My work with plants began in the Midwest, after I graduated with a degree in environmental studies and started working on organic farms.  I learned all there is to know about a life dedicated to cultivating the land and living with the seasons. I discovered the value of a practical, hands-on stewardship of the environment. At the same time, I continued my learning in the field of ecopsychology, eventually going on to graduate studies in counseling psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.  My main interest now is the human-nature relationship. I believe that nature can be healing, and my experience thus far with Growing Solutions hasn’t failed me yet on this account. I have already seen the smiling, satisfied faces of the volunteers after a long day of planting. The simple act of individuals coming together to restore the earth, plant by plant, is powerful, and I would like to explore how this work can be just as restorative on an internal level. I was able to become involved with Growing Solutions through the Americorps NonProfit Corps program.  Hired as volunteer coordinator, my job is to help improve volunteer recruitment and retention rates, and be a contact person to organize events and volunteers.  I feel like this is an important role to play, and I also really enjoy working with the volunteers. One of my goals in working with Growing Solutions for the near future is to develop a horticultural therapy program for people receiving mental health services in the area.