Meet our 2026 Speakers & Panelists

Betsy Rosenbluth is the Farm to School Director at Shelburne Farms and Co-Director of  VT FEED, a nationally recognized farm to school program. She received her M.S. in Community Economic Development from the University of Southern New Hampshire.

Shelburne Farms designs, delivers, and hosts transformative educational programs for educators and students to help inspire an emerging generation of changemakers. Rosenbluth’s work focuses on policy, capacity building, and resource development that grows robust farm to school programs that are rebuilding healthy food systems, and cultivating links between classrooms, cafeterias, communities and local farms.

Lori Nelson is an accomplished chef, leader, and passionate advocate for school food reform based in Austin, Texas. With over 28 years of culinary and operational experience, Lori has excelled in roles such as Executive Chef for renowned catering companies and hotels and Senior Director of Child Nutrition for KIPP Texas Public Schools, where she implemented innovative technologies, improved operational efficiency, and supported students across the state of Texas with nutritious meals.

Currently, Lori serves as the Chief School Food Operations Officer at the Chef Ann Foundation, where she leads efforts to transition school districts to scratch-cooked meal programs. She oversees the development of technical assistance curricula, strategic planning, and data-driven assessments to ensure school food professionals have the resources and support needed to provide high-quality, healthy meals to children. Lori is deeply committed to promoting equity, sustainability, and fostering positive change in the nation’s food systems.

Throughout her career, Lori has been recognized for her culinary excellence and leadership. Her accolades include being a national finalist in the Sutter Homes recipe contest, as well as vegetarian recipe publications in Country Woman Magazine. She has also prepared private dinners for esteemed figures such as Lady Bird Johnson and her family, the Clintons, and Buzz Aldrin, among others. Under her leadership, Lori’s programs have earned national recognition, including being named among the top school food programs in Texas.

Outside of work, Lori enjoys spending time outdoors, making art, skateboarding, and exploring new culinary techniques in the kitchen.

Hakeem Holmes is a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, a national energy and agriculture non-profit based in Butte, MT. Hakeem works remotely with farmers, agriculture enthusiasts, and industry experts. His geographic region includes FL/GA.

Hakeem’s educational background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Florida A&M University in Agricultural Economics and Agriculture Science. Professionally, Hakeem has experience with Florida A&M Cooperative Extension, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Tallahassee State College in various roles.

Charlie Hogan has served in sales at R.C. Hatton Farms for the past eight years, focusing on the food service sector and working closely with both restaurants and schools. He collaborates directly with school districts to coordinate their menus with Hatton Farms’ harvest and delivery schedules. Charlie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida.

Paul Allen is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. As a co-owner of several agricultural enterprises, including R.C. Hatton Inc. and Performance Packaging LLC, Paul has demonstrated strong leadership in the industry.

In addition to his business achievements, he is dedicated to community service, serving as President of both the Light House Café of the Glades and the Pahokee Chamber of Commerce, while also actively participating in the Rotary Club. Paul’s commitment to agriculture is reflected in his leadership roles, such as former President of the Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida and current Trustee of the South Florida Fair. He and his wife, Debra, are proud parents and grandparents who value their deep roots in family and community.

Alicia Blackford serves as the Food & Nutrition Specialist and District Chef for the Columbia County Schools Food & Nutrition Department in Lake City, Florida. With nine years of experience in the district, Alicia began her culinary journey at age 16, ultimately earning her degree from Keiser University in Tallahassee.

From the start, her vision has been to elevate school meals and bring excitement back to students using all the senses with the finest, freshest ingredients. Prioritizing both quality and flavor, her district received the National Award for Innovative School Lunch Makeover in 2025.

Greta Allen is a public health dietitian with a background in federal nutrition program administration and advocacy. Her career has been rooted in initiatives that make healthy, fresh, and local foods accessible to all communities. She prioritizes collaboration and centering the experiences of those most affected by food system inequities. Greta has lived in many places and currently calls Boston, MA home where she contributes to local food access and nutrition-centered efforts, outside of her time with Eat Real.

Jenna Kaczmarski, with 20 years of experience transforming K-12 school meals, is recognized for her innovative approach, commitment to real food, and expertise in systems change. As the former School Nutrition Director for Polk County Public Schools, she has developed deep knowledge in child nutrition, local food systems, and strategic program development.

She now consults locally in the Tampa Bay Region and nationally, supporting transformative projects with organizations such as Eat Real Certified, Florida School Nutrition Association, Chef Ann Foundation, and Action for Healthy Kids. Passionate about raising the bar for nutrition integrity in school meals, Jenna works to build vibrant local food systems and healthier school environments for all students.

Gabriella Soto-Velez is a Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with NCAT’s ATTRA program. She supports farmers and educators across the Gulf States and the Caribbean with practical, low-cost methods for soil health, season extension, composting, and mushroom production.

