PRESIDENT

Born into a family that grew most of their own food, Beth learned early the value of fresh locally grown produce. Summers were spent picking and canning fruits of their labor to support them through the winter. Beth is a Registered Nurse with project management experience related to health-related research projects. She serves as a board member on two non-profit boards, and is also an active member of the Oregon City community where her children and grandchildren reside. Now retired, Beth loves spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, playing in the dirt, growing flowers, fruits, & veggies.

VICE PRESIDENT

Susan’s professional career includes over twenty years in natural resource management, including work as a US Forest Service manager, a regional expert in economics and land management, a research scientist working on topics in forest economics, policy, and interdisciplinary studies; as well as numerous jobs in applied forest management and education. Susan’s volunteer work includes educating the community as a Master Gardener serving on the Juneau Community Garden board in Alaska for 17 years. Now retired, Susan’s hobbies include mycology, gardening, fishing, making wildcrafted products such as salves and teas, and she is trying to learn to sew.

TREASURER

Byron brings 18+ years of accounting experience to the HOEC Treasurer position and feels a strong connection with Home Orchard Education Center's mission and values. Most recently working as a Director of Accounting Operations of a publicly traded Canadian company she has proven herself as a leader of a team and her commitment to improving the accounting functions and day to day accounting operations. Byron enjoys engaging her kids and foster kids in the wonders of the outdoors and hopes to pass on her love of nature and all that it can provide.

SECRETARY

Alexis started volunteering at HOEC in 2022 after attending a grafting workshop, and has continued volunteering regularly while serving on the Board of Directors. The orchard has given him the hands-on opportunity to learn about and practice horticulture in a way that he never had access to growing up, as well as connection to a diverse community brimming with knowledge and experience to share. He brings 5+ years of administrative experience, and multiple years volunteering with other organizations, to the role of Secretary.

CO-SECRETARY

Jean (she/her) has worked in the agriculture equipment industry for many years, overseeing multiple projects and stakeholders. She holds an MBA in sales management, and works as a Product Manager for a local company, which involves marketing, training and development. Over the years, Jean has been an active community volunteer and fundraiser, both for HOEC and other local organizations. When not volunteering with HOEC, she loves to spend time with her family in her her yard and garden, working on projects around the house, taking long walks, hikes and bike rides, and learning new skills.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tonia (she/her) is a long time community educator and experienced Horticulturist. She shares her skills as a part time faculty member for the Horticulture department at Clackamas Community College, where she first earned her AAS in Horticulture, and is the owner of Fruitscapes - an edible landscape design and consulting company. Tonia first became interested in fruit production when she took a fruit and berry course in 2010 that sparked a deep dive into the wonderful world of fruit-growing. She began working in the Arboretum as an intern that same year, and in 2012 she assumed the role of Orchard Manager. She has since dedicated over eleven years to the space, teaching the community about growing organic fruit at home. This project would not be possible without Tonia’s amazing commitment to the space, the programming, and all of the volunteers. She cannot wait to welcome new students through the HOEC gates!

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING SPECIALIST

Ada (she/her) carries a lifelong passion for plants of all kinds, whether it's growing them or learning more about what makes certain plants unique. Ada studied at the University of Wyoming and obtained a BS in Agroecology with minors in Horticulture, Soil Science, and Sustainability. After college, she came back home to the PNW and worked in the hops, craft beer, and ornamental plant industries. Most recently, Ada managed farmers markets with Portland Farmers Market where she also created and helped manage digital marketing content. In her free time, you can find Ada backpacking in the Cascades, biking around Portland on Pedalpalooza rides, and cooking up seasonal veggies in her kitchen.

WEBSITE & DATA SPECIALIST

Haley (she/her) is an advocate for access to education and resources with a commitment to promoting horticultural education and community involvement in healthy food systems. Through her work with HOEC, she is excited to use her data analysis and strategic communication skills to further educational programming and community engagement. Haley works at Clackamas Community College Foundation, contributing to initiatives that impact students, build partnerships, and drive philanthropic impact. Although her work is college-wide, Haley particularly enjoys projects that support horticulture, organic farming, and natural resource management programs. Her passion for plants is reflected in her home garden, community garden plot, and various volunteer projects around the Portland area.