Our TGP Team
Our team is a dynamic group of people whose passion is bringing gardening to our community. With our range of expertise, we are able to support TGP’s mission of growing healthy produce for those in need, while also providing valuable educational opportunities.
Staff
Executive Director
Jon Ruiter
I joined the Greenhouse Project as Executive Director in 2019 after a 30 year career in law and banking compliance, including the most recent 15 years working in Community Reinvestment and Community Development for banks. During that time, I worked with and got to know many nonprofits with various missions, but quickly discovered a passion for those dealing with healthy food access, food insecurity issues, and promoting small farmers and local growers. I have a law degree from Santa Clara University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University. My wife and I live in Carson City and have two grown children, and in my spare time I’m usually either working in my garden or on a bike ride.
Director of Programs
Christin Cohee
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, I moved westward to teach science at an outdoor school after graduating from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a degree in Ecology. I landed in Carson City in 2021, and after two terms as an Americorps member with TGP - where I gained my first experience growing food - I gratefully was able to join the team in a greater capacity. I love getting kids outside, connecting with community members, as well as teaching about & learning from the natural world. When I'm not at TGP you can find me caring for more plants and animals at Miss Me Not Farm, hiking in the hills, cooking for friends, or out on a long canoe trip. Hope to see you in the gardens soon!
Operations Manager
Erin Lewis
Hi! My name is Erin and I grew up nearby in Minden, NV. Throughout my life, I've never really shown any interest in gardening, but after volunteering with The Greenhouse Project one time, I was eager to learn. I started out as an Americorps member in May of 2024, and recently I was lucky enough to move into our Operations Manager position which has been amazing!
Working at TGP has been the perfect opportunity to learn more about organic farming practices and regenerative agriculture while also helping to create food resilience in my community.
Outside of work I am usually hiking the Sierra Nevada, sewing a new blanket, making my own skincare products, or cooking a good meal for my family. Since working here, I am happy to report that I now show a lot of interest in gardening and my family often jokes that they don't know anyone else who loves their job so much. Spending my days outside in the sun with my hands in the dirt is also a huge bonus!
Education & Outreach Coordinator
Ann Hamel
As Outreach and Education Coordinator, I find that my many passions meet in this role and in this incredible organization.
After working for years as an outdoor guide and educator as well as in the health and wellness industry, my place The Greenhouse Project feels like a fitting and important pursuit.
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My heart lies in connecting people with nature, and I’m very passionate about teaching kids the wonders of the outdoors. I believe that fostering a love for the environment starts young, which is why I’m thrilled to be part of TGP’s mission. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking, exploring, and taking advantage of all the beauty around us with my husband and my dog. I’m dedicated to community support, sustainable gardening, and sharing knowledge that empowers others to grow.
At The Greenhouse Project, I’m excited to inspire, educate, and help cultivate a greener future alongside this amazing community.
Americorps Members
AmeriCorps Member
Kiawna Lavery
2023 - 2025
Hello! My name is Kiawna, and I’ve joined the Greenhouse Project as an Americorp Member! I’m a college student that will be transferring to UNR as soon as I finish my undergrad, and although I’m still trying to figure out what to dedicate my degree to, I am extremely passionate about the environment of the Sierra Nevadas! I enjoy hiking, trail-biking, snow shoeing, skiing, and a variety of other things that our wonderful area has to offer! By serving my community as a member of the Greenhouse Project I feel that I am giving back to a community that has provided me with so many good memories and opportunities!
AmeriCorps Member
Eddy Fonseca
2024 -2025
Eddy is an impressive individual who stands tall at 6 feet, a proud Mexican with a passion for agriculture and education. Engaged in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), he has demonstrated his dedication and expertise by clinching first place in the Nursery and Landscaping competition. Beyond excelling in his academic pursuits, he is a dual-enrolled student, seamlessly navigating both high school and college simultaneously. His commitment to education is matched only by his love for plants, a hobby that intertwines seamlessly with his involvement in FFA. This unique combination of traits reflects a well-rounded individual with a bright future ahead, blending academic achievements with a genuine affinity for the natural world.
Learn how to become an AmeriCorps member here.
Board Members
President
Karen Abowd
Karen Abowd is President and Co-founder of The Greenhouse Project now more than16 years strong. She has lived in Carson City since 1981as a wife, mother of three children and “Nini” to five grandchildren. An active community member, she generously gives her time to various organizations and projects that enhance Carson City, serving 8 years as an elected official, 18 years as an active youth mentor for her church, and proudly given past years of service on the Arts and Culture Commission, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and the Carson Water Subconservancy District (CWSD).
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Her diversified business experience stems from decades in the restaurant business with her husband as owners of Café at Adele's and successfully working 30 years in the field of interior design. Her passion for gardening and advocating for the food insecure combined with her knowledge and commitment to community drives Karen’s dedication to The Greenhouse Project organization and its mission.
Vice President
Cheryl Rotter
Cheryl Lane Rotter proudly serves as Vice President of The Greenhouse Project’s Volunteer Board. She enjoys sewing, golfing, skiing, and spending time with her adult children and grandchildren. Family is everything to her. She is married to a local civil engineer, Mark Rotter.