Her work centers on culturally relevant, hands-on education that connects classroom learning to local food systems. Gabriella produces trainings, videos, and publications for producers to enhance community resilience.

Tracy Nazzaro is a seasoned expert at developing complex business solutions and is a specialist in designing rapid growth enterprises. She is a results-oriented executive who pursues client solutions from the perspective of an embedded operative who functions as part of a seamless team. Tracy has a wide depth of business experience in multiple high growth sectors.

Tracy founded Traders Hill Farm in December 2015 and has worked diligently to promote its growth ever since. Initially serving as the Chief Financial Officer, she transitioned to the role of President and General Manager in 2017. Traders Hill Farm (THF) is an innovative greenhouse grower specializing in head lettuce and herbs through advanced hydroponic and aquaponic systems. Complementing their year-round production, THF also operates a seasonal produce distribution division, ensuring fresh, quality produce.

Richard Miles, MS, RDN, is Assistant Director of Red Apple Dining for Seminole County Public Schools, dedicated to nourishing and enriching lives through exceptional dining experiences. He previously served as a Research Associate and Outreach Specialist at tier-one universities and as a consultant focused on school health, education, and urban agriculture.

Richard has advised and trained for the Institute of Child Nutrition and allied partners. He received the 2021 FAME Spirit Award on behalf of Red Apple Dining and is recognized as a mentor and leader by Minority Access and MANRRS. Richard enjoys serving his church and community with his wife and three children.

Kari Brown, MHS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist, has spent the last 15 years of her career positively impacting students through her passion for healthy food and cooking. She currently works as the Coordinator of Nutrition and Wellness for Red Apple Dining at Seminole County Public Schools. Prior to this role, she also served as Nutrition Specialist for Red Apple Dining and a culinary teacher for the district.

Her lead responsibilities include coordinating food procurement and developing nutritious and delicious campus restaurant meals.  In her spare time, she enjoys participating in outside activities such as walking, biking, or watching UCF football games.

Zack Brym is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Agronomy at the Tropical Research and Education Center in Miami-Dade County. His research and extension programs span topics related to Agroecology with land management across agricultural and natural areas that balances plant production, environmental conservation, and community development. Zack received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Michigan and PhD from Utah State University

Becky Sponholtz joined Florida Agriculture in the Classroom as their Education Program Manager in June of 2013 and become the Executive Director in February 2017. Before joining FAITC, she was an Agriscience Instructor and FFA Advisor for seven years at Keystone Heights High School and two years at Fort Pierce Westwood High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science and a Master of Agriculture from Auburn University.

Jennifer Morgenthal joined Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Programs Manager in September 2019. She attended the University of Florida, earned her Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education and Communications, and then started her teaching career at Freedom High School and Steinbrenner High School in Hillsborough County.

Soon after, she moved into online education as an instructor with Florida Virtual School, where she taught PE and health courses. She eventually returned to agricultural education by starting her career with FAITC. She recently earned her Master’s in Agricultural Education and Communications from UF.

Denisse Conway serves as the School Garden Specialist for the School District of Palm Beach County. With 18 years of experience teaching high school biology, she brings a deep understanding of science instruction and student engagement. In her current role, Denisse supports educators in using school gardens as vibrant, outdoor learning environments that spark curiosity and connect academic content to real-life experiences. She is committed to empowering teachers with practical resources and students with meaningful hands-on opportunities that connect classroom learning to the natural world through garden-based learning.

Alicia Standish, with 12 years of experience teaching primary grades in the School District of Palm Beach County, is dedicated to creating engaging and hands-on learning experiences for students. Passionate about fostering curiosity and learning through real-world applications, she strives to make every lesson meaningful and interactive.

One of her proudest accomplishments is her involvement in the Virtual Farm Field Trips program, where she helped connect students to the world of agriculture and sustainable practices in an engaging virtual setting. Through her work, Alicia Standish continues to inspire young learners to explore, discover, and grow.

Ray Cruze has taught agriculture and overseen the FFA Chapter and school-based farm at Roosevelt for 31 years. Answering a call to work with students with disabilities, he developed an educational model, integrating STEM fields into a school-based business, Roosevelt Farms, to enhance students’ cognitive development, as well as promoting and improving their social, communicative, and employability skills.

Five greenhouses, used for aquaponic, hydroponic, and nursery production, produce native and ornamental plants, including a variety of food crops. The program has received awards and recognitions, while partnering with businesses, universities, and civic organizations to promote Florida agriculture and ag education

Caitlyn Goree serves as the Youth Programs Manager for 4Roots, leading the development and implementation of hands-on learning experiences that inspire and empower young people to explore agriculture. Prior to joining 4Roots in 2024, Caitlyn taught agriculture and served as an FFA Advisor in Florida’s middle and high schools.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education and Communication and a master’s degree in Family and Youth Development from the University of Florida. Caitlyn is deeply committed to opening doors for the next generation of agricultural leaders and believes every student has a place in the industry.

