Learn more about the amazing people who keep Lynchburg Grows going and growing.

Our Staff

Shelley Blades

Shelley Blades is our Executive Director. She oversees all aspects of the farm's operation as well as the organization as a whole. Her experience includes health promotion, working with people with disabilities, and managing urban agriculture.

Before joining the Lynchburg Grows team in 2015, Shelley served as garden coordinator at the Harlem Children's Zone in New York, where she implemented seven school gardens and worked with teachers to integrate them into the schools' curriculum.

If she could have it her way, everyone would eat radishes rolled in butter and sprinkled with salt.

Jennifer Porter

Jennifer is our CSA Manager. She first became involved with Lynchburg Grows by giving workshops on composting to help us implement our community composting program on the farm.

Jennifer is also our resident house plant collector, she keeps every surface of our indoor space occupied with her treasures. In the spirit of reuse, Jennifer is also passionate about collecting quirky antique items that can be incorporated into the CSA and store displays.

She is happiest in early spring, because that is when asparagus is in season and she can eat a whole pound of it all by herself for lunch.

Jennifer oversees the Community Compost operation on the farm.

Whittney Chauta

Whittney Chauta is our Assistant Farm Manager. She helps run many parts of the farm, from starting the seeds to harvesting the vegetables, and every step in between. She also leads school tours and loves showing students the magical world of veggies!

She came to Lynchburg Grows with experience in growing vegetables, flowers and medicinal herbs. Whittney strongly believes that everyone should be able to access fresh, affordable, delicious food. She has a passion for growing flowers and eating croissants.

Bethany Walker

Bethany joined the team in June 2022 to be our first full-time Development Director and help grow our network of donor support for everything we do. She is getting to know all the wonderful people who already support us through monetary gifts, volunteering, and CSA membership. She hopes to find more people and organizations to join us so we can do even more good in our community. Bethany is committed to advocating for the importance of access to good food, and fostering disability justice, too. If you receive a call, email, or note from her soon, it's because she wants to know you better!

Before Lynchburg Grows, Bethany worked at Randolph College as a major gifts officer where she cultivated relationships with individual donors, and she also has experience with corporate and foundation fundraising.

If you ask her, tomato sandwiches are the pinnacle of summer enjoyment.

Barb Sydnor

Barb Sydnor joined the Lynchburg Grows team as the Administrative Assistant in February 2023. She uses her creativity and keen eye for detail to help the office side of the organization run smoothly. Working at Lynchburg Grows is a dream come true for Barb! She is very passionate about the Lynchburg Grows mission and feels so lucky to be a part of our meaningful work in the community.

Barb enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband and three sweet, compassionate children. Barb also teaches the youth pottery class for Lynchburg Parks and Rec, which is super fun!

Barb is all about mushrooms, because she loves fun gals and fun guys!

Ella Gleason

Ella Gleason is a current Visual Arts Educator, who lends her design skills to Lynchburg Grows as the Director of Marketing. She collaborates to help create the website, newsletters, graphics, and more.

She brings over a decade of graphic design experience to the table with a focus on designing for nonprofits, small businesses, and causes she is passionate about. She has a mission of making the arts more accessible to the local community; whether that is through education or design. One of her favorite things about Lynchburg Grows is the mission, which is focused on educating and helping local community through fresh veggies.

Susan Robinson

Susan is our Fresh Rx Coordinator. She works with local healthcare providers to identify and connect with individuals interested in adopting healthy eating habits that will benefit diet-related illnesses. She focuses on helping individuals discover and explore new foods and incorporating those foods into meal planning by sharing recipes, preparation tips and providing fresh organic produce from the farm.

Before joining the Lynchburg Grows team, Susan was a nutritionist and autism coordinator at Advocates for Children. She has a master's degree in Holistic Nutrition. Susan is passionate about the role of healthy food choices and the impact fresh fruits and vegetables have on overall health.

Susan's perfect day would include a hike with her yellow lab Jackson, tending her flower garden, and eating a big salad topped with goat cheese.

Olivia Boyce

Olivia is our Farm Coach. Through the Farm Coach Program she works along side our part-time farmers with disabilities to achieve their personal and professional goals. Together they learn new skills, work with volunteers, play team building games, and more.

She started at Lynchburg Grows in 2016 as a high school intern and began her full time position after studying Sustainable Community Development at UMass Amherst.

When Olivia is not at work you can find her taking a nap with her cat Ponyboy, at a drag show, or spending time with friends. Her favorite thing is to eat cherry tomatoes right off the vine on hot summer mornings.

Ashleigh Kubik

Ashleigh Kubik is the newest addition to our Farm Coach team. Her job entails working alongside our farmers with disabilities and helping them accomplish goals while having lots of fun along the way.

She’s a Lynchburg native who has a passion for our city and the people in it. Ashleigh also loves cooking, spending time outside, and tending her own back yard garden. She is the mother of four awesome daughters who keep her busy! You can find them running around town or at the farmer’s market most Saturdays!

