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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our team contributes to and manages all of our programs to achieve measurable outcomes. They actively listen to the needs of our community, respect their ideas, and strive to improve our services and processes in a timely manner.

The team’s strong collaboration skills enable them to navigate diverse perspectives and ideas. Even when they believe the community’s suggestion is the best option, they continue to listen, seek compromise, and remain respectful when receiving feedback or criticism.

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Founder/Director of Seed2Fork

Michele Ada Alston, Ed.D

Raised by my grandparents, I grew up learning hard work and service. My grandfather, a skilled horticulturist, and later a bread maker at Wonder Bread, shared bread and garden produce with our neighbors weekly. My grandmother worked at General Motors as a “Black Rosie the Riveter” during WWII, then as a cook at Rider College, with other family members following suit at Princeton University. Service ran in our family.

 

At 14, I started working in my uncle’s business, where I learned customer service, a firm handshake, and networking skills. During my Master’s and Doctoral studies, I broke ground as a Black woman in Systems Thinking, pioneering corporate roles and working on impactful projects, including delivering emergency vehicles to Africa with Boeing leadership. My 25-year corporate career allowed me to work with renowned experts like Dr. Edward Deming and Dr. Ron Heifetz.

After retiring, I returned to service.

 

Our farm now focuses on social justice, supporting marginalized communities, and promoting prevention gardening for Type 2 diabetes.

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President of Seed2Fork board

Fred Schuneman, Ph.D

Fred serves as the Training Project Manager responsible for working with clients and managing the development and implementation of Customized Training, Expert Consulting, and Personalized Coaching services.


With over 10 years’ experience in public, private and educational sectors, Fred has also worked in training or education as an instructor/facilitator, department head and director of instructional programs. Over these years’ of experience, he has provided creative and resourceful leadership and development of training utilizing various methodologies.  

 

He has developed and taught Train-the-Trainer courses, developed and delivered Equity and Social Justice training all across the State of Washington and provided formal and informal coaching from the individual contributor to executive level.


Fred holds a Master of Science in Workforce Education/Organizational Development from Southern Illinois university and a doctorate from Oregon State University in Educational Leadership.  

 

He is certified as a trainer in Equity and Social Justice Training and a facilitator in Continuous Improvement.

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Secretary to Seed2Fork Board

Cely Rosales

​Cely is responsible for ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of the board of directors. A central role is facilitating effective corporate governance to provide support and advice to board directors and executive management.

 

Cely has expertise for keeping the organization's operations running smoothly by her experiences in expert on board procedures and bylaws, meeting agenda and minutes, and accurate records.

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Treasurer of Seed2Fork Board

James John Boyd III

Mr. Boyd has a Bachelor of Science at Loma Linda University and is the Chief Financial Officer of Boyd Properties for over 35 years.  Boyd Properties is a family owned business, which owns 7 apartment buildings, and rental homes.  James’s main job is overseeing the financial operations, and making decisions based on the company’s financial stability.  

 

He also helped oversee and manage their 18 employees, which included the property managers.  Other duties included, the overseeing and collecting of rents, in which he then put the monies in the bank. Furthermore, having customer service with the tenants on a daily basis; as well as interviewing potential tenants.

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OUR TEAM 

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Director of Program Development & Volunteers

Wil DeRouen Jr. 

Wil is a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State. He sets goals for Seed2Fork’s growth, develops program plans to meet our outcomes, and oversees day-to-day operations. He also manages deadlines while maintaining focus on the organization’s broader vision.

 

Wil leads the development and implementation of our volunteer and outreach programs across both urban and rural communities—particularly in underserved areas often labeled as having the "wrong" zip codes. He engages in ongoing conversations with people of color, helping them build environmental awareness and understand the benefits of volunteering. 

 

Through this work, participants are empowered to pass on knowledge to others, contributing to the dismantling of health disparities within BIPOC communities.

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Office Manager

Kim Foster

Maintains office services by organizing office operation, procedures, preparing letters, presentations and reports. 

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Supervising and monitoring the work of our volunteer staff. Reviewing and approving supply requisitions, processing invoices and managing office budgets. implementing and maintaining all clerical functions, and administrative systems.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM Coordinator)

Vicki Welch

Hellen is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of our educational field trips. This includes arranging transportation, coordinating with venues, managing permission forms, and ensuring that all safety and logistical protocols are followed.

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She frequently communicates with the contacts at the destinations we visit and addresses any unexpected issues that may arise on the day of the field trip. Hellen’s strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously are essential to ensuring everyone's safety.

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We are fortunate to have Hellen on our team. Her ability to speak several languages is key to making our spaces welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all.

