samantha came to Missoula from the big sky country of southwestern Montana to pursue an education in Visual Art. There, she found herself growing an interest in food and community which landed her interning at the PEAS Farm and pursuing an Environmental Studies minor. She started with Garden City Harvest as the PEAS Farm caretaker, spent some time as the River Road Farm Assistant and now is managing operations at Youth Farm. When she’s not watching the magic happen in the greenhouse or out in the fields, she enjoys outdoor adventure, sewing, making art, cooking, biking, and good books.

Sophie Frank, Community Gardens Intern sophie@gardencityharvest.org Sophie found her way to Missoula from Minnesota and is so happy to call this valley community home. After spending the past decade dabbling in work with sustainable agriculture, community building, and adult education she is now working towards an M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. When she doesn’t have her hands in the dirt you can find her hiking, quilting, tinkering in the kitchen, and teaching herself new crafts.  

Sophie Frank, Community Gardens Intern

sophie@gardencityharvest.org

Sophie found her way to Missoula from Minnesota and is so happy to call this valley community home. After spending the past decade dabbling in work with sustainable agriculture, community building, and adult education she is now working towards an M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. When she doesn’t have her hands in the dirt you can find her hiking, quilting, tinkering in the kitchen, and teaching herself new crafts.

 

 
Lori Gambardella, Farm to School Gardens Manager lori@gardencityharvest.org Lori grew up in Connecticut, but was called to Vermont’s Green Mountains for college. After graduating from UVM, she spent a season as farm apprentice in Maine. During these 5 months spent living in an electricity-free trailer in the woods, she fell in love with growing food. From there, Lori went on to work on a teaching farm on Martha’s Vineyard, start a high school ag program in Connecticut, tend to school gardens and teach high school science in Colorado. In 2016 she moved to Missoula, and can be found mountain biking, snowboarding, sewing, and generally recreating outdoors. She has an Environmental Studies degree from the University of Vermont, and a Master’s degree in Education from Western State Colorado University.

Lori Gambardella, Farm to School Gardens Manager

lori@gardencityharvest.org

Lori grew up in Connecticut, but was called to Vermont’s Green Mountains for college. After graduating from UVM, she spent a season as farm apprentice in Maine. During these 5 months spent living in an electricity-free trailer in the woods, she fell in love with growing food. From there, Lori went on to work on a teaching farm on Martha’s Vineyard, start a high school ag program in Connecticut, tend to school gardens and teach high school science in Colorado. In 2016 she moved to Missoula, and can be found mountain biking, snowboarding, sewing, and generally recreating outdoors. She has an Environmental Studies degree from the University of Vermont, and a Master’s degree in Education from Western State Colorado University.

Amy Harvey, Farm to School Gardens Manager amy@gardencityharvest.org Amy grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and is a Montanan through and through. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Environmental Studies. Following college she returned to Montana, settling in Missoula. Amy’s first experience with Garden City Harvest was as an intern learning the fundamentals of sustainable farming at Orchard Gardens. She then served two years as a FoodCorps service member alongside GCH and Missoula County Public Schools focusing on nutrition education, school gardens, and local procurement for the school district’s food service. Amy is excited to continue working with the Farm to School team in a new capacity this season. When Amy is not in the school gardens, she can be found hiking, skiing, biking, cooking, and traveling.

Amy Harvey, Farm to School Gardens Manager

amy@gardencityharvest.org

Amy grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and is a Montanan through and through. She graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Environmental Studies. Following college she returned to Montana, settling in Missoula. Amy’s first experience with Garden City Harvest was as an intern learning the fundamentals of sustainable farming at Orchard Gardens. She then served two years as a FoodCorps service member alongside GCH and Missoula County Public Schools focusing on nutrition education, school gardens, and local procurement for the school district’s food service. Amy is excited to continue working with the Farm to School team in a new capacity this season. When Amy is not in the school gardens, she can be found hiking, skiing, biking, cooking, and traveling.

Emily Kern, Community Gardens Outreach Manager emily@gardencityharvest.org Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Emily earned a degree in landscape architecture from Colorado State University before discovering the wilds and wonders of Montana. Her love of all plants has provided her with a variety of professional experiences around the West, including wilderness trip-leading, ecology research, farming, permaculture and landscape design. Emily has been involved with the community garden program as a gardener, leadership committee member and compost instructor. She encourages everyone to grow some of their own food and to have fun doing so!

Emily Kern, Community Gardens Outreach Manager

emily@gardencityharvest.org

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Emily earned a degree in landscape architecture from Colorado State University before discovering the wilds and wonders of Montana. Her love of all plants has provided her with a variety of professional experiences around the West, including wilderness trip-leading, ecology research, farming, permaculture and landscape design. Emily has been involved with the community garden program as a gardener, leadership committee member and compost instructor. She encourages everyone to grow some of their own food and to have fun doing so!

