Garden Team
e: tfogolini@nbcc.net
t: 415.559.3207
Teresa Fogolini Garden of Eatin’ Director
Teresa Fogolini brings over 17 years of experience and education developing and teaching nutrition, garden, and literacy programs for children and communities in Sonoma and Marin counties. Her work in education includes non-profit organizations, libraries, early childhood and elementary schools. She holds a California multiple subjects teaching credential and reading certification. She earned her Master’s degrees in Education and Reading & Literacy in order to further her commitment to provide enhanced and equitable learning experiences to children and families. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at UC Davis.
Lisa Bianchi Garden Nutrition Educator, Sonoma County
Agriculture has always been a big part of Lisa’s life. Her family owns a Petaluma dairy ranch and the milk produced from their ranch is used for Wallaby Organic Yogurt. Growing up, Lisa was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America and continues to volunteer as a camp coordinator for the Sonoma County 4-H Summer Camp. Being of service to children and educating young children has been a passion for her and around 10 years ago Lisa returned to school and received her degree in Early Childhood Education and her Early Childhood Teacher Permit from the State of California. Lisa was a Preschool Teacher for NBCC and a teaching assistant at Two Rock Elementary School in Petaluma. Lisa is looking forward to sharing and expanding children’s knowledge and understanding of the importance of Farm to Table Agriculture.
Lacey Packard Garden Nutrition Educator, Novato
Lacey grew up tending to a garden of fruits and vegetables in Novato, Ca. She saw firsthand the pivotal role nutrition plays in daily life. Lacey graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Clinical Nutrition from the University of California Davis. She interned for The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services and the USDA, CA Department of Education and Commodities where she provided direct nutrition education to adults and children. She was also a lead instructor for the hungry reader program that integrated nutrition education in the classroom. Prior to NBCC Lacey worked as a school age child care teacher at the YMCA. She has a real passion for educating children about health and nutrition, while encouraging them to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Nick Rossi Garden Manager, Novato
Nick enjoys having his hands in the dirt. He is a certified producer of “micro-greens” in Sonoma County and currently sells his produce at two Farmer’s Markets. He has always been involved in building and maintaining gardens wherever he lived. When living in Eastern Washington, Nick owned a small farm/homestead, worked on an organic potato farm and helped out neighbors with the wheat and barley harvests. His work history also includes working full time for a landscaper and irrigation company and as a self-employed carpenter and handyman. Nick is a US Veteran from the Navy and has a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia Pacific College.
Paivi works with the NBCC program, senior leadership, and human resource teams on Professional and Workforce Development to support the professional growth of teachers and center leaders and to build sustainable early childhood education workforce models of excellence. She manages training compliance, child development permit obtainment, renewal and upgrading and educational stipends and professional benefits. She also manages NBCC’s Apprentice, Apprentice Mentor, and Internship programs in Marin and Sonoma Counties and collaborates with Community Colleges, Apprentice Program Employer Partners and other NBCC Community Partners. Paivi received her Master of Science degree in Curriculum/Early Childhood Education from California State University East Bay. She holds a Vocational Teacher certification from Finland and a Life Children’s Center Supervision Permit from the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit administration, early childhood program advancement, teaching, mentoring and leadership development in the United States and in Finland.
Jill St. Peter brings four decades of experience to the field of early childhood education. With a diverse background that includes roles as a Teacher, Site Supervisor, Early Learning Coach, Trainer, and her current position as Curriculum and Training Director, Jill has consistently demonstrated her unwavering commitment to early childhood education. Jill holds a Master of Arts degree in Education and Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development. This commitment to academic excellence underscores her dedication to advancing the field and ensuring the well-being of young children and educators. Jill is certified by West Ed as a trainer for the Program for Infant and Toddler Care and Beginning Together Inclusion. She is also certified by the Center for Optimal Brain Integration as a Trauma Informed Care Trainer. Her expertise has been showcased at esteemed conferences such as NAEYC, CAEYC, and Head Start. Her involvement in professional communities underscores her dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration. Jill has been an active member of the California Coaching Advisory Group, Trauma Informed Care Community of Practice, Sonoma County Quality Counts Consortia, Region 1 Coaching Community of Practice Leader, Sonoma County Coaching Collaborative, Hope and Healing Early Learning Collaborative, and the Evening of Honor committee. Jill’s passion for early childhood education and her extensive experience makes her an asset to the field, continually inspiring and supporting educators their mission to provide the best possible start for young children.
Mariah has worked in the insurance industry since her adolescence. Less than a week after graduating college, she accepted a position at Arrow as an Associate. During the last 13 years, Mariah has worked in almost every position available at Arrow to learn the intricacies of the business and build her skill set. Mariah has helped companies from start-up to enterprise-levels review market options and elect benefit programs that allow those companies to recruit and retain top level employees. Outside of the office, Mariah is passionate about her work in the community. Mariah focuses on organizations that work to create limitless opportunities for children and the handicap able community. She is proud to serve as the Board Chair for NBCC. In her free time, Mariah is the mother of two beautiful little dudes, married to a Kaiser numbers nerd and enjoys going on horseback rides around the Bay Area.
