Our Team
Shelly Casto
Executive Director
Shelly Casto has served Highland Youth Garden since April of 2020. Highland Youth Garden is an impactful community development nonprofit embedded in an under-resourced neighborhood focused on gardening, education and nutrition. During her first four years, she has led the Garden in growing the programming dramatically, expanding the physical footprint and laying the groundwork for sustainable future expansion. In 2019 she completed a 30-year career in art museum education with her most recent years working as Director of Education at the Wexner Center for the Arts. During her time at the Wex, she developed specialized knowledge on working with ecology and contemporary arts, establishing two artist-created fruit parks in Columbus and working on several projects related to agriculture. Her focus for the future will be on ecology and food justice issues. She has an MA in Art Education from the Ohio State University and a BA in Art History from Oberlin College.
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.
Kris Cooper
Manager for Afterschool and Family Programs
Kris Cooper grew up in West Virginia & earned his Bachelors of Science in Wildlife & Fisheries Resources Management from West Virginia University in 2020. Upon graduation, Kris set out to live & work the seasonal life with various state parks, camps, & wildlife rehabilitation hospitals. With over 8 years of experience in youth development in the outdoors, Kris is excited to be part of the HYG team to help continue to grow & educate young minds here in central Ohio.
CArol Choup
Administrative Coordinator
Carol Choup has served in administrative and social media management roles. Carol completed the Ohio Women’s Alliance Action Fund’s 2023 Change Makers cohort right before joining HYG in November 2023. Carol plays a critical part in capturing and sharing our organization's work with the public. She’s enthusiastic about attending community events, expanding our programs in Hilltop area schools, and contributing to the growth of our garden. Most importantly, she’s excited to build relationships with members of the community. Carol also serves as an Ambassador for Seeds of Caring, where she and her son volunteer to foster kindness among children, creating a more compassionate community.
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.