Our Team

OPERATIONS & ENGAGMENT

SHERRY STEVENSON (SHE/HER)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sherry is a social and environmental justice advocate who is inspired by community-based initiatives for impact, particularly around food. Working in the non-profit sector for over twenty years, she has worked in community food initiatives, experiential learning, and international cooperation both globally and across Canada. As the Executive Director of Fresh Roots, she leads the team in connecting people to the land, food, and each other – motivated by sustainable agriculture, food security, and community building.

ED@freshroots.ca

Solenn Le Divenah (she/her)

COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Solenn holds a Master’s degree in Social Innovation and Social Economy Management but also a Pastry CAP degree which allowed her in previous experiences to bring awareness towards healthy, local and good food! With a background in projects and team management in various non-profits, including experiences in communication, grants writing and event planning, she is supporting the team throughout the seasons ! Passionate about the preservation and restauration of ecosystems, she loves to highlight the impact the farms have on the communities and environment around them.

info@freshroots.ca

FARM TEAM

CAMILLE FLANJAK (SHE/THEY)

DIRECTOR OF FARMING AND OPERATIONS

Camille is a farmer with experience in Urban, Community, and Homestead growing. She is known by many as ‘the mushroom girl,’ having connected people with the mycelial network for over 10 years. Her power as a connector between people and food is what brings her to Fresh Roots, where she can share her delight for growing vegetables with students, interns, volunteers, staff, CSA members, and market-goers.

NICOLE BRUCE (THEY/THEM)

YOUTH ON THE FARM PROGRAM LEAD

Nicole started their journey in agriculture in Fresh Roots’ SOYL Program for youth in 2016, which sparked an interest in agriculture they haven’t been able to shake. Throughout university, they returned to Fresh Roots in the summers to lead the SOYL Program and work on the farm team. They’ve since completed a degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Environment from UBC and are looking forward to being a full-time team member.

FRANNY RAINBOW (SHE/HER)

FARM PRODUCTION LEAD

Franny began her farming journey a few years ago, and has been following that excitement wherever it leads her. She has a BSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and feels immensely grateful to be growing with Fresh Roots. She feels farming is the best thing she can do for her community and the environment, and has wild dreams of starting a farm of her own one day. She finds immense joy in sharing her love for vegetables and flowers with everyone who becomes part of the Fresh Roots community.

KATELYN COLWELL(SHE/HER)

MILLSIDE CENTRE FARM COORDINATOR

Katelyn has a love for sustainable farming, nature-based education, and community-led stewardship. With a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation and a Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture, she is very interested in the intersections between ecology and agriculture, and understanding how urban farms can be part of thriving ecosystems and vibrant communities. You can find her working and learning at Millside Center, tending to the farm, orchard, and forest spaces.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING TEAM

Rowan Vriesema-Magnuson (he/him)

DIRECTOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & PROGRAMS

Rowan loves to help kids literally get their hands dirty, and seeing a kid hold their first worm is the highlight of his day. Rowan has a Graduate Certificate in Education, Environment and Community from IslandWood, an M.Ed. in Teaching and Curriculum from the University of Washington, and over fifteen years of experience in environmental education and program administration. He is proud of developing and expanding Fresh Roots’ educational programming since 2017, including field trips and Camp Fresh Roots. When not creating dynamic hands-on learning opportunities, Rowan can be found cooking for family and friends, singing, and camping.

education@freshroots.ca

David Sahlmueller

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM LEAD

David is a science educator and communicator with a passion for science, nutrition, nature, the climate, and sustainability. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a certificate in Sustainability Leadership, he is fascinated by the interrelation between food systems and sustainability. Whether he is leading field trips that give students hands-on experience working with plants, getting his hands dirty on the farm, or developing engaging activities to advocate for good food, he loves to spark an interest in science and environmental stewardship with students and the community as a whole.