Our Team

Sarah (she/her) joined Oakland Unified School District in 2010. She taught Biology at Skyline High School and 8th Grade Science at Life Academy. After teaching she joined the OUSD Science team working as a high school specialist and NGSS Coordinator, supporting K-12 science teaching and learning and District-wide science events like the Science Fair and Dinner with a Scientist. Sarah is passionate about getting students learning and exploring outside, building curriculum around authentic, community-centric projects and supporting student-led efforts to bring more environmental and climate change education to the District. As Education Coordinator at The Center, Sarah works with the team to design and support K-12 student programming, including Field Trips to The Center and in the community, high school internships and more. When not at work Sarah enjoys hiking and trying to complete the East Bay Regional Park District's yearly Trail Challenge, sending letters through the mail and meeting with her Book Club The Page Turners.

Troy (he/him) started his journey working with Oakland Unified School District in 2023 as The Center’s Nutrition and Garden Education Specialist. He received two B.S. degrees in Biology and Secondary Education from the University of Nevada before continuing on to become a 9th-grade Biology teacher in Reno, NV. Several formative years later, he went back to school and earned a Master’s degree in Learning Sciences and Human Development from the University of California, Berkeley. He is now pursuing his passion for teaching unforgettable garden-to-table field trips to OUSD learners at The Center. In his free time, he loves traveling and spending every opportunity he can exploring the world. He's been to 34 states and 23 countries from Albania to Thailand. Outside is where he finds peace and is an avid climber, biker, yogi, and backpacker. He's excited to foster learner’s love for the natural world and create a space full of reciprocity and joy.

Abby (she/her) grew up in the Bay Area and has a deep appreciation for the local community and environment. She earned her B.S. in International Agricultural Development from UC Davis, and she is excited to return to OUSD where she previously served as a FoodCorps Service member (2018-2019). Food and garden education is her passion, and she is especially driven by high-impact work focusing on issues around food security and agency. Outside of work, Abby is an avid gardener (of course!), with a particular obsession for growing heirloom tomatoes and cut flowers. She also loves backpacking, traveling, cooking, floral arrangement, reading, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Lily!

Kimmy (she/her) grew up in San Jose, attended De Anza College, and transferred to UC Berkeley where she graduated with a B.A. in Public Health. Kimmy was a FoodCorps School Nutrition Member with OUSD’s Nutrition Services Department from 2024-2026 where she focused on Breakfast in the Classroom, Harvest of the Month, Community Open Houses, and more. She is excited to return to The Center to support EFG Programming. Outside of work, she loves to build community with others, through dinner parties, book clubs, gardening, running, and more!

Annysa (she/her) grew up in the East Bay and attended SRVUSD schools. She graduated in 2023 from Cal Poly SLO with degrees in Kinesiology and Nutrition. After graduation, she worked as a pastry baker at Bread Bike Bakery and as a Naturalist for Camp K.E.E.P, where she supported their outdoor environmental education program for Kern County students. This past year, she volunteered on farms abroad in New Zealand that focused on education, permaculture, habitat rehabilitation, produce preservation, and natural building. In her free time, she enjoys sharing the bounties from baking, cooking, and gardening, and also spending time outdoors. She is excited to work in cooperation with everyone.

Samantha (she/her) grew up in Oakland and in public schools. She feels incredibly lucky to return to engage in meaningful work in her hometown. She graduated in 2025 from UC Santa Barbara with a BS in Environmental Studies. After graduation, she worked on a farm on San Juan Island in Washington, hosted at various Italian restaurants, and built and maintained backcountry trails at Shasta Trinity National Forest. In her free time, she loves exploring the world through cooking, gardening, and eating. She has a deep appreciation of learning about food systems through sustainable farming practices. She is thrilled to join the team and bring this education to students, igniting this passion at an early age.  

Tova (she/they) grew up in Seattle and spent the last 5 years at University of British Columbia where they graduated with a BA in Geography and History in 2024. After graduating they’ve worked in journalism and nonprofit  communications for community gardens, education programs, and environment stewardship initiatives. They enjoy spending their free time playing soccer, going to concerts, and making sandwiches! With family members currently attending OUSD schools, they are excited to explore Oakland while contributing to work at The Center.

Gemma (she/her) grew up in Portland, Oregon. She went to school in Vermont, where she studied Environment, Education, and Philosophy while working in outdoor education on a farm. For the last two years, she’s worked as a ski instructor at Sugar Bowl Resort, an outdoor instructor at Sienna Ranch, and as the Assistant Camp Director at Avid4 Adventure. During her free time, she likes reading fiction, biking, drinking coffee, and making dinner with friends. She is excited to continue her work in outdoor education with OUSD students. 

Desi (she/they) is a Bay Area Native and grew up in Sunnyvale, CA. She went to De Anza College and transferred to San Francisco State University, with a BS in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Conservation, and Evolution. This past summer, she worked at a wildlife camp educating students about the importance of wildlife, conservation, and the separation of wildlife and human life. During her free time, she likes camping, baking, indoor gardening, playing video games, and spending time with her two pets (a hamster and crested gecko).