EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Amanda (she/her) grew up in the hills near San Jose, CA, where she and her family raised farm animals as pets (pigs, chickens, ducks, goats, and more!). She attended Stanford University, where she studied Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture. Her experiences working on educational farms, directing summer camps and managing nonprofit organizations have shaped her dream to start an educational community farm near Gresham, OR. Amanda graduated from an MBA program at Yale School of Management in 2022 and she is thrilled to be back in Oregon, working with a wonderful group of people at Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm! In her free time, Amanda loves to cook and eat delicious food, hang out at Mt. Tabor, and spend time with family, friends, her partner Harrison, and her two mischievous cats.

FARM OPERATIONS MANAGER

Drew (he/him) took a circuitous route to becoming an organic vegetable farmer. Born and raised in Northern CA, he spent his youth skateboarding, doing street art, and generally being irksome to the authorities.

After high school Drew moved to San Francisco, CA, to pursue his hobbies and acquire a degree in Graphic Design from SFSU in his free time. Throughout school he worked in health food stores and the restaurant industry where he acquired a love of fresh, local food, and became inspired by the farmers he met who supplied these industries.

At the age of 30 Drew moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon, where he owned and operated High Wire Farm, a 1.5 acre vegetable/fruit farm situated on family land, from 2010-2018. Drew is passionate about teaching the skills of farming to youth, local food resiliency in the face of climate change, and building lasting relationships within his community through food and laughter. He lives in SE Portland with his son August.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS MANAGER

Bella (she/her) grew up in SE Portland, where she spent her childhood helping her parents in the garden, surrounded by chickens and her beloved pet duck. She attended the Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon, where she studied Philosophy and Global Health.

After working and volunteering with organizations such as Multnomah County Search and Rescue, Lines for Life, and the Oregon Public Health Corps, Bella realized she wanted to focus on building her community’s resilience, rather than waiting for moments of crisis to have the ability to help.

Inspired by a wide range of early childhood educational opportunities, Bella is a strong advocate for student-led and experiential learning. She looks forward to helping students develop a deeper connection and care for the world around them—by encouraging them to get their hands dirty!

In her free time, Bella enjoys snuggling with her two cats, enjoying the beautiful forests and rivers of Oregon, and spending quality time with friends and family.

DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

McKenzie (she/her) has spent a lifetime learning the many ways to be a food system advocate. Immersed in the forests of her hometown in Portland, the dairy herds of Vermont, and the seed farms of Virginia, her 12 year career in environmental education morphed into a second vocation in nonprofit development. Her B.A in Environmental Humanities is from Sterling College and her M.A E.d in Environmental Education is from Prescott College. 

Now at TCF, you’ll find her collaborating with supporters, securing resources, and connecting with people who want to be part of building a better food system.

Outside of work, McKenzie can be found reading tarot cards, tending her houseplants, and volunteering in the community. 

ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Trevor (He/Him) thrives on helping good people do even better work while having more fun. His leadership practice is rooted in a belief that the work we do today is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make an even bigger impact tomorrow.  

Trevor began his career as a canvasser, organizer, and advocate working for groups like the Sierra Club, Public Interest Network, and Human Rights Campaign. He has since served as an executive director for both the Oregon and Washington Chapters of the Sierra Club and had the honor of working with several youth development focused organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Coaching Corps, and The Imagine Bus Project.

A student of humanity with an adventurous side, Trevor is a hiker, music lover, and world traveler with a B.A. from Westminster College in Sociology, Anthropology, and World Religions. He lives in Portland with his amazing wife Nicole and their highly entertaining dog Nola.

GRANTS COORDINATOR

Sarah (she/her) is a native Oregonian who loves her home state and the vast opportunities to enjoy its incredible nature. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication from University of Oregon.

Over the last decade, Sarah has worked for several nonprofits in Portland and Seattle doing grant writing, database management, event coordination, fundraising strategy, and donor communication. She has served a diverse array of missions including access to nature, equitable education, humanitarian aid, and cultural performing arts.

Sarah started her role at Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm after taking a year-long sabbatical to drive the Pan American Highway in a truck camper with her family.

FARM ASSISTANT

Paul (he/him) was born and raised in NE Oklahoma. Although mostly raised in the city, as a child he often visited a wildlife preserve near his hometown and developed a love for nature and animals (especially bison!). He led a rebellious and adventurous youth and in 2012, He and his now wife sold all of their belongings that wouldn’t fit in their ’92 Ford Econoline and hit the road to Portland, OR.

Paul spent the majority of his adult life working in the service industry, mostly bartending, serving, and managing. His passion for gaining experience also led him down several other paths, ranging from working at health food stores to even co-owning a metal fabrication shop. Sustainability, working with his hands, and being outside have always been his passions so a path in farming seemed like a no-brainer. In 2024 he applied to the Rogue Farm Corp Farmer Apprenticeship program and landed a spot at Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm. He immediately fell in love with all aspects of farming and there was no question after that.

In his free time, you will catch Paul spending time with his family, including his lovely wife and two rebellious and adventurous kids.