Staff
Aresh Javadi (Executive Director): An Earth-based artist and educator with an M.A. from New York University, Aresh has spent over 35 years advocating for environmental justice and community-based design.
Lisette Perez (Open Streets Manager): Co-dirctor of Children’s Magical Garden and an Art Educator who leads our Open Streets initiatives, transforming urban corridors into vibrant, accessible public spaces for play and community building.
Maritza Reyes (Lead Counselor): In addition to her board duties, Maritza leads the Rise Up! Forest the Bronx Summer Nature Program, mentoring youth in ecological literacy and leadership. Final years of Vet School at Cornell University.
Jacob Diaz (Woodworking & Carpenter Apprentice): A graduate of The Door’s Train & Earn Program, Jacob provides essential craftsmanship and structural support at the Children’s Magical Garden and Maria Sola Community Greenspace.
Yin To Wang (Architect Rendering): An architect with Welch Design Studio and a graduate of the University of Michigan, Yin To specializes in archiving and designing complex architectural projects like the Turtle Amphitheater.
Carrie Werdine (Bookkeeping Manager): Managing the financial health of the organization through My Paper Pusher, LLC, Carrie brings professional oversight with a background from the University of Texas at Austin.
Board Members
Judith (JK) Canepa | Board President
JK is a lifelong defender of the Earth whose activism is rooted in a deep love for the land and a fierce commitment to community power. As a Deep Ecologist and a core team member for the Sane Energy Project, she advocates for offshore wind and renewable energy. Her legendary history in the New York community garden movement includes her role as the President of El Jardin Del Paraiso and her work with the Eco-Logic Collective on WBAI-FM. JK also served as a dedicated advocate for the Coalition of Institutionalized Aged and Disabled, standing up for the rights of all community members.
Maritza Reyes | Secretary
Maritza brings a vibrant energy to the board as both Secretary and the Outreach Coordinator for More Gardens!. Currently attending Cornell University, she bridges the gap between organizational strategy and grassroots community needs. As the Lead Counselor for the Rise Up! Forest the Bronx Summer Nature Program, she is deeply committed to youth mentorship. Her roots in the Brook Park Community Garden inform her work in ensuring our green spaces remain inclusive and welcoming to the next generation of environmental stewards.
Kate Temple-West | Treasurer
A cornerstone of the NYC community gardening movement, Kate serves as the President of the Children’s Magical Garden and is a former board member of the NYC Community Garden Coalition. She is a Master Composter, Permaculture Designer, and Herbalist, integrating ecological wisdom into urban spaces. Beyond her environmental advocacy, Kate is a Novelist and Published Writer, using her creative voice to deepen our collective connection to the earth.
Nisaa Christie | Board Member
Nisaa is a dedicated Nutrition Educator and the CEO of LifeAltaring. Her work focuses on the vital intersection of food justice, wellness, and community empowerment. As an entrepreneur and artist, she bridges the gap between urban agriculture and healthy living, ensuring that our green spaces serve as centers for both physical and creative nourishment.
Karen Hinata | Board Member
Karen specializes in food sovereignty and environmental policy, holding a B.S. from Pratt Institute where she also pursued an M.S. in Sustainable Environmental Systems. She is a founding member of the Real Meals Campaign and a student organizer for Uprooted and Rising, where she focuses on centering POC storytelling within the food justice movement. Her expertise helps guide More Gardens! toward more equitable and sustainable institutional models.