Chris Price

Chris Price is one of our hard-working farmers that keeps us all laughing and on our toes. Chris helps with all farm chores, but especially loves task that require some extra muscle like turning compost and hauling soil. Chris is originally from Lynchburg and has previously worked at Bill’s Pastry Shop. When he’s not busy with farm chores, you can find him chugging ice cold water or drinking coffee.

Chris P. heads out for another load with a smile.

Chris Matheson

Another Lynchburg native, Chris graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 2001. Previously, he worked at Bob Evans restaurant and the Weenie Stand but has been with us since 2005. Not only is Chris Matheson one of our produce washing extraordinaires, he is multi-talented and lends a hand in the greenhouse, with maintenance, and CSA set-up. But his most coveted skill may be his ability to remember names and welcome our customers. If you meet Chris on one of your visits, be sure to ask him about his love of Broadway and Disney World. Chris is aspiring to attend the University of Lynchburg, go Hornets!

Chris helps prep the beet harvest for CSA day.

Mariel Hackman

Mariel started her career at Lynchburg Grows in 2008. She has performed many jobs at the farm, including planting, composting, harvesting, feeding chickens, bagging produce and stocking shelves in the store. Chatting with the customers is one of her favorite things to do.

Mariel learned many of her work skills working at her family’s business “Lorraine Bakery,” which was named after her (Lorraine is Mariel’s middle name).

In her free time, Mariel enjoys practicing yoga, playing T-ball, baking, coloring, and watching soap operas. She also enjoys traveling and once walked all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. She has been to ten countries and many states.

Of all the things she has done, she likes working at Lynchburg Grows the best!

Luke Horochowski

Luke is one of our awesome part time farmers. He is super strong and loves working outside. He began in 2023 as a new addition to our farm coach program. Luke and his parents moved to Lynchburg from Pennsylvania in 2020 to join his 4 local siblings. When not at work he enjoys playing sports and going on runs to stay fit. He also loves to listen to and play music on his guitar, bass, and drums. He even writes and sings his own songs. Luke is also passionate about his faith. If you play the right song around him you’re likely to see this ladies man busting a move around the farm.

Luke composting at our community compost site.

Keith Kervin

Keith is our resident animal lover here at the farm. In his role as part time farmer, he has historically been our animal technician here on the farm for a variety of animals, and continues to keep our chickens in good health. Keith is a well-known member of the Jameson YMCA, and is currently working on his “We Fit” certification. He also enjoys going on dates with Mariel in his time outside of work.

Board of Directors

Suzanna Davies

President of the Board, Suzanna Davies has lived in Lynchburg since she was a child. She's a wife and mom of four and owns her own business that offers marketing support to online businesses. Suzanna is active in the community, serving on the board of the PTO of her kids' school, Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, and volunteering with Girls on the Run. Her garden offers a variety of fruits and vegetables and this year has started incorporating several pollinator patches. In her free time, Suzanna enjoys reading and cooking.

Linda Jones

Linda Jones is retired and spends her time actively working to contribute back to the community that she has called home her entire life. She retired as the co-owner of Dominion Seven Architects in downtown Lynchburg.

She is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and her career in Lynchburg has included working for various nonprofits. She was formerly the Executive Director of the United Way of Central Virginia as well as several other organizations.

She is currently the Treasurer of the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation and served previously as the organization’s President. Linda has one daughter who is a teacher at Heritage High School. She enjoys playing golf, reading, and learning new hobbies.

Robb Foster

Robb Foster was a staff member at Lynchburg Grows in 2011 and 2012, when he served as Associate Director of Stewardship. Currently he employed at Jamerson Lewis Construction as Director of Quality and Safety. He holds a Masters in Project Management from Northeastern University and Bachelor’s degrees in Construction management and Appropriate Technology with a focus in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University.

Most of his spare time he spends with his two sons, River and Sky, and he is very proud to be raising them in the City of Lynchburg with his wife Samantha. Robb views being a member of the Board as a great opportunity to participate in the grass-roots initiatives that are prevalent in the City of Lynchburg; making it an amazing place to raise a family.

Jennifer Foust

Jennifer is a longtime resident of the Lynchburg area, having moved here in 1989. She has been employed as a School Psychologist with Bedford County Public Schools for over 30 years, and continues to enjoy the opportunity to work with the teachers, students and families of Bedford County.

Jennifer recently retired from two other vocations. She taught dance for 25 years at Forest Dance Academy, and for a year and a half at Seven Hills Dance Studio. She particularly enjoyed teaching ballet and taking groups of dancers to share their talents in area churches and nursing homes. She also recently retired from a part-time position at the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren, where she served as Assistant Pastor. She feels honored that the “temporary” position transitioned into a permanent one lasting 25 years.

Jennifer’s proudest accomplishment is being called mom. She and husband Jeff have four adult children. In her spare time Jennifer enjoys spending time in the garden, riding bikes, doing yoga and curling up with a good book.

Patty Fox

Patty Fox is a long-time-retired pharmacist, having studied at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia and then graduated from the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University).

She was born in Columbus, Georgia, but grew up in Front Royal, Virginia. She and her husband moved to Lynchburg in 1977 when he accepted a job at Radiology Consultants, Inc. They have three children and six (soon to be seven) grandchildren.