 
Genevieve Jessop Marsh, Community Outreach Director 406.550.3663 ·  genevieve@gardencityharvest.org Genevieve hails from the piedmont of North Carolina. She fell in love with sustainable agriculture in Vermont, and studied the subject in Missoula, Montana where she earned her Master’s of Science in 2006. In her work at Garden City Harvest, she heads the Community Gardens team and celebrates the work of our farms and gardens through events and outreach. Prior to joining the Garden City Harvest crew, she worked for the Intervale Center, Sierra Nevada Alliance, Lake Champlain Land Trust and Audubon Society of Portland. She enjoys writing, reading (but not arithmetic), gardening, adventures that require a tent and good walking shoes, and, like her grandfather, the feel of the sun on her back.

Genevieve Jessop Marsh, Community Outreach Director

406.550.3663 · genevieve@gardencityharvest.org

Genevieve hails from the piedmont of North Carolina. She fell in love with sustainable agriculture in Vermont, and studied the subject in Missoula, Montana where she earned her Master’s of Science in 2006. In her work at Garden City Harvest, she heads the Community Gardens team and celebrates the work of our farms and gardens through events and outreach. Prior to joining the Garden City Harvest crew, she worked for the Intervale Center, Sierra Nevada Alliance, Lake Champlain Land Trust and Audubon Society of Portland. She enjoys writing, reading (but not arithmetic), gardening, adventures that require a tent and good walking shoes, and, like her grandfather, the feel of the sun on her back.

Maria Kendra Netzloff, Development Director 406.523.3663 ·  maria@gardencityharvest.org Maria came to Missoula from Michigan in 2005 to study Spanish and Nonprofit Administration at the University of Montana. After graduating, she did some world traveling and completed a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) in Austin, Texas. Some of Maria’s favorite things are watercolor painting, cooking, playing guitar, outdoor adventures, and tending to her rooftop container garden.

Maria Kendra Netzloff, Development Director

406.523.3663 · maria@gardencityharvest.org

Maria came to Missoula from Michigan in 2005 to study Spanish and Nonprofit Administration at the University of Montana. After graduating, she did some world traveling and completed a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) in Austin, Texas. Some of Maria’s favorite things are watercolor painting, cooking, playing guitar, outdoor adventures, and tending to her rooftop container garden.

Laura Lee, Bookkeeper laura@gardencityharvest.org Laura is a long time keeper of nonprofit and for profit books. She keeps Garden City Harvest’s finances ship-shape. In her free time, she and two of her three sons play with swords (in other words, she is the Director of the Missoula Fencing Association).

Laura Lee, Bookkeeper

laura@gardencityharvest.org

Laura is a long time keeper of nonprofit and for profit books. She keeps Garden City Harvest’s finances ship-shape. In her free time, she and two of her three sons play with swords (in other words, she is the Director of the Missoula Fencing Association).

 
Patrick Long, Community Gardens Operations Manager 406.493.9807 patrick@gardencityharvest.org Patrick grew up in Wisconsin, and from day one wanted to be outside whenever possible. While earning his degree from the University of Montana, Patrick enrolled in the PEAS Farm class, and couldn’t give it up – staying for two semesters and a summer session. Through the PEAS Farm and his Environmental Studies Program classes, he’s decided he wants to keep working on local food efforts now that he has earned his degree. When he’s not digging in the dirt, he is hiking, biking or fishing with his dog, Lola.

Patrick Long, Community Gardens Operations Manager

406.493.9807 patrick@gardencityharvest.org

Patrick grew up in Wisconsin, and from day one wanted to be outside whenever possible. While earning his degree from the University of Montana, Patrick enrolled in the PEAS Farm class, and couldn’t give it up – staying for two semesters and a summer session. Through the PEAS Farm and his Environmental Studies Program classes, he’s decided he wants to keep working on local food efforts now that he has earned his degree. When he’s not digging in the dirt, he is hiking, biking or fishing with his dog, Lola.

Jason Mandala, Farm to School Director 406.239.5524 ·  jason@gardencityharvest.org Jason is originally from Ohio, and has lived in Missoula since 2004. He is a lover of all things kale and garlic, and is devoted to working with kids at the farm or in school gardens. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana with a focus on place-based education and sustainable agriculture.

Jason Mandala, Farm to School Director

406.239.5524 · jason@gardencityharvest.org

Jason is originally from Ohio, and has lived in Missoula since 2004. He is a lover of all things kale and garlic, and is devoted to working with kids at the farm or in school gardens. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana with a focus on place-based education and sustainable agriculture.

