My name is Stephanie Spross and I am the new Assistant Director of Education. I joined Farm Discovery in June. I moved to the area to attend college at CSUMB and fell in love with all the opportunities we have to connect with nature. During college I studied Marine Ecology and worked as a scientific diver and seafloor mapper, which was fun, but cold work. Soon after graduation I moved into informal education working at the Boys and Girls Club running their Science Center and then the Monterey Bay Aquarium doing public programs. I realized I loved teaching and connecting the public with nature so I went back to school and earned my teaching credential in elementary education. I spent the last 7 years teaching transitional kindergarten where I loved being able to get students outside, exploring nature, and gardening. I was part of numerous leadership teams working to make science and outdoor learning accessible to all students in our district. I received grants to create a school garden and worked with our community from start to finish to develop it and get students outside. By chance I found Farm Discovery and reached out to Jessica. After a conversation I knew I wanted to be part of her team and work with Farm Discovery to bring nutrition education and healthy produce to our Watsonville community, and I am so glad I’m here! I look forward to the opportunity to meet you all and have you out to Farm Discovery.