Brianna Rodarmel, Director of Programs at 4Roots, leads education and community initiatives that connect people to food, farming, and sustainability. In her role, Brianna partners with schools and community organizations to create experiential programs that inspire food literacy and environmental stewardship.

Before joining 4Roots in 2022, Brianna led an after-school gardening program for the City of Orlando’s Office of Sustainability and Resilience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management and a master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the Pennsylvania State University. Outside of work, Brie enjoys gardening, fishing, and slow mornings with a good book.

Abbey Matusik is a Sustainability Project Coordinator for the City of Orlando, where she designs and leads educational programming about nature, gardening, and beekeeping. Prior to her current role, Abbey served as a U.S. Teaching Assistant with Fulbright Austria, where she engaged Austrian secondary students in learning about American life and culture. Her experience abroad sparked a deep passion for education and community engagement, which she brought back to the U.S. as an AmeriCorps VISTA. This role laid the foundation for her transition into her current position, where she continues to foster environmental awareness and stewardship through hands-on learning experiences.

Deborah La Belle, Senior Program Manager of The Education Fund’s Food Forests for Schools, brings over 20 years of nutrition experience to her role, along with a decade of leadership in advancing the program across more than 70 schools in Miami-Dade County. A trained chef with extensive knowledge of nutrition and unique crops, she has driven initiatives like the Garden to Cafeteria program in collaboration with M-DCPS Department of Food & Nutrition.

A 10-year participant in the M-DCPS Wellness Committee, representing The Education Fund’s Food Forests for Schools, she was recently elected chair of the committee. Deborah’s expertise and interpersonal skills enable her to effectively engage with teachers, students, parents, and cafeteria personnel, making a lasting impact on school wellness and nutrition education.

Eddie Recinos is the Program Director for The Education Fund’s Food Forests for Schools Program, a role he has held for more than a decade. Bringing over 30 years of expertise in urban vegetable gardening and specializing in perennial crops for easy-to-maintain school gardens, Eddie has significantly enhanced outdoor learning experiences throughout Miami-Dade schools.

As a former public school teacher with a background in art and design, he established South Florida’s first public elementary school food forest, which now serves as a model for the program. Under Eddie’s leadership, The Education Fund has implemented 30 food forests that serve as outdoor classrooms and provide weekly harvests for local communities.

Nathalie Montenegro has dedicated her career to improving how we nourish students and support sustainable food systems. Nathalie serves as the Nutrition Program Supervisor for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the nation’s third-largest school district. In this role, she wears many hats serving as staff liaison to the District’s Wellness Advisory Committee, leading initiatives to reduce food waste and promote sustainability in school cafeterias and coordinating Farm to School partnerships that connect students to fresh, local foods.

Billy Mitchell is an Education and Training Specialist for Produce Safety with the University of Florida based out of Gainesville.  Billy earned his master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC) from the University of Georgia and has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms and composting operations. In his role with the UF Produce Safety Team, he works with Extension and other partners across Florida to provide technical assistance, education, and training.

Kirby Quam has worked for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in his role as Produce Safety Outreach Coordinator since 2020, working with fresh fruit and vegetable producers across the state to promote practices that ensure the highest quality and safety for Florida’s produce commodities.

Before coming to FDACS, Kirby worked in agriculture equipment manufacturing and sales, as an agriculture extension specialist with the Peace Corps in Senegal, West Africa, and as an elementary school teacher. When he’s not in the field, Kirby spends his time with his family at his home in Lake Wales.

Chris DeCubellis was raised on a farm in Pasco County. He attended the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, as well as a Master’s and PhD in Agricultural Education and Communication. With more than 25 years of experience in Extension, Chris has served as a county agent, Associate State 4-H Program Leader, Dairy/Animal Science State Specialized Agent, and currently as the State Specialized Agent for 4-H Agriculture. He lives with his family on a farm near Archer, Florida, where they raise beef cattle and grow vegetables.

Jamie Dicks has over 13 years of experience in child nutrition and is a strong champion of Farm-to-School. She has led food service programs in Marion and Alachua County and is a certified School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) with an MBA from Saint Leo University. Jamie is passionate about connecting schools with local farmers and increasing access to fresh, local foods for students. Her work focuses on strengthening local food systems and bringing more Florida-grown ingredients to school meals.

Chrystal Baker is the Farm to School (F2S) Coordinator for Alachua County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services, where she leads initiatives that connect students and schools with Florida agriculture. With 18 years of experience, she has focused her work on strengthening relationships between local farmers, schools, educators, and communities. Chrystal is passionate about increasing access to fresh, local foods while supporting education, health, sustainability, and Florida’s agricultural economy. Her work helps bridge the gap between the cafeteria, the classroom, and the farm.

