EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Julee leads strategy, operations & fund development at Backyard Growers. She brings extensive nonprofit experience to the organization following more than two decades in international development, where she led community-rooted programs at the intersection of food, health, and education all over the world. 

Julee has held leadership and senior advisor positions at FHI 360 and Save the Children U.S. in Washington, D.C. She led programs and fundraising for Save the Children International in Kathmandu, Nepal, and the education sector in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Julee also directed education and workforce development initiatives for the US Agency for International Development in Haiti and oversaw humanitarian services for refugees and asylum seekers in Hong Kong, SAR. 

Throughout Julee’s time living and working internationally, Gloucester and Cape Ann remained her base. She lives in Gloucester and has served as a volunteer with Gloucester Education Foundation and the Sawyer Free Library.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

As the Director of Programs at Backyard Growers, Alexis oversees the development, implementation, and management of all existing programs while designing and launching innovative new initiatives that advance the organization’s mission of building healthy, connected, and resilient communities through sustainable gardening and food access.

With a diverse background in program development, community engagement, and operations management, Alexis brings a well-rounded perspective to Backyard Growers. By cultivating strong relationships with local organizations, schools, and residents, Alexis works to expand the organization’s reach, enhance community engagement, and drive impactful, lasting change. Her multifaceted experience equips them to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments, creating inclusive programs that meet the evolving needs of the communities Backyard Growers serves.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS MANAGER

Meg oversees and implements all of Backyard Growers’ school garden programs in Gloucester Public Schools, engaging 2,000+ students in vegetable gardens and the cafeteria every year. She has a Masters of Education in Early Childhood and a B.S. in Natural Resource Studies. She is licensed to teach Pre-K through 2nd grade.

She is a mom of three, a member of the West Parish PTO, and formerly a West Parish school garden parent volunteer.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKET MANAGER

CaSandra manages the marketing and communications for Backyard Growers. She is also responsible for managing the farmers market, The Backyard Growcery, which is going into its 4th season in 2027.

CaSandra has over a decade of marketing and communications experience working with brands from all sectors including food, healthcare, and banking. She has a love for data and turning that into compelling stories.

CaSandra is a Massachusetts native, growing up in Central Mass. She made Gloucester home in 2020 and has fallen in love with the community. She has a love for food, community, small businesses, and finding a way to bring those things together.

Tara is Backyard Growers' Development Manager, overseeing fundraising and donor relations. She has a background in environmental organizing, youth and workforce development, and technology. Tara is excited to help Backyard Growers expand and nurture its network in this new chapter. She is inspired to help people connect with the land and each other through gardening. 

Tara grows a three-sisters garden each growing season alongside a variety of medicinal herbs. She enjoys hiking, is an avid science fiction fan, and is a certified meditation instructor.