FOUNDER
Los Angeles raised children' s educator

Earned a B.A in Early Childhood Development from California State University, Long Beach

Founded ATDE in 2016 as a field trip program for kids living in the LA projects

Her goal was to expose the kids to seeing, learning, and exploring other beautiful parts of the city

Inspired by the support from Sheila’s own parents while learning to read as a child

Her warm, long-lasting connections provide support to continue the garden’s activities

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Volunteering with ATDE since 2017

Earned B.S. in Dietetics & Food Administration at California State University, Long Beach 

Supports ATDE through grant writing, recruiting interns/volunteers, coordinating program activities

Earned Social Ecology Ph.D. at University of California, Irvine (UCI) in 2024, after publishing her dissertation on urban agriculture in the City of Long Beach. 

Currently works at UCI as a postdoctoral scholar and lecturer

PROGRAM SUPPORT ASSISTANT

First joined ATDE in January of 2025 as an intern from UCI 

Earned a B.A. Environmental Science and Policy

Has an in-depth understanding of environmental justice and socioeconomic inequality plaguing the Long Beach area

Passions include providing youth with outdoor extracurricular activities and engaging with underserved communities

PHOTOGRAPHER

Photographer for ATDE since 2017

Attended California State University, Long Beach

At ATDE, he has witnessed and listened to different discussions of topics he had never had in school as a child.

He enjoys bonding with the kids and being able to capture special moments that tell a story about the mission of ATDE

PR/MARKETING

Began working with ATDE in August, 2025 

Earned a B.A. in Public Relations from California State University, Long Beach

Passionate about creative expression and cultural diversity 

Brought to ATDE on a path of digital strategy, led by her love for learning and engaging with people

PR/MARKETING

Began working as a video journalist and copywriter in October, 2025

Earned a B.A. in Literary Journalism and a B.A. in Psychological Sciences from UCI

Learned to look at people and places, like ATDE, as a window into broader issues, like food insecurity or socioeconomic inequality

Passionate about the art of visual and audio storytelling

GARDEN LEAD

Certified California Naturalist

Studied plant biology and African American Studies at University of California Davis

Loves sharing their passion for passion for plants with others and making sure people know that they belong in nature

GARDEN ASSISTANT

Joined the Adventures to Dreams team in November 2025.

Journey in urban agriculture was driven by his passion to bring healthy organic and cultural foods to food deserts in Los Angeles.

Is an artist who uses theater as a tool to bring education and awareness of social issues affecting underserved communities.

Passionate about the importance of food sovereignty, indigenous food ways, and the role they play in creating resilient sustainable communities.

GARDEN ASSISTANT

Started working at Adventures to Dreams five years ago, as a high school student

Now in college studying biology

At the garden she works in upkeep and she is very passionate about life sciences

Applies her interest in life sciences to her garden work while also giving back to her community.

GARDEN ASSISTANT

Worked for the garden since January of 2024

Currently at LBCC to get an associates degree in both welding and metal fabrication

Favorite event to work is the Friday Food Giveaways because of the human interaction and impact we make

GARDEN ASSISTANT

Working at Adventures to Dreams Enrichment as a gardener since 2024

He is a second year Computer Science college student

Favorite garden event is the Garden Adventures on Saturdays, where he usually is cooking for the kids