2027 JMG NLT Featured Speakers
Virtual 2027 JMG National Leader Training
CONFIRMED Speakers
MEET the SPEAKERS
Keynote & General Sessions
Emily Ann Roberts & Chris Sasser
DAY 1 Opening Keynote
Singer/Songwriter, Gardeners, Home Renovators
Sony Music Nashville, Self-Employed/Sasser House
Originally a home and furniture renovation page, “Sasser House”, has now become a fan favorite corner of the internet. Chris Sasser and his wife, country music artist, Emily Ann Roberts, have created a space for people to take a trip down memory lane and get back to the basics of life. The couple shares home renovations, recipes, gardening, canning, crochet tutorials, as well as life on tour. Sharing the way they live has earned the couple over 6.37 million followers across all platforms. Whether Chris is showing his wife’s music career from his point of view, or the country star herself is teaching about tomatoes, there’s always something fun to be a part of at the Sasser House.
Lisa Whittlesey
Junior Master Gardener Program Coordinator
Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Lisa serves as the program director for the International Junior Master Gardener program and has been an invited speaker to over 285 regional and national conferences and her recent work has focused on utilizing the Junior Master Gardener program (Learn, Grow, Eat & GO curricula) as an intervention as a part of a 5 year USDA AFRI funded Extension and Research project focused on child and family interventions for obesity prevention.
In additional to her work with the JMG Program, Lisa provides leadership to horticulture programming, staff development/management and as a PI federal contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Windham Schools – TDCJ, and with Lee College prison programming efforts.
Lisa is a lecturer for the freshman university course AGLS 125, guest lecturer for floral design and socio-horticulture classes at Texas A&M University and does educational videos for the public through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension social media outlets.
Randy Seagraves
Junior Master Gardener Curriculum Coordinator
Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Randy is an Extension Program Specialist & Curriculum Director for the International Junior Master Gardener program. A former 3rd grade teacher in College Station ISD, Randy is the lead author of 8 JMG® curriculum guides, including the new, evidence-based Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! curriculum.
He guest lecturers for horticulture and education courses at Texas A&M and has been a guest host for the Weekend Gardener television segment for local CBS affiliate in College Station and regularly speaks at regional, state and national conferences across the country.
David Mizejewski
DAY 2 Opening Keynote
TV Host/Naturalist/Author
National Wildlife Federation
David has been fascinated by our natural world for as long as he can remember. A lifelong naturalist, he spent his youth exploring the suburban woods, fields and wetlands, observing and learning about the surprising diversity of wildlife that inhabits them. A television host, author, and naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation, David holds a degree in Human and Natural Ecology from Emory University and is an expert on wildlife and our environment. He has hosted series on Animal Planet and NatGeo WILD and been a regular guest on Conan, The Martha Stewart Show, NBC’s Today Show and Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. David specializes in urban ecology, the importance of native plants to wildlife, and helping people restore habitat in their cities, towns and neighborhoods through gardening—which is the subject of his bestselling how-to book “Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife.” David is dedicated to using his knowledge and unbridled enthusiasm to help others understand and help wildlife.
Lightning Session Speakers, School Garden Field Trip Hosts and Concurrent GROW Session Speakers
Steve Bartholomew & Laura Bartholomew
President, Chairman of the Board of Directors (Mel) & Emeritus Board Member (Laura)
Square Foot Gardening Foundation
Steve Bartholomew began his career in advertising on Madison Avenue before joining his father, Mel Bartholomew, to produce and direct the acclaimed PBS series Square Foot Gardening. The show helped launch the best-selling gardening book of all time, introducing a method now recognized around the world. In 1988, Steve founded his own advertising firm, serving prestigious hospitals and school districts throughout the New York metropolitan area. Guided by a commitment to excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit, Steve has long been active in community organizations. For more than five years, he served on the board of the South Huntington Educational Foundation (SHEF), an independent nonprofit dedicated to enriching and supplementing local educational programs. There, he worked closely with his school board to help create programs that made a lasting impact across the district. A lifelong lover of nature and gardening, Steve has come full circle. Today, he leads the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, carrying forward its mission and preserving his father’s legacy.
Laura brings more than 40 years of advertising and marketing experience to the Square Foot Gardening Foundation. She began her career at Grumman Aerospace Corporation before moving into advertising and direct marketing, where she earned numerous industry awards. In 1990, Laura joined her husband, Steve, at Bartholomew Associates Inc., Advertising and Public Relations. While raising four children, she managed the agency’s day-to-day operations, including finances, human resources, client relationships, and new business development. Under their leadership, the agency grew to more than $1 million in annual billings. A lifelong cook who loves feeding family and friends, Laura also has a deep appreciation for nature and gardening. These passions led her to serve the community’s senior citizens. She spent four years working at a senior center, has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 10 years, and is a current member of the Halesite Garden Club. Laura’s combination of corporate expertise and hands-on community service makes her an ideal fit for the mission of the Square Foot Gardening Foundation.
Melissa Bright
Somerset County 4-H Agent
Rutgers University, New Jersey 4-H
Melissa Bright serves as the Somerset County 4-H Agent with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, where she leads youth development programs focused on agriculture, animal science, leadership, public speaking, and career readiness. With a strong background in dairy science and agribusiness management, Melissa is passionate about connecting young people with meaningful opportunities to explore agriculture and develop skills for their future. In addition to her county responsibilities, Melissa serves as a liaison to New Jersey’s State 4-H Beef and Dairy Programs and is actively involved in national 4-H animal science initiatives. She previously served as Chair of the National 4-H Animal Science Working Group and co-chairs the NJ 4-H Animal Science Task Force. Melissa is also the founder and coordinator of the NJ 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program, which provides high school youth with opportunities to represent New Jersey agriculture, strengthen leadership skills, and engage with agricultural communities across the state. Through her work, Melissa strives to create innovative, hands-on experiences that empower youth to become confident leaders, informed agricultural advocates, and future professionals in agriculture and beyond.
Stephen Brueggerhoff
County Extension Agent
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Stephen Brueggerhoff is Horticulture Extension Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Brazos County. Stephen received a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Sam Houston State University and a Masters of Forest Resources from the University of Washington.
With over 22 years of experience, Stephen furthers the Extension mission of education and community service, offering horticultural consultation to residential clients, business owners and green industry practitioners. Stephen is advisor and proudly supports the Brazos County Master Gardeners Association, providing coordination to consistently deliver quality research-based regional programs.
Hyun Jin Cho
Assistant Professor
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Hyun Jin Cho is an assistant professor of educational psychology in the Department of Teacher Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne. She currently teaches educational psychology, adolescent development, and classroom assessment.
She has been working on the Growing Gardens project for 