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TEAM

Team Members

Sammy Kaplan

Sammy Kaplan

Gardens Operations Coordinator

Sammy comes to CGT from the research world.

John Counts

John Counts

Irrigation Specialist

In May 2024, CGT appointed John Counts to the newly created part-time role of irrigation specialist.

Denise Meeks

Denise Meeks

Board Member

Denise, a science journalist, editor, and statistician, joined the board in July 2023.

John Brown

John Brown

Board Member

John Brown has been part of the Tucson community for over 38 years.

Jeff Cassler

Jeff Cassler

Board Member

A strong advocate for good food, healthy soil and strong communities.

Nicole Lombardo

Nicole Lombardo

Board Member

Abby Wing

Abby Wing

Board Member

My name is Abby Wing, and I am passionate about all things plants.

Kendall Kroesen

Kendall Kroesen

Board Secretary

Kendall grew up in Southern California and earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology

Gillian Paine-Murrieta

Gillian Paine-Murrieta

Board Chair

Gillian Paine-Murrieta brings to the Community Gardens of Tucson (CGT)

Cassandra   Wensel

Cassandra Wensel

Board Member

Cassandra is a Midwest transplant to Tucson and has been active in sustainable lifestyles here for 30 years.

Lou Haiduk

Lou Haiduk

Garden Education Coordinator

Lou (she/her) is excited to bring her passion for gardening, education, and community development

Rosa Swartwout

Rosa Swartwout

Board Member

I am a long time resident of Arizona and recently transplanted to

Tucson.

Lisa Jensen

Lisa Jensen

Administrative Assistant

Joining the Community Gardens of Tucson team in December of 2024, Lisa Jensen brings years of experience

Melissa Chapman

Melissa Chapman

Board Treasurer

I am originally from South Dakota but have lived in Tucson for over 22 years.

Brittany Guerrero

Brittany Guerrero

Executive Director

Brittany Guerrero is the organization’s first Executive Director.

Walter Brown

Walter Brown

Board Member

I am a native Tucsonan. I live in Tucson with my wife and also have two adult sons who live in Tucson.

Michelle Peters

Michelle Peters

Board Member

I am a retired elementary school teacher from Mesa, Arizona where I taught for over 35 years.

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