Staff

Wolfram Alderson, Executive Director email
Eron Sandler, Garden Manager and Educator email
Bryden Johnston, Lead Gardening Instructor email

Wolfram Alderson began his work in social service 30 years ago. At the age of 19, he founded his career in food system change when he was hired to organize the first Certified Farmers’ Markets in the Los Angeles area, all located in low income communities. During the course of his career, Wolfram has served as a pioneer in innovative fields such as urban agriculture and horticulture therapy, and has followed his calling to serve diverse populations, communities, and environments. His innovative work has included leading teams of volunteers to implement development projects in the remote highlands of Guatemala, providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, housing the chronically homeless, and providing mental health services for foster youth. Most recently, Wolfram served as Deputy Director of the Neighborhood Parks Council in San Francisco. (Click here) for Wolfram's Blog. Wolfram uses Linkedin and Facebook as networking tools. Read Wolfram's online essay about Horticultural Leadership by clicking here.

Bryden Johnston joined Collective Roots in August 2007 as the Garden Learning Instructor for Kindergarten through Fifth grades. Most recently, Bryden comes from the Environmental Education Program at Hidden Villa. Originally from Oregon, Bryden studied Urban & Environmental Policy and Spanish at Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA. Bryden enjoys cultivating connections in the garden between students and their natural environments and is excited to be sharing her enthusiasm for teaching and learning at Collective Roots. Click here for Bryden's Blog and click here for more about Bryden on her profile page.

Eron Sandler joined Collective Roots in July, 2008 as the Garden Manager and Educator. Eron is a recent transplant from the East Coast, where she worked for many years on organic farms and as a teacher and coordinator for environmental and educational non-profit organizations. Eron studied Environmental Education at both Hampshire College and Antioch New England Graduate School. Her travels and experiences learning about cultures, food, and farming in Europe, India, the Philippines, Mexico and Thailand greatly influence her views on food security, nutrition, community and education. She is inspired by growing food, establishing community relationships and getting people excited about being in the garden.

Robin Galas began work with Collective Roots in September 2006. She is a skilled teacher and has taught Middle School Elective and is involved in developing youth leadership skills through community based action. Robin started a youth garden at the Boys and Girls Club of East Palo Alto and teaches at-risk high school students in a seed-to-table program at Community School South. Robin brings a diversity of experience — from art to accounting and nonprofit management — to Collective Roots. She is passionate about food systems, nutrition, and working with youth to make connections about where their food comes from.

Collective Roots is supported by a team of consultants and volunteers, including the following:

• Web design and support services: Erika Clary, MsJones
• Salesforce database customization and support: Chas Yen and Arnold Testa
• Information technology support: Michel Leconte and the team at ActivSupport
• Electronic newsletter editorial support: Lucien Sonder
• Irrigation design and maintenance: Neil Wilcomer, No Irritation Irrigation
• Solar design and installation: David Coale and Tracie Troxler