Robin Crowder, 21 Acres Marketing and Development Director

Crowder’s expertise lies in sustainable marketing initiatives, building supply and demand for local foods, and developing new programs in a wide variety of settings with a conscious attention to environmental issues, climate change and limiting energy use. In her prior position with the University of North Carolina, Crowder directed research related to local foods, agriculture and economic impact projects addressing health disparities.  She managed an Innovation Laboratory titled, Linking Local Sustainable Farming and Health, which examined the question, “Can eating local address obesity, the environment and economic viability?”

Crowder has served on a team for three years to write and manage federal, state and foundation-funded grants related to agriculture, food insecurity and food justice projects and played a key role in community-based participatory research. Crowder has an extensive background leading entrepreneurial initiatives with place-based traditional and social marketing strategies.  Her work has included: fundraising campaigns; local foods branding; managing packaging and promotion design; creating direct farm-to-consumer buying opportunities; building wholesale relationships; directing public relations; orchestrating major special events; planning cooking and nutrition classes; and conducting educational programming.

Crowder served as operations manager the Bellingham Farmers Market for many years and helped farmers and small businesses position themselves to attract a greater customer base including both wholesale and retail buyers. Prior to that Crowder worked for major health care and senior housing companies leading their corporate marketing departments.  Crowder provides ongoing consultation to urban planning and public health organizations, and volunteers for farmers market membership organizations on policy and advocacy issues.

Carlos Mendoza, 21 Acres Facilities Manager

More info here....

Tiffany Cole, Chef, 21 Acres Kitchen

Tiffany is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Seattle. She moved here from Chicago to be part of a more conscious environment, uprooting herself and her daughter to follow her dreams. "I have always considered myself a foodie, but my true passion is reconnecting with the Farm to Table experience," she said.

"Realizing how disconnected many are with where their food comes from, my goal is to educate and inspire change. I look forward to working with local farms and small businesses that share the same passion and dedication. The more information we share, the more health we can bring to our community. I believe one of the most important parts is getting the youth involved."

Tiffany plans to further her education to involve permaculture, and more sustainable green living. When the time is right, she would love to open a sustainable Bed and Breakfast with a teaching kitchen, and her own organic farm. "As I continue my journey with 21 Acres, I'm excited to see what can be made possible ~ I'm proud to be part of this wonderful team!"

Kurt Sahl, Principal Education Consultant

Kurt has over 25 years of science and technology instruction, research and consulting experience, most recently at the University of Washington Center for Teaching and Learning.  Kurt brings valuable organizational and educational experience to 21 Acres. Kurt's interest in environmental science grew out of formative experiences at the "Recycling Center", living off-grid in Alaska, and now, climate change research. During his doctoral studies, Kurt co-authored articles about computers and teacher cognition and a book for teachers about online learning. He received his B.S. degree in entomology from the University of Idaho and his M.Ed. in educational communications and technology from the University of Washington.

Deb Sternagel, Administrator

As a community advocate and volunteer for twenty five years while living and raising my children in Woodinville, and still with a heart for a mission, I am now honored to be part of the 21 Acres team. As the 21 Acres Administrator and Event Coordinator I get to continue interacting with my neighbors and community, while meeting additional dynamic folks from far and wide who share the 21 Acres interest and mission in sustainable education.
 
I have a degree in Education from Washington State University and served for many years as a volunteer with my church and the schools my children attended, as well as holding many volunteer roles within the Northshore Youth Soccer Association.   In my final role as President of NYSA I was able to lead the association in several field development partnerships and in those endeavors, had the pleasure of meeting and working with many dedicated volunteers and community advocates committed to education, children, and making our community and the world a much better place.  
 
My dad always said “Learn something new every day!”   In my role at 21 Acres, I do exactly that - learning each day more about sustainability,  and with great pleasure am finding many ways to continue those previous connections, while helping to educate others as I serve the administrative needs of 21 Acres.

Brenda Vanderloop, Public Relations & Communications Consultant

Brenda assists 21 Acres in developing strong relationships in the community and effectively building a diverse audience promoting the many programs and activities within the organization. Brenda  also serves as webmaster and provides a wealth of knowledge  to 21 Acres and its supporters, having worked with the organization long term.

Her activities in the local food movement began in the early 1990’s providing promotion and community relations services to the local Farmers Market Board. The ensuing years strengthened her commitment and support in the broader Woodinville area, not only as an advocate for agriculture and farm fresh food, but also with the expansion of educational opportunities  through the Northshore Schools Foundation Board; as  former director of the Woodinville Chamber’s Tourism Partnership and proponent to small business in the region.

To contact the Board of Directors, Staff or Consultants e-mail them direct or at: generalinfo@21acres.org.