I have been passionate about gardening since I was 10 years old, and it has shaped much of my personal and professional life. Over the years, I’ve combined my love for gardening with a commitment to community and environmental education.
From 2010 to 2016, I volunteered with Family Success Centers in Kearny and Englewood, teaching healthy cooking to low-income families and installing a community garden in Englewood. I also led planting and spring garden workshops and demonstrated how to cook with what you grow.
In 2023, I became a Rutgers Environmental Steward, completing an internship that included environmental education for K-5 students, leading hands-on hikes and workshops, and installing a native plant garden at Catherine Dwyer Elementary School. Currently, I manage the Belleville Community Garden, where in the 2024 season, we donated 50 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks and soup kitchens.
Since 2022, I’ve served in leadership roles with the Sierra Club, including Co-Chair of the North Jersey Group and Chair of Events and Membership. I also lead monthly foraging hikes and serve as Secretary for the National Chapter Outings Leadership Team. I am now pursuing certification as a Master Gardener of Passaic County to further deepen my knowledge and skills.
Gardening has always been more than a hobby for me; it’s a way to connect with nature, build community, and inspire others to cultivate their own love for plants and sustainability – while enjoying the most delicious, nutrient-dense produce.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I was raised by my grandparents and spent summers upstate in the mountains with my cousins. My family still owns 80 acres in the northernmost part of Orange County, where I grew up hiking and foraging—experiences that shaped my appreciation for the land and the food it can provide. On my father’s side, I have a large extended family in Texas. With 13 siblings, my dad’s family includes many aunts, uncles, and cousins around the Tomball area, and I try to visit them as often as I can. My dad recently moved to Mexico, where he spends his days fishing. I love visiting him and enjoying the Gulf’s incredible fishing opportunities. Family and the outdoors are deeply intertwined in my life, and I’m grateful for the experiences and traditions they’ve shared with me.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the founder of Garden Harvest, a business that brings farm-to-table gardening into people’s homes while promoting sustainability and native plants. It’s truly my dream job because it combines my lifelong passion for gardening with the opportunity to make a positive impact on my community and the environment. What I love most about what I do is helping people connect with their food in a meaningful way—whether it’s designing a backyard garden for a family, teaching someone how to grow their first tomato, or partnering with local restaurants to cultivate fresh, organic produce. Every day feels fulfilling, knowing I’m helping others live healthier, more sustainable lives while creating beautiful, functional spaces. Garden Harvest is also unique in that it focuses on native plants, organic practices, and zero-waste farming techniques. I’m passionate about helping others see the value of working in harmony with nature, and I love sharing my knowledge through workshops and community projects. Creating a business that aligns with my values is incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’m a big fan of Café Panache for its incredible farm-to-table dining experience—it’s the perfect blend of fresh, locally inspired flavors and creative dishes. I also recently had lunch at The Mason Jar in Mahwah and was really impressed. Not only is the food delicious, but their space is fantastic for hosting networking events or gatherings. Both places reflect the kind of community spirit and focus on quality that I really appreciate.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked in Bergen county for over 15 years; I still work in Bergen though I currently reside in Essex County.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Marty Siciliano – former landscaper/agriculture major who became a financial planner. Diverse expertise and experience, and a wealth of knowledge.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Japan – I’ve always wanted to visit Kyoto and Osaka, I love to fish and enjoy sushi, especially omakase. One day!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Recently it was Yellowstone – I don’t watch much tv but I hardly ever miss a NJ Devils game.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Leave things better than you found them.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Hike Patagonia on the Q trek.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Maggie Rogers
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Ramsey Farmers market – it is a wonderful collection of local artisans and has an abundance of vendors in one market. Plus it’s all year long!
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Neil Degrasse Tyson or Bill Nye – I love science and space and would love to pick their brains on interstellar gardening practices and “science hacks” for sustainability that individuals or small communities can adopt.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about the Mahwah-Ramsey community is its incredible balance of natural beauty and a strong sense of connection. The abundance of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor spaces makes it a wonderful place to enjoy nature and recharge. At the same time, the community is filled with friendly, passionate people who value sustainability, local businesses, and coming together to support one another. Whether it’s a local event, a farmer’s market, or just a casual conversation with a neighbor, there’s a genuine sense of belonging here that makes this area truly special.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Growing Garden Harvest, actively advocating for improvements to NJ Education Standards and State Legislation to make native plants a requirement for local municipality installations.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up shooting in two gun clubs through middle and high school and won the Junior Championship my first year with Black Rock Game Club’s muzzleloader club.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Hawaii, one of my best friends lives on Big Island and it is truly paradise, especially Green Sand Beach.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June. Christmas. It varies by year but the first day of the Devil’s regular season (first week of October, usually)
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Native Plant Society – they now have seed libraries in local libraries and there are grants available for school to install their own seed library!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Angela McDermott of Exceeding Benchmarks Together – such an inspiring woman
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Highbush blueberry (a NJ native!) in bloom in the Spring – it’s a delicious prelude to the summer crop
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Garden State, community, family
