Our Team
PERENNIALS: WE KEEP COMING BACK EVERY YEAR!
Kathy Capron
(HR & Operations)
KATHY CAPRON BIO
(she/her)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads? I love bringing the earth nourishment to our kids at school. Giving nourishment to kids through teaching about food and cooking is a life skill that they can utilize far beyond school. I also love being a part of an amazing community of people who invest in the future of our lands and our children.
Favorite vegetable: Zucchini
One fun fact about me: I have a twin brother.
Emily Hie
(Education Program Manager)
EMILY HIE BIO
(she/them)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads? After working with Common Threads as a classroom teacher for seven years, I saw the impact that seed to table education had for students from all walks of life. Gardening and cooking lessons help kids to see that food is more than just nutrition—it’s also culture, science, and medicine. Furthermore, food is community—it’s the easiest way I know to connect with people in our past, present, and future! I love raising my own child in Whatcom County, and my goal is that all children here will feel empowered to grow and eat delicious food.
Favorite vegetable: Garlic. I double it in every recipe!
One fun fact about me: I also taught martial arts for six years!
Laura Plaut
(Executive Director)
LAURA PLAUT BIO
(she/her)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads? How we interact with food (growing, preparing, sharing, etc.) has the potential to be our greatest source of nourishment and connection or our greatest source of illness and isolation. I choose to work at Common Threads because I prefer nourishment and connection over illness and isolation!
I sometimes joke that Common Threads was born of my mid-life crisis: how did I, a “well-educated” adult, manage to live so long understanding so little about our food system?!
Common Threads is also my prayer to my own son and to all the other children who – through no fault of their own – are seduced by the colorful sugary options that so many marketing dollars put in front of them every day. May all of our children have access to the information and experiences that make healthy food choices joyful, easy and accessible.
Favorite vegetable: Salad turnip
One fun fact about me: I’m getting back into rock climbing after a long break
Sarah Wheatley
(Garden Program Manager)
SARAH WHEATLEY BIO
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads? Food has been the center of community, family and friendship in my life since the very beginning. My mom proudly taught me family recipes and my best friend and I started a cookie company in fourth grade. We all thrive when we feel we belong, and I want to share that! I grew up in Bellingham, went to college in Santa Cruz, California, and have worked in El Salvador, Mexico, and India as well as several small towns in Washington and Oregon. In each of these places, I had the honor of sharing stories over meals and making friends in gardens, kitchens, forests and fields. I think food is a beautiful way to share our cultures with friends, neighbors and strangers. I worked in ecological science for a long time too, and I love gardening because we get to see ecological relationships up close and be part of them: plants, soil, critters and us. Other things I love include mountains, rivers, oceans, birds, playing music, building and fixing things, bikes, dogs, languages, bugs, and the kids who grace my life with their curiosity and goofiness.
Favorite vegetable:Varies seasonally. Snap peas, Sungold cherry tomatoes, Delicata squash, and shallots.
One fun fact about me: I built a tiny house!
Cam McMaster
(Community Engagement)
Cam McMaster Bio
(he/him)
Carly Renner (Cooking Program Manager)
Carly Renner BIO
(she/her)
Why do you choose to work at Common Threads? I believe that food education is a fundamental part of education that every child should have access to. In my background as a dietitian, it has been a joy seeing the excitement kids have when they’re able to experience food with their own hands – in the garden and the kitchen. They’re more willing to try new foods, they learn to enjoy fresh produce, and they develop a healthier relationship with food. The kids carry these experiences and skills with them throughout their lives, growing into resilient adults who are able to care for themselves, the community, and the planet.
Favorite vegetable: Roasted brussels sprouts
One fun fact about me: I like to weave in my free time!
ANNUALS: AmeriCorps Service Members join us each year as our boots on the ground
Yareli Barragan, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Yareli BIO
(She/Hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Arizona
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I am looking forward to helping this community become more resilient by empowering youth to make food choices that directly nourish them and other students. By helping youth, the positive experiences they have will continue to mold their relationship with food and their community, which is an incredibly rewarding experience as a service member.
Favorite vegetable: Mushrooms!
One fun fact about me: It’s been six months since I’ve adopted my first cat!
Cole Burke, Americorps Food Educator
Cole BIO
(He/Him)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington (born and raised, baby!)
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? For me, sustainability as a concept motivates all the work/service I do. From environmental justice, human health and well-being, to economic vitality, there is so much to be done in our own communities to get one step closer to the world we all want to achieve. Growing up, I never got the opportunity to get closely connected with my local food systems nor had the ability to make healthy, nourishing decisions for my own body, which is why I’m so excited to be able to give kids in Whatcom county that chance to develop critical life skills and deepen their understanding of where food comes from.
Favorite vegetable: Garlic!
One fun fact about me: I thrive in chaos as it always keeps me on my toes!
