Micah was born into an agricultural family on the prairies of western Nebraska. From vast croplands, to native wildflowers, to zinnias and tomatoes in his mother’s garden, he grew up with plant life all around him. Micah’s degrees are in Animal Science. His work as UW Extension Educator in Johnson County is to expand food systems literacy, and food sovereignty efforts in the community. Teaching folks where their food comes from and how they can grow it themselves is his primary passion and focus.

Jules is a Sheridan native, and works as the science teacher at John C. Schiffer Collaborative School, where she inspires her students to discover the wonders of nature. As an avid home gardener, seed saver, and food preserver, she shares her passion for growing food with her students through the Horticulture class in the school greenhouse. She is talented in the arts, and loves spending time in the natural world as well as getting lost in a good book.

Alex was born and raised in Gillette, and attended the University of Wyoming where she earned bachelor’s degrees in both Marketing Management as well as Textiles & Merchandising. She has lived in Sheridan since 2017, and has become deeply connected to the community, making Sheridan her forever home. Alex has recently developed a passion for gardening, particularly for growing tomatoes, and appreciates her access to outdoor recreation and the mountains.

Kate has a deep passion for a more sustainable local food system, and a healthier, more resilient future. She is dedicated to fostering Rooted in Wyoming’s community partnerships in order to create lasting impact. Outside of her work with Rooted, Kate enjoys spending time in the garden, cooking, volunteering, biking, and ultra-running. Whether it's in the soil or on the trails, she loves being outdoors and staying connected to nature.

Olivia believes that every child should be given the opportunity to learn about the importance of fresh produce by gardening and experiencing the literal fruits of their labor. She joined Rooted in Wyoming’s board in 2022 after seeing the impact of the garden program on her daughters at Woodland Park. She enjoys gardening, and being outdoors, as well as playing all kinds of sports and games with her family. Olivia is an investment professional at D.A. Davidson.

Hannah grew up gardening with her family on the -B- ranch in Lander. She loves the process of growing, preserving, and eating food, and enjoys teaching others how to do the same. Her degrees are in Horticulture, Agroecology, and Rangeland Management. Hannah currently works as the Horticulture Educator for UW Extension in Cheyenne, where she works with Master Gardeners in school and community gardens to promote the growth of communities and local food.

Ann passionately believes that investments in our youth will pay off dividends in the future. She is interested in locally grown food, and believes that Rooted’s current and future partnerships can be of significant value to our community. Ann is a participant in Leadership Wyoming, and is involved in several state and county organizations concerned with youth and family well-being, including the SCSD2 Board of Trustees. She is the Community Prevention Manager for Sheridan County & Community Service Block Grant Program Coordinator.

A Wyoming native, Jessica grew up gardening with her parents, and loves continuing the tradition with her own family. She has degrees in Kinesiology and Health Promotion along with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. As a registered nurse, witnessing the rise in chronic diseases has strengthened her dedication to promoting a proactive approach to leading healthier lifestyles. Jessica is passionate about education and access to promote physical activity and fresh, nutritious food for local families.

Dana is a lifelong resident of Sheridan, and her deep appreciation for the community’s strength and liveliness is an enduring source of inspiration. Her commitment to education and service is proven by her career of over 40 years as a teacher in Sheridan, by her continued dedication to volunteering with WYO Play through the Future Filmmakers Program, as well as her service on the SCSD2 Board of Trustees. Dana is grateful for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences that shape life’s journey.

Holly has worked in the community based non-profit and gardening world for over 20 years. Based in Gillette, she is the Horticulture Program Coordinator for the UW Campbell County Extension Office. She is the Master Gardener Coordinator and manages two Community Gardens among other things. Before moving to Wyoming, she worked for a west coast based rural non-profit community health center as the Garden and Food Resources Coordinator, managing a very large community wellness garden and facilitated garden-based wellness programs for a variety of patients and community members. She is a graduate of the Horticultural Therapy degree program from Colorado State University and is a registered Horticultural Therapist.

Carrie is a North Carolina native who recently relocated from Billings, Montana, where she works with the Yellowstone Valley Food Hub, a farmer- and rancher-owned cooperative. She is a mother of two boys and enjoys traveling and adventuring with her husband, children, and two dogs. When at home, Carrie loves cross-country skiing in the winter and biking and hiking during the summer months. She is also passionate about growing, cooking, and eating her own food and is excited to start a garden at her new home in Story, Wyoming. In her role at Rooted in Wyoming, Carrie is most excited about connecting with and contributing to the local food and agricultural community. She is deeply passionate about Rooted’s mission and looks forward to supporting local food education and strengthening community resilience across Wyoming.

Kristin was born and raised in Michigan, where she spent her summers gardening with her family and preserving food for the winter months. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for preventative health. She studied nutrition at Western Michigan University and now works as a Registered Dietitian. She loves gardening for both its physical and mental health benefits, as it encourages presence and connection. Kristin is passionate about helping others experience the joy and nourishment of growing and eating their own food.

Michael Garriffa was born in Anchorage, Alaska, but has called Sheridan, Wyoming, home since the age of seven. Growing up in the picturesque surroundings of the Bighorn area, Michael developed a deep appreciation for the Sheridan community and the natural beauty of the region.

Michael pursued his education at Sheridan College and later at Montana State University in Bozeman, where he cultivated a strong work ethic and a passion for connecting with people. Known for his dedication and enthusiasm, Michael thrives in environments that allow him to engage with others and spend time in the great outdoors.

Whether hiking the trails of the Bighorns or contributing to local initiatives, Michael embodies the spirit of a hardworking, community-oriented individual who values both people and the natural world.

Kimberly Bell is a mom, wife, and proud Nana, as well as a dedicated Realtor and small business owner. She owns Good Health Market on Sheridan Avenue, where she partners with local producers and works to support Wyoming-grown products through the Rooted in Wyoming program.

Kimberly is passionate about strengthening her community and using her business experience to help local agriculture and small businesses thrive.