Our Team
Lindsey Christ
Interim Executive Director
Lindsey is very excited to be serving as the Interim Executive Director for Highland Youth Garden! She has been working for non-profit organizations in the field of environmental education since 1997. She has a BS from UNC-Asheville in Environmental Studies and a MS from the University of Florida in Interdisciplinary Ecology. She was the former Executive Director of Keep Franklin County Beautiful, Inc., Camp Wyandot, Inc., and International Field Studies, Inc.
Nande gilbert
Manager of School and Teen Programs
Nande Gilbert has over 6 years of experience in youth development. She’s dedicated her life to giving back to her community, the Hilltop, and learning how to better serve the youth. In previous years she served local elementary schools with City Year Columbus and worked throughout Columbus with Godman Guild, and the Boys and Girls Club. Since coming to Highland Youth Garden in 2021, she has earned Life Labs certification as a garden educator, Project Wild/Growing Up Wild facilitator training and 4H Green Teacher certification. She has a BA from University of Toledo in Japanese and Education.
Paul Kemmer
Garden and Facilities Manager
Paul Kemmer possesses over 25 years of experience in organic gardening. Driven by a passion for food security, he has operated a free vegetable stand for more than a decade, utilizing produce from his family's home garden. His expertise includes cultivating over 100 different varieties of heirloom tomatoes, and he has achieved recognition by winning the top prize for the heaviest tomato at the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival. Additionally, Paul has contributed to his community through volunteer work, donating tomato seedlings and conducting gardening seminars for Habitat for Humanity, where he teaches children and community members sustainable gardening practices.
SAVANNAH BROWN
Assistant Gardener & Educator
Savannah Brown, a Florida native with a lifelong passion for nature, brings a deep love and understanding of U.S. agriculture to her work. Rooted in a belief that outdoor learning can inspire and empower, she is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with Highland Youth Garden and the community it serves. Savannah’s goal is to help nurture curiosity, growth, and connection to the natural world for every young learner she meets.