Meet the Schoolyard Roots Staff

We are fortunate at Schoolyard Roots to have a dedicated, committed, and passionate group of individuals who thrive on their work. Their passion for garden-based education makes our great state healthier and more sustainable, one child at a time.


Lindsay Turner EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A native of West Sussex, England, Lindsay was an active volunteer for Schoolyard Roots before she became the Executive Director. In her spare time, she loves cooking, canning, and singing. Lindsay is thrilled to help build a healthier Alabama. director@schoolyardroots.org	Stella Pfau G2S PROGRAM DIRECTOR Stella has spent the last decade in the field of environmental and garden-based education. When she is not instructing students or coaching teachers in the garden, you might find her on the tennis court, the Latin dance floor, or in the woods with her dogs. stella@schoolyardroots.org	Rashmi Grace EDUCATION COORDINATOR Rashmi and her husband Andy co-founded Schoolyard Roots (then known as Druid City Garden Project) in 2010. Before spending her days with her hands in the dirt, she worked as a geologist and in educational outreach. Rashmi now coordinates curriculum development. rashmi@schoolyardroots.org

Becca Gardner EDUCATION COORDINATOR Becca, an Alabama-native, has a degree in Zoology from LSU and is a former high school math teacher. She enjoys hiking, exploring, traveling, and making a variety of teas with fresh ingredients from the garden. becca@schoolyardroots.org	Kate Brundrett OFFICE MANAGER Kate comes to us with a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). Aside from her triathlon training and dog-cuddling, Kate has a passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle and enjoyable learning experiences for students. kate@schoolyardroots.org	Sabrina Barnes DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Sabrina recently received a degree in Field and Organismal Biology with a minor in Sustainability from Berea College in Kentucky. In her spare time she likes to take long walks through Tuscaloosa, read, make crafts out of local flora, and take care of her many plants. sabrina@schoolyardroots.org

Sam Hill PROGRAM SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER Sam holds a Master’s degree in Horticulture Science from the University of Tennessee. She spends her extra time training and playing ultimate Frisbee for a club team. At her house in Birmingham, she maintains a small but productive garden which includes fruiting trees and berry bushes, grape vines and raised beds. sam@schoolyardroots.org	Tom Rathe TEACHING FELLOW Coming from Central Virginia where he has spent countless hours gardening as both a personal hobby and full-time occupation, Tom is thrilled to share his passion and enthusiasm for growing vegetables with students and teachers alike. He is also an avid folk musician and loves going on hikes with his dog, Dolly. tom@schoolyardroots.org	Eliza Sheffield PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR Originally from North Carolina, Eliza recently earned a degree in public relations from The University of Alabama. When she’s not making vegetable puns, she enjoys listening to podcasts and hammocking by the Black Warrior River. eliza@schoolyardroots.org

Natalie Wulf TEACHING FELLOW Natalie Wulf recently graduated from The University of Alabama with a degree in civil engineering. She co-teaches garden lessons, assists the garden committee, and facilitates school and community events at two of our second year schools. natalie@schoolyardroots.org

Each semester, Schoolyard Roots receives several part-time students through the Federal Work Study program, administered by The University of Alabama.

OUR BOARD

Noel Amason	Fleta Edwards	Dr. Chris McGee	Eddie Sherwood
Catherine Bridgers	Dr. Wes Hollowell	Sarah Moore	W. Ryan Stallings
Anna Burns	Molly Ingram	Bill Petty	Rebecca Young
Adelaide Drennen	Emily Wolfe Leigh	Jennifer Schmitt