Tami McDaniel, Youth Development Director 406.207.8199 ·  tami@gardencityharvest.org Tami’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Minor in Dance and a Masters in Teaching.  Her professional pursuits have been driven by a desire to build healthy natural and social communities.  She has done this through youth work centered in urban ecology, wilderness, and agriculture. Tami has developed, managed and taught several at-risk youth programs through work as environmental educator, alternative high school teacher, wilderness guide and behavior consultant.  She now brings her commitment to empowering young people to Garden City Harvest’s Youth Harvest Project. She attributes her success in life to a combination of hard work, compassion for others, a good sense of humor and lots of dance parties!

Tami McDaniel, Youth Development Director

406.207.8199 · tami@gardencityharvest.org

Tami’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Minor in Dance and a Masters in Teaching.  Her professional pursuits have been driven by a desire to build healthy natural and social communities.  She has done this through youth work centered in urban ecology, wilderness, and agriculture. Tami has developed, managed and taught several at-risk youth programs through work as environmental educator, alternative high school teacher, wilderness guide and behavior consultant.  She now brings her commitment to empowering young people to Garden City Harvest’s Youth Harvest Project. She attributes her success in life to a combination of hard work, compassion for others, a good sense of humor and lots of dance parties!

 
Tracy Potter, Youth Farm Apprentice tracy@gardencityharvest.org A Missoula native, Tracy Potter has been a mainstay at Garden City Harvest’s Youth Farm since 2010. Tracy started out as a member of the youth employee crew and built her considerable skills over time to become the Youth Farm apprentice. With close to a decade of experience farming this site, Tracy is an  invaluable member of the team. When she’s not helping run the show at the Youth Farm, Tracy can be found hiking, tending to her cat Ashes, or getting lost in a good book. 

Tracy Potter, Youth Farm Apprentice

tracy@gardencityharvest.org

A Missoula native, Tracy Potter has been a mainstay at Garden City Harvest’s Youth Farm since 2010. Tracy started out as a member of the youth employee crew and built her considerable skills over time to become the Youth Farm apprentice. With close to a decade of experience farming this site, Tracy is an  invaluable member of the team. When she’s not helping run the show at the Youth Farm, Tracy can be found hiking, tending to her cat Ashes, or getting lost in a good book. 

Greg Price, River Road Neighborhood Farm Director 406.240.3848 ·  greg@gardencityharvest.org Greg has served as the River Road Neighborhood Farm and Community Garden Manager since 2002. Under his management, the farm produces more than 30,000 pounds of food in an annual growing season averaging just 120 days. In a past life, Greg cooked for and managed the kitchen of Second Thought Restaurant. He now uses his kitchen creativity in cooking up the menu for Garden City Harvest’s Wintergreens locally grown supper and fundraiser. Greg is a great advocate for grizzly bears and loves a good funk band.

Greg Price, River Road Neighborhood Farm Director

406.240.3848 · greg@gardencityharvest.org

Greg has served as the River Road Neighborhood Farm and Community Garden Manager since 2002. Under his management, the farm produces more than 30,000 pounds of food in an annual growing season averaging just 120 days. In a past life, Greg cooked for and managed the kitchen of Second Thought Restaurant. He now uses his kitchen creativity in cooking up the menu for Garden City Harvest’s Wintergreens locally grown supper and fundraiser. Greg is a great advocate for grizzly bears and loves a good funk band.

Josh Slotnick, GCH/EVST PEAS Farm Director 406.239.6993 ·  josh@gardencityharvest.org Josh is a co-founder of Garden City Harvest and the PEAS farm, a cooperative between Garden City Harvest and the University of Montana Environmental Studies program. Josh is a lecturer in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana, and he lives on a farm with his family.

Josh Slotnick, GCH/EVST PEAS Farm Director

406.239.6993 · josh@gardencityharvest.org

Josh is a co-founder of Garden City Harvest and the PEAS farm, a cooperative between Garden City Harvest and the University of Montana Environmental Studies program. Josh is a lecturer in the Environmental Studies program at the University of Montana, and he lives on a farm with his family.

 
Ethan Smith, Operations Director 406.240.3506 ·  ethan@gardencityharvest.org Ethan has a Master’s of Science from the University of Montana and works to keep Garden City Harvest facilities and general operations running smoothly – especially at the PEAS Farm. He enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and lying in the summer sun with his daughters, Harley and Wylie.

Ethan Smith, Operations Director

406.240.3506 · ethan@gardencityharvest.org

Ethan has a Master’s of Science from the University of Montana and works to keep Garden City Harvest facilities and general operations running smoothly – especially at the PEAS Farm. He enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and lying in the summer sun with his daughters, Harley and Wylie.