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Garden Art Integration Coordinator

Debra Pryor

Develop and maintain the partnerships necessary to advance the work in collaboration with key staff. Assist in organizing art activities and events for Seed2Fork Farm, and manage the program's budget.

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Field Trip Coordinator

Hellen Adams

  • Plans everything well in advance.

  • Use pre-visit activities to help students prepare for the field trip.

  • Develop clear learning objectives and share them with the group.

  • Remember: chaperoning is not a spectator sport.

  • Provide name tags for everyone.

  • Keep everyone actively engaged throughout the trip.

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Additionally, Hellen speaks several languages, which helps create a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all participants.

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Director After School Programs  

Andi Beverly Webber

Building on a tradition of over 100 years, Le Cordon Bleu is a global leader in the culinary arts, known for its prestigious name and outstanding reputation in the culinary and hospitality industry. At Seed2Fork, we are fortunate to have Chef Andrea (Andi) Webber—a graduate of this renowned institution—as the Director of our After-School Program.

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Le Cordon Bleu laid the foundation for her culinary education, instilling in her the importance of practical skills, creativity, and precision. As a pâtisserie chef, Andi embraces the joy of creating nutritious baked goods such as fruit tarts, cakes, ice cream, and more—using quality ingredients as her artistic palette.

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Chef Andi supports her students in creating their own Children’s Rainbow Cookbook. She is deeply aware of the rising rates of type 2 diabetes in children, driven by the ongoing obesity epidemic. Her classes provide hands-on nutrition-based cooking instruction and wellness-focused physical activities aimed at helping children adopt healthier habits—potentially preventing the need for early oral medication.

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This is not just another after-school cooking program. Through these classes, students build essential life skills, including interpersonal communication, active listening, and teamwork.

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Transportation Coordinator

Pastor Arthur Borders

This is a hybrid role, requiring adherence to all food safety and handling regulations.

Responsibilities include maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the delivery truck and surrounding areas, as well as assisting with the loading of food deliveries to Seed2Fork Farm.

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Expertise in Trees and Ecosystem

Arthur Lee Jacobson, Permaculture and Cultural Demonstration Garden

Arthur provides Nature-based solutions to Seed2Fork including: improving degraded habitats by bringing ecological diversity into landscapes and skilled at improving garden management practices. He has published books, articles, and guides on wild and cultivated plants. He has served on nonprofit boards,  and his dedication to sharing his extensive knowledge. Visit his website (http://www.ArthurLeeJ.com) for over 300 articles and essays.

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Landscape Designers 

Carl Creft

Carl ensures that the design meets the specific needs of the area, including privacy, rainwater runoff, aesthetics, and wildlife habitats. He incorporates garden plants, trees, grasses, and hardscape materials to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces for both rural and urban Seed2Fork communities.

ADVISORY BOARD

Our Board of Advisors plays an important role in the development of our organization, especially in supporting our startup programs. They are experts in the following areas:

  • Providing guidance to help our nonprofit continue to grow, while overseeing our strategies and operations—without making direct decisions or managing day-to-day tasks.

  • Drawing on years of experience to actively listen to ideas and encourage us to strengthen our strategic thinking.

  • Offering unbiased feedback and helping to fill skill gaps by sharing expert advice and valuable connections.

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Spiritual Advisor

Pastor Byron Dulan

Pastor Derek Lane has served as a financial advisor to Seed2Fork since 2023.

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He has a deep passion for outreach ministries and community engagement and currently represents the North Pacific Union Conference territory on the Conscience and Justice Council. Over the past 30 years, Pastor Lane has held a variety of leadership roles, launching more than a dozen nonprofit organizations and securing over $20 million in grants and resources.

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Strategist

Colette Newer

Colette Newer serves as our strategist, guiding our pathways through a holistic approach rooted in community outreach since 2015.

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She is the Associate Director of the North America Division of Adventist Community Services. Since 2018, she has also served as the Outreach Ministries Department Director for the Washington Conference in the North Pacific Union.

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Her portfolio includes Adventist Community Services, ACS Disaster Response (DR), Urban Ministries, and Prison Ministries. Prior to her current roles, Colette served as Associate Director (2014–2018) and Administrative Assistant (2000–2014).

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Financial Advisor

​Pastor Derek Lane

Pastor Derek Lane has served as a financial advisor to Seed2Fork since 2023.

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He has a deep passion for outreach ministries and community engagement and currently represents the North Pacific Union Conference territory on the Conscience and Justice Council. Over the past 30 years, Pastor Lane has held a variety of leadership roles, launching more than a dozen nonprofit organizations and securing over $20 million in grants and resources.

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