Patty has spent most of her years in Lynchburg raising her children and volunteering in a myriad of community organizations. She has served on the boards of many of these groups, including Lynchburg Fine Arts, the Lynchburg Historical Foundation, Amazement Square Children's Museum, and others.

Nick Léger

Nick is originally from the Chicago area and moved to Lynchburg over 20 years ago to start a career with the Lynchburg Police Department. Currently serving as a Captain, he oversees the Crisis Negotiations Team, Personnel and Recruiting, Training, Professional Standards, and other administrative units.

He and his wife live in Amherst with their three sons and enjoy exploring their woods and creek. He stays active running, swimming, watching his kids swim for the LY Piranhas and Oakwood Gators, and hiking in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. Health and nutrition has been his passion for years, corresponding with physical fitness and an appreciation of the outdoors. He has had the privilege of supporting Lynchburg Grows for almost 10 years. Their mission and hard work is a blessing to the Lynchburg community, and he is thankful to be a part of the great and unique work that they do.

Erin McWane

Erin is a realtor with Blickenstaff & Company, Realtors. She grew up on her family's century cattle and tobacco farm in southern Virginia. For as long as she can remember, Erin has always had an affinity for farms, land, and agriculture, which subsequently led her in the direction of a career in real estate.

Erin graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in History. She is also a board member of the Lynchburg Historical Foundation and on the St. John's Flower Guild.

L. Kimball “Kim” Payne, III

Kim Payne is Board Secretary and has supported Lynchburg Grows for many years, including serving as Board President and guiding the organization through several large projects. He served as Lynchburg City Manager for fifteen years, until his retirement in 2016. Previously, he served as County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator in Spotsylvania County.

He is a retired Commander in the Naval Reserve, and a life member of both the International City-County Management Association (ICMA) and the Virginia Local Government Manager’s Association (VLGMA). Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University and Master of Planning and Master of Arts in Public Administration degrees from the University of Virginia. He serves on the boards of several regional non-profits and is active as a local government consultant, coach, and mentor. When not otherwise engaged, Kim enjoys gardening, reading, and fly fishing. He and his wife Leslie have five children and eleven grandchildren.

Andrew Pearson

In 2006, Andrew Pearson fled the big city of San Diego for Lynchburg's small-town community, historic downtown and neighborhoods, and easy access to the mountains, James River and Virginia countryside. After growing up in Arlington, attending college in the Shenandoah Valley and graduate school in Hampton Roads, he is happy to have landed in the heart of Virginia.

Andrew is drawn to the multiple facets of the Lynchburg Grows mission. He previously served on the board of Downtown Lynchburg Association (formerly Lynch's Landing), and he works downtown as a construction attorney with Petty, Livingston, Dawson & Richards.

Andrew enjoys swimming with the masters team at the downtown YMCA, hiking and running on the Blackwater Trail and the Appalachian Trail with his wife Ashley and his Golden and Labrador retrievers.

Mark Pretty

Mark is a sales representative for Robins Cellars, Inc. His career includes 35-plus years in the adult beverage business. Prior to marrying his wife and moving to Lynchburg, Mark resided in Danville, Virginia. While in Danville, Mark had the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors of several nonprofits, including the YMCA and Goodwill Industries. Mark now considers Lynchburg home. Home for Mark is a special place to enjoy family, friends, his rescue dog Ella, great wine and playing in the dirt.

Cheryl Thayer

Cheryl currently serves as Treasurer for the board and is also the Staff Accountant for Johnson Health Center. Cheryl was born and raised in the Lynchburg area and currently calls Bedford County home. She received her BS in Accounting from Liberty University and has over 35 years of various accounting experience that began at Thomasville Furniture when she was only 16 and a junior in high school.

She and her husband Kevin have one adult daughter who is a Behavioral Health Specialist with Johnson Health Center.

She spends her free time with her three miniature dachshunds, playing the piano, scrapbooking, and spending time with family.

Kay Van Allen

Kay is a gardener and lover of flowers. She has extensive gardens including a walled "secret garden". A long time garden club member and co-chair of St. John’s Flower Guild, she enjoys creating flower arrangements for home and church.

Born in Columbus, Georgia, Kay attended Hollins College until she married and moved to Spartanburg, SC, where she attended Converse College. After becoming pregnant with her first child, she and her husband moved to New Jersey, where she graduated from Drew University.

In 1997, Kay moved to Lynchburg with her husband Kent. They live in a very old farmhouse in Bedford County. In addition to serving on the board of Lynchburg Grows, Kay is also on the board of Poplar Forest and the 500 Year Old Forest Foundation, as well as serving on the vestry of St. Johns Episcopal Church.

Martha Wade

Martha is a retired financial professional and CPA with over 27 years of accounting and financial experience with BWX Technologies, Inc (BWXT). Prior to working for BWXT, Martha spent 10 years in Public Accounting.

Martha moved to the Lynchburg area in 1997 from New Orleans, LA. She has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. Martha enjoys traveling, water aerobics and rooting for the New Orleans Saints.