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

Social Media Marketer

Communications student at California State University, Dominguez Hills with a focus on creative marketing and social media

Passionate about using social media to help bring more visibility, connection, and community engagement to the garden

Loves photography, live music, creative storytelling, and creating visual content outside of work

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.