Mark has volunteered countless hours for The Greenhouse Project and was instrumental in the building and planning of The Greenhouse Project sites. They raised two children in Carson City, and along the way volunteered with various youth sports and a local church teaching and giving back. They have 5 grandchildren living in Reno and San Rafael. Cheryl grew up in Carson City graduating from Carson High School and the University of Nevada. Attending college was made possible with scholarships and work study.
As the daughter of blue-collar working parents, she knows how challenging making ends meet can be. The Mission statement of The Greenhouse Project “ Growing, Giving and Teaching” is near and dear to her heart, as her parents often worked two jobs to make sure the family had what they needed. The mission of growing food for those who need the extra help is important and a critical need in Carson City.
Treasurer/Sustainability Coordinator
Vicki Crabb
Vicki’s love of gardening, growing food and helping out in the community is what brought her to the Greenhouse Project two years ago.
Vicki was born and raised in Toronto and came to Nevada by way of travels and time spent in British Columbia and California. She and her husband and two children settled in Dayton Nevada 29 years ago.
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“One of my favorite past times has always been my home garden, I love to grow flowers and veggies, giving away most of what I grow because it was simply too much for one person! I learned about the Greenhouse Project through a friend and initially started as a volunteer in the greenhouse. I was then approached and asked to serve on the Board as Treasurer. Now, living in Carson City brings me closer to friends and the volunteer work I enjoy!
For me, the Greenhouse Project is an all-around win-win. We strive to teach what is important – how to grow food!, We grow food and donate it, providing a necessary service to the community’s food insecure. And when you have a passion for gardening, teaching and helping, well it’s such a worthwhile fixture in my life.”
Public Officer/Public Relations
Karel Ancona- Henry
Karel Ancona is a retired journalist and editor who came to The Greenhouse Project by way of interviewing musicians who were performing at Concert Under the Stars, A Benefit for TGP in the organization's infancy. This work continued long after leaving journalism, and Karel has served on both TGP's Action Committee and Board of Directors.
She has written two books and is now a partner in and serves on the board of directors of Reliable Blends, farms hemp and is restoring a 1908 farmhouse. She is Grandma to Scarlet and Arlo and Mom to Marshall and Emily and various furbabies.
Member at Large
June James
June James grew up in Southern California and graduated from California State University Long Beach. She moved to Carson City Nevada in 1979 with her husband. Their two sons were born and raised in Carson City. June worked in Carson City as a Teacher, Youth Counselor, Juvenile Probation Officer and Deputy Chief.
June helped with the expansion of the garden at the Carson City Juvenile Detention Facility. After retiring from Carson City Juvenile Services as the Deputy Chief in 2010 she began helping with the Greenhouse Project.
She enjoys gardening, sewing, skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, traveling and being grandma to five grandchildren.
Member at Large
Steve Sanchez
Steve grew up in the California Central Valley participating in 4H from a young age. Going so far as showing rabbits on a national level.
Steve is a certified sommelier who has worked in some of the top restaurants in the Bay Area and northern Nevada. He is passionate about knowing your farmers and where your food comes from.
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Member at Large
John Procaccini
John began his professional career in entertainment in 1978 when, at 17 years old, he left his parent’s Italian delicatessen in Rhode Island, to begin touring with famous rock bands: Boston, Sammy Hagar, The Jefferson Starship, Loverboy and REO Speedwagon – first as crew member, then as stage and production manager. John gained additional international experience as the Site Coordinator for large stadium shows for Frank Sinatra.
As Karen Abowd developed the concept of the Greenhouse Project (TGP) in 2008, it became evident that they would then have their chance to co-produce live concerts together. “As fundraiser events for the TGP, they were fortunate to have 12 annual, successful “Concert Under the Stars” events ranging from 300 attendees to the 2019 “Sold Out” concert event with over 1,600 paid attendees. These have contributed to raising nearly $300,000!
It would only be natural for John to join the TGP board in 2020 to assist, where possible, in new and exciting fundraising event ideas and participate in the general operations of the organization.
Member at Large
Jo Kilpatrick
Jo Kilpatrick reached out to the Greenhouse Project to volunteer and learn more about gardening but was soon recruited to fill the position of board secretary. She has worked as a legal secretary/bookkeeper/office manager with her husband Charlie Kilpatrick in his legal practice for more than 30 years, raised her family in Carson City, has 5 grandchildren, and also enjoys hiking, running, golfing, traveling and gardening.
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“Carson City is very special to me and I truly enjoy being able to work with an organization dedicated to helping our community. I strongly believe we should all give back and that a healthy community is a thriving community. It’s my honor to support the Greenhouse Project in its mission of growing, giving and teaching”.
Member at Large
Kayleen Mahlberg
Kayleen Mahlberg is the Associate Administrator of Operations for Carson Tahoe Health. She has worked for Carson Tahoe Health the last 17 years. Kayleen was born in St. Helena, California and moved to Elko, Nevada in 1991. Upon completion of high school, she moved to the Reno area then to Dayton where she has lived for the past fifteen years. After her children got a little older, she went back to school and continued her education from Great Basin College, Elko, earning a degree of Bachelor of Applied Science-Management in Technology in 2012. She continued her education, earning a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University in 2017.
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Kayleen was on the Carson Tahoe project team for the creation of the Foothill Garden. This was her first connection with the Greenhouse Project and immediately knew what a genuine and worthwhile organization it was for the community of Carson City. For the last 24 years, she has raised her two children in the area. She enjoys spending time with her partner Justin, family, camping, traveling, sports, and gardening.