MJ has more than 30 years’ experience in business development and digital ventures. She has had a successful sales career working for a variety of organizations – from large corporations to medium and small non-profits. She has held positions with Vermont PBS, Meredith Corporation, National Gardening Association, and The New England Journal of Medicine.

She volunteered for over 10 years in the South Burlington School District facilitating school gardens, farm-to-school programs, composting and healthy food initiatives. MJ’s efforts on the District Strategic Planning Committee resulted in sustainability programs being included in the 5-year plan.

She was inspired by her Italian grandfather’s large garden where he grew a variety of fruits and vegetables including fig trees. As an adult, she has gardened in tiny backyards as well as intercity community gardens and now at her home in South Burlington, Vermont. She has worked with children of all ages in the garden and sees the result of how they are more interested in fruits and vegetables when they are involved with growing them.

MJ believes strongly in KidsGardening’s mission because the future of the planet depends on the next generation’s relationship with the earth. She believes children from all economic backgrounds should be exposed to gardening and that school gardens can have significant positive impact. She looks forward to working closely with the Board and the organization in the areas of corporate partnerships and digital initiatives.