Jeannine Rizzo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Psychology from the New York Institute of Technology. She joined the School District of Palm Beach County in March 2015, bringing experience as an entrepreneur in Corporate America, where she consulted on emotional intelligence, performance management, training, and coaching.

Currently, she leads the District’s School Garden initiative for the Food Service Department, developing strategic direction and resources to promote innovative growing methods. Jeannine inspires collaboration among administrators and faculty to foster operational excellence, leadership, and change. Her work provides students with transformative learning experiences in areas like nutrition, wellness, agriculture, culinary arts, and biotechnology.

Caroline Ideus has acted as a regional consultant and small-scale farm advocate since 2019. She has worked with nine regional school districts for their Farm to School projects and has implemented local procurement strategies with regional farmers and schools. Along with her involvement in the Farm to School movement, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network local food network was a partner with the USDA Appalachian Food Business Center, and she was involved with regional projects that propel the regional system.

Samantha Goyret has acted as a regional consultant and small-scale farm advocate since 2019. She has worked with nine regional school districts for their Farm to School projects and has implemented local procurement strategies with regional farmers and schools. Along with her involvement in the Farm to School movement, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network local food network was a partner with the USDA Appalachian Food Business Center, and she was involved with regional projects that propel the regional system.

Elliott Smith co-founded Kitchen Sync Strategies (KSS) in 2019 to build stronger, fairer regional food economies. He leads a team that supports 12+ food hubs across 5 regions, bringing local, organic, and equitably sourced food to school districts and other institutions from Maine to Guam. Since 2021, KSS has generated over $4.5 million in institutional sales for small and mid-sized farms and food businesses nationally. Trained in Public Health, Elliott learned food’s importance through his Texas childhood in his mom and grandma’s kitchens and gardens. He deeply believes people and institutions should be in relationship with their food and farmers.

Ashley Stonecipher has been with the University of Florida IFAS Extension for nearly five years and serves as the Agriculture and Food Systems Extension Agent in Volusia County. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida, along with two master’s degrees in Business Management and International Business.

Ashley’s program focuses on enhancing livestock production and grazing systems, improving small farm operations, and promoting agricultural awareness through educational youth programming. She also works closely with the county 4-H agent to deliver embryology programs in local schools, provide showmanship training for the county fair, and connect teachers with farm tour opportunities.

Laura Valencia serves as the UF/ IFAS Extension Flagler County Extension Director and Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, leading programs that strengthen family stability and community wellbeing through health and financial programming. Her background includes more than a decade of developing innovative, relevant programming for youth and their families, experience that supports strong Farm to School partnerships and educational outreach. She has successfully implemented creative approaches to engage all audiences in Extension programming, enhancing connections between local agriculture, schools, and families to promote healthier communities.

Shani Hall is the General Manager of Student Nutrition Services at Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, Florida, overseeing a nutrition operation that serves more than 75,000 breakfasts and 125,000 lunches each school day. Shani began her career in the Air Force as a dietitian and medical officer before discovering her passion for school nutrition. Prior to her role in Hillsborough County Schools, she worked in school nutrition at Georgia Department of Education and Cobb County Schools in Atlanta, GA. Shani holds an undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from the University of Alabama.

Kelly DeAngelis has a passion for sustainability and building community. She holds a M.A. in International Relations and Environmental Policy from Boston University and B.A. in History from the University of Rhode Island. With experience in the energy industry, she pivoted to sustainability in K12 food service, supporting district Health and Wellness Committee and Farm to School initiatives.

Now in the nonprofit world, Kelly is working with students, teachers, custodians, parents and administrators to recover and redistribute food, save tax dollars and limit landfill space, recycle, and return compost to schools for a brighter future.

Susan Hassett is dedicated to reconnecting students with the environment through hands-on outdoor learning. She not only drives the bus and leads field trips to diverse locations but also provides professional development sessions for teachers, working closely with community partners to enhance outdoor education. By linking teachers with community resources and expertise, Susan empowers them to create school gardens and facilitate outdoor exploration.

As a lifelong gardener, she generously shares her knowledge with schools interested in starting gardens, utilizing a variety of methods ranging from traditional gardening to hydroponics and aquaponics. Susan is also involved with the Healthy Living Collaboration, where she encourages schools to grow food sustainably for their cafeterias.

Andrea Alma recently launched Rootstock Consulting, where she plans to help clients take their farm to school programs to new heights, drawing upon her 18 year career as a farm to school leader. Andrea spent the past 10 years as a USDA Farm to School Regional Lead in the Mountain Plains Region. Prior to joining the USDA, Andrea was the first ever Farm to School Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools where she worked alongside Bertrand Weber to launch the district’s nationally-renowned farm to school program. Her career began in Washington, DC where Andrea founded and directed the DC Farm to School Network.