Clare Vergobbi, Orchard Gardens Farm Assistant clare@gardencityharvest.org Clare grew up in Salt Lake City where she spent a lot of time playing in the dirt.  She moved to Missoula to pursue a Bachelor’s in Restoration Ecology and fell into farming along the way.  She has worked on community garden initiatives in Salt Lake City and has served as assistant manager of the UM Dining Gardens for the past two years.  This is her third year with Garden City Harvest and she is excited to continue to grow and learn as the Orchard Garden assistant.  In her spare time she enjoys eating good food, getting lost in the mountains, and taking her cat for walks (yeah, she’s that person).

Clare Vergobbi, Orchard Gardens Farm Assistant

clare@gardencityharvest.org

Clare grew up in Salt Lake City where she spent a lot of time playing in the dirt.  She moved to Missoula to pursue a Bachelor’s in Restoration Ecology and fell into farming along the way.  She has worked on community garden initiatives in Salt Lake City and has served as assistant manager of the UM Dining Gardens for the past two years.  This is her third year with Garden City Harvest and she is excited to continue to grow and learn as the Orchard Garden assistant.  In her spare time she enjoys eating good food, getting lost in the mountains, and taking her cat for walks (yeah, she’s that person).

Dave Victor, Orchard Gardens Farm Director 406.721.2504 (barn) or 406.240.7590 (mobile) davevictor@gardencityharvest.org Dave is a lover of plants and the soil that sustains them. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana where he focused on seed saving at the River Road Farm. Off the farm, he enjoys tending to his red worms and growing mushrooms.

Dave Victor, Orchard Gardens Farm Director

406.721.2504 (barn) or 406.240.7590 (mobile)

davevictor@gardencityharvest.org

Dave is a lover of plants and the soil that sustains them. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana where he focused on seed saving at the River Road Farm. Off the farm, he enjoys tending to his red worms and growing mushrooms.

 
Alicia Watkinson, Youth Harvest Project Intern alicia@gardencityharvest.org Alicia has lived in Missoula since 2007 where she attended the University of Montana studying Psychology and Communication Studies. Most of her youth experience comes from volunteering with other non profits such as the GUTS! program through the YWCA. She is continually pulled to connecting with and dedicating her time towards supporting and guiding today's youth. She is honored to hold the position of YHP intern, growing her skills in youth development while learning more about sustainable agriculture and connecting with the earth. 

Alicia Watkinson, Youth Harvest Project Intern

alicia@gardencityharvest.org

Alicia has lived in Missoula since 2007 where she attended the University of Montana studying Psychology and Communication Studies. Most of her youth experience comes from volunteering with other non profits such as the GUTS! program through the YWCA. She is continually pulled to connecting with and dedicating her time towards supporting and guiding today's youth. She is honored to hold the position of YHP intern, growing her skills in youth development while learning more about sustainable agriculture and connecting with the earth. 

Mark Wayne, Youth Farm Youth Manager mark@gardencityharvest.org Originally from Southeastern Virginia, Mark moved to Montana in 2009 in order to develop his skills in sustainable agriculture. While pursuing his degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, he started an internship with Garden City Harvest and never left. At the Youth Farm he works with and manages the youth crew, teaching skills, and growing some tasty veggies.

Mark Wayne, Youth Farm Youth Manager

mark@gardencityharvest.org

Originally from Southeastern Virginia, Mark moved to Montana in 2009 in order to develop his skills in sustainable agriculture. While pursuing his degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, he started an internship with Garden City Harvest and never left. At the Youth Farm he works with and manages the youth crew, teaching skills, and growing some tasty veggies.

Ian Wilder, River Road Farm Assistant 406.543.4992 ·  i an@gardencityharvest.org

Ian Wilder, River Road Farm Assistant

406.543.4992 · ian@gardencityharvest.org

 
Jean Zosel, Executive Director 406.239.3555 ·  jean@gardencityharvest.org Jean grew up in a small farming community in the Midwest where she first learned the value of community and of neighbor helping neighbor. She’s dug deep into the Missoula community, having led the boards of the YWCA, NCBI, Run Wild Missoula, the Women’s Hockey Association. Prior to joining Garden City Harvest, Jean worked for KECI-TV – starting at the ground level and working her way up to Station Manager of a three station working group. She is proud of her role as soccer coach to many Missoula girls since the mid-1990s.

Jean Zosel, Executive Director

406.239.3555 · jean@gardencityharvest.org

Jean grew up in a small farming community in the Midwest where she first learned the value of community and of neighbor helping neighbor. She’s dug deep into the Missoula community, having led the boards of the YWCA, NCBI, Run Wild Missoula, the Women’s Hockey Association. Prior to joining Garden City Harvest, Jean worked for KECI-TV – starting at the ground level and working her way up to Station Manager of a three station working group. She is proud of her role as soccer coach to many Missoula girls since the mid-1990s.