Maggie Chen, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Maggie BIO
(She/He/They)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? Some experiences in the last few years have shown me the importance of connecting with the land that grows our food and just how much food can build community. Common Threads allows me to share the joy of these things with young people by learning, cooking, and growing with them.
Favorite vegetable: Napa cabbage.
One fun fact about me: I like to collect sticks and make art with them!
Katie Chugg, AmeriCorps Food Educator
(Acme & Kendall)
kATIE BIO
(she/her/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? Common Threads allows me to pursue my passion for combating inequality through high quality education in sustainability and gardening.
Favorite vegetable: Brussel Sprouts
One fun fact about me: I forage for mushrooms!
Talia Frank, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Talia BIO
(They/Them)
What state did you most recently live in? California
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I chose to work with Common Threads to further my joy in working outdoors, learning alongside youth. Being in an “outdoor classroom” allows me to immerse in a lively environment, where there is always something happening and opportunities for connection. I look forward to growing and changing with the seasons!
Favorite vegetable: Anything freshly picked from a vine
One fun fact about me: I witnessed an owl and a kingfisher over the water at Whatcom Falls
Phoebe Furuli, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Phoebe BIO
(She/Her)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I am passionate about growing food, cooking and eating the food, and composting any food waste. I am excited to channel this passion into the educational programs that Common Threads has established
Favorite vegetable: Garlic
One fun fact about me: I had a job selling composting worms in high school.
Kathryn Holland, Americorps Food Educator
Kathryn BIO
(she/her/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? Common Thread’s mission statement is what captured my interest in how they connect kids to healthy food in the garden, in the kitchen, and at the table. Wanting kids to grow up making food choices that are good for their bodies, their communities, and the environment is something I am super passionate about engaging in. I am excited to serve with AmeriCorps at Common Threads because I think it is a great opportunity to work with people of all ages and demographics. I would love to educate and provide to those who may not live currently with the privilege of nourishment. I love to learn more about how I can make a difference. I am currently getting my major in Recreation Management and Leadership at Western Washington University and my emphasis is on community, my minor is in Exceptionality and Disability. I have a huge passion and knowledge about inclusive recreation and how to engage the community with programs or interests that they care about.
Favorite vegetable: Carrots
One fun fact about me: I love learning about, taste-testing, and reviewing new apples!
Jack Haselhorst, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Jack BIO
(He/Him/His)
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I was recently a farmer and am excited to introduce students to the joys of fresh food!
Eli Holt, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Eli BIO
(He/Him)
What state did you most recently live in? California
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I have been looking for an opportunity to connect with the Bellingham and greater Whatcom community and I have a passion for food security, so the work that Common Threads does bridges those two. I am looking forward to working with kids as well – I love to play and laugh with them and tell each other stories because kids have so much valuable (and funny) insight to share.
Favorite vegetable: BEETS!
One fun fact about me: I am an expert on Jamaican railroad history!
Mary Klingelhoefer, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Mary BIO
(She/Hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Iowa
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? During university, I majored in global resource systems and environmental studies. I found that Common Threads’ values align with much of what I was learning and what change was needed in communities. I also just want to share my passion for gardening and healthy eating with others.
Favorite vegetable: Chickpeas
Mora Kozleski, AmeriCorps Food Educator
MORA BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? Cooking and gardening has been a way for me to connect with people. Common Threads gives me the opportunity to be a part of the whole food process from planting seeds in the gardens to cooking in the kitchen then sharing a meal with kids around Bellingham.
Favorite vegetable: Red bell pepper
One fun fact about me: I just finished a two-month backpacking trip in Utah!
Cam Olsen-Roth, AmeriCorps Food Educator
CAM BIO
(She/They)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? When I was really young, my grandma tried to make it her goal to get me to love vegetables. We cooked and prepared food together a lot as well. We made things like vegetable platters with ranch, fried eggs and toast, roasted zucchini, and pesto. I really appreciated the time she spent with me and how much effort she put into nourishing me. She encouraged me to ask questions about my food and be creative in the kitchen with her. Now that I’m older, I want to provide the same experiences to the next generation. My goal within Common Threads is to work with kids in their schools to grow, cook and eat food that nourishes them and to provide for the community around them!
Favorite vegetable: Daikon Radish right now, but Bok Choy is a really close second!
One fun fact about me: I like to collect plastic bags so I can cut them up and weave them together, that way I can crochet them into better bags.
Rosalie Potvin, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Rosalie BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Colorado
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I had access to a greenhouse when I was in elementary school and thought that participating in the gardening process was such a cool experience! Now that I’m older and have finished college, I have a huge passion for sustainability, food access and equity, and changing our food system in eco-friendly ways that provide nourishing foods for people in our community. Common Threads and the amazing team here share that passion!
Favorite vegetable: Artichokes
One fun fact about me: I played rugby in high school!
Tess Reeber, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Tess BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I recently graduated from WWU with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Salish Sea Studies. I am passionate about connecting others to our local lands, ecosystems, and food systems. I am excited to be working with Common Threads to help build community resilience through food education and access! Being informed about where our food comes from allows us to make nourishing, and sustainable choices for ourselves, our land, and our community.
Favorite vegetable:Chickpeas
One fun fact about me: My favorite animals are orcas and I am a land-based whale watcher!
Melissa Rijkers, AmeriCorps Food Educator
(Birchwood)
MELISSA BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I have always been passionate about growing my own food and experimenting with recipes, and I am beyond excited to share that with my community. I believe everyone should have access to healthy food and experience the wonder of getting their hands in the dirt and growing something of their own!
Favorite vegetable: Potatoes!
One fun fact about me: I love baking and hope to one day open a bakery of my own.
Maya Smith, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Maya BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? I’ve lived in Bellingham WA my entire life!
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I’m excited to contribute to the Bellingham community in a meaningful way and learn more about gardening, food justice, and education.
Favorite vegetable: Yams
One fun fact about me: I love having random interactions with strangers throughout the day (at the grocery store, on a walk, in line at the bank, etc.) People are endlessly interesting to me!
Kaia Szymczak, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Kaia BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I’m choosing to serve at Common Threads because it feels like a positive way to give back to the community that raised me before I move away for college in the fall. Having grown up with deep passions for making things from scratch—whether that be cooking, crafting, or anything in between—gardening, and the great outdoors, I’m beyond excited to get to work in nature and share those core values with others.
Favorite vegetable: Zucchini
One fun fact about me: I used to live in a remodeled school bus!
Bethany Tatum, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Bethany BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Born and raised in Washington! Recently moved across the mountains though- home is in Moses Lake.
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I recently graduated from WWU with a degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Anthropology and am getting credit through Common Threads to wrap up some lingering internship credits. I believe strongly in Common Threads mission of using education to build sustainable and resilient communities and Americorps gives me the opportunity to direct my passion and knowledge back into my community.
Favorite vegetable: Cucumber, fresh and crisp!
One fun fact about me: I love to sew and craft! My most recently completed project is a strawberry octopus that I made as a gift for my roommate.
Grace Wark, AmeriCorps Food Educator
Grace BIO
(She/hers)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? I am passionate about social justice and food justice is at the heart of these movements. Common Threads allows me to serve my community and encourage kids to connect with the land through gardening, which I have found very empowering personally. This position excites me because it is a way to take action towards increasing food access that can be felt tangibly in our neighborhoods and in our classrooms. I am looking to build lasting relationships with my peers, students, teachers and supervisors.
Favorite vegetable: Broccoli
One fun fact about me: I learned how to use a loom to weave fabric.
Shyann Young, AmeriCorps Food Educator
(Happy Valley & Lowell)
sHYANN BIO
(she/her)
What state did you most recently live in? Washington
Why are you choosing to serve as an AmeriCorps member at Common Threads? After graduating from WWU with an environmental studies degree, I really wanted to work locally and serve my community, as I find this the best way to make direct and real change! When I found out about Common Threads, I knew my love for food, sustainability and community would be met.
Favorite vegetable: Cabbage, humble and versatile
One fun fact about me: I got into the environmental movement by attending the Climate Reality Corps convention in Los Angeles
BOARD MEMBERS: THE SOIL THAT GROUNDS US IN OUR WORK
Board Members:
The soil that grounds us in our work
Ali Jensen – President
Ali Jensen BIO
Lindsey MacDonald – Vice President
Lindsey MacDonald BIO
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads? I am passionate about supporting thriving and sustainable communities. I believe healthy food and food education for all is an important part of this equation.
Favorite vegetable: I know this is cheating, since tomatoes are a fruit, but I have to say it anyway! I love growing and eating tomatoes.
One fun fact about me:Once upon a time I rode my bicycle around New Zealand, but now one of the most joyful things I do is ride around town with my toddler.
Nolan Davidson – Secretary
Nolan Davidson BIO
(he/him/his)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads? Common Threads provides an experience that, as an adult, I looked back and wished I had experienced as a kid. Gardening, growing food, cooking food–cultivating a connection with what we eat–is a crucial skill that too often fails to get conveyed to kids in school (and not everyone has the luxury of learning these things at home). It’s an honor and a pleasure to work for Common Threads.
Favorite vegetable: My favorite vegetable is the source of everything that’s pure and good in the world–chips, french fries, and vodka–the noble, glorious potato.
One fun fact about me: My resume says I’m a licensed tug boat captain.
Maria Macpherson – Treasurer
Maria Macpherson BIO
(she/her/hers)
Why do you choose to volunteer with Common Threads? All children should have the opportunity to learn the valuable skills of gardening and making healthy food choices. When children are exposed to the concept of growing their own food and making healthy choices, they become more connected to the food they eat and are more likely to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Providing access to education about sustainable food practices and nutrition is critical in building a healthier future for our community!
Favorite vegetable: Broccoli
One fun fact about me: I spent 7 months traveling the country with my husband and dog living out of our teardrop trailer.