Throwing names | Life Lab names new executive director, refocuses efforts – Santa Cruz Sentinel

Santa Cruz-based nonprofit Life Lab recently announced it is focusing its efforts on training school garden educators and has named Whitney Cohen as its new executive director.

Cohen served as educational director of Life Lab for 17 years.

“After investing in the school garden movement for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand how school gardens help young people become confident leaders who are inspired, creative, collaborative, scientifically savvy, and excited about fresh, nutritious foods,” Cohen said in a statement. “Students, especially those who struggle in traditional classrooms, also experience true joy in school gardens. That’s why I’m excited to lead Life Lab as we invest in our train-the-trainer model and expand our support for school gardens across the country. I dream of a day when every young person in every school has access to a vibrant, outdoor garden classroom.”

The revamped Life Lab program comes after the Pajaro Valley Unified School District institutionalized garden-based learning through its Expanded Learning program. It follows nearly a decade of direct Life Lab programming with Pajaro Valley, including in-school gardening and agricultural programs in the Watsonville Blooming Classroom. After two years of grant-funded technical assistance that Life Lab provided to school gardens in Live Oak and Santa Cruz City Schools, those districts are continuing that work as well.

“Streamlining our programs and services to focus on ‘training the trainer’ brings Life Lab back to its original roots,” says John Brissenden, Life Lab board member. “The board is committed to supporting Whitney and her incredible staff to position Life Lab for the greatest impact in the future.”

Life Lab reported that in the first half of 2024, it trained nearly 1,000 school garden educators and trainers, reaching more than 5 million students nationwide.

Cole Appointed to Board of Foundation for America’s Public Lands

Val Cole, a Santa Cruz entrepreneur and recently retired Apple executive who now works as a sales and marketing consultant for clients including Airbnb, Spotify and Disney, has been appointed to the board of the Foundation for America’s Public Lands.

Cole currently serves as co-chair of the Advisory Board of the California Trust for Public Land and has been a major fundraiser for capital projects. Cole served on the board of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for nine years, most recently as vice-chair. He has also served on several other nonprofit boards, including Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and DigitalNEST.

As an official charitable partner of the Bureau of Land Management, the foundation’s board is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Scott Gwilliam, Laurel Sayer and Paul Vigano were recently appointed to the board.

“The Foundation for America’s Public Lands is entering a new and exciting phase of growth that will allow us to continue to expand access, awareness and oversight of our Bureau of Land Management lands and waters,” said Gov. Steve Bullock, chairman of the board, in a statement. “Val, Scott, Laurel and Paul are exactly the kind of visionary leaders who will help ensure the Foundation excels as we serve the needs of our public lands and waters.”

Santa Cruz County CASA Appoints Raymond to Board of Directors

The Court Appointed Attorneys of Santa Cruz County (CASA) recently appointed Kayla Raymond to its board of directors.

According to CASA of Santa Cruz County, Raymond has extensive experience supporting youth involved in the dependency and juvenile justice systems. She is currently a mental health specialist for the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District and previously worked with transition-age youth at Encompass Services, helping them develop independent living skills. Raymond has also been actively involved with CASA for several years, including serving on its Legislative Action Team.