Perry “happy” balian, emeritus executive director

Before coming to Seeds to Plate, Perry, known as "Happy" in the garden, previously worked in the Los Angeles Unified School District's Learning Gardens serving the community as an instructor, a Sustainability Director, an avid weeder, a composter, and an outdoor science curriculum designer. Happy brought his years of creative talents as a production coordinator for The Walt Disney Company to the garden and classroom by creating the naturalist podcast “Glory of Green”, a podcast for K-8th grade, currently available on all major streaming platforms.

As an educator and guide, Happy’s To-do list begins and ends with helping generations strengthen their connections with the natural world and developing an equitable educational environment. Happy has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Auburn University, a graduate Specialization in Social Emotional Learning from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Virtual Teacher Specialization Certification from UC Irvine, and is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.

Paula sirola, emeritus executive director 

Former STP Executive Director Paula, whose garden name is Ms. Peppermint, is experienced in organizing communities, developing programs, and building grassroots organizations in Los Angeles and Latin America. Her work revolves around helping people build community and access healthy foods, be it through street vendors, community and school gardens, or community-based agricultural projects.  Paula is a UC Cooperative Extension Master Gardener and has a M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA, where she also did her doctoral research. Contact: pmsirola@gmail.com

Leah Russo

Former SeedstoPlate Intern, Leah led the seeds to Plate program for 6 months following the pandemic. She then went of to train as a culinary worker and currently resides in Portland, Or.

 
A week to remember. Four years ago under the direction of the talented Ms. Angela Hughes, one of our favorite collaborations-a pop up restaurant! Students were able to learn culinary skills and hospitality pro tips to create a garden lunch for their
"Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." Charles Dickens Our schoolyard habitat is thriving- not only is it beautiful, but it continues to provide food for families in need.
Life in the garden without students is different- seeds that were dropped or scattered by kids or critters have taken root with no foot traffic. Happy accidents! What has remained unchanged are the cycles of the natural world. Our thriving garden wil
Happy Earth Day from Seeds to Plate. The planet, and the food cultivated on it unify us all. Mother Nature teaches us impermanence, renewal, hope, connection, independence beauty, generosity and so much more. Sharing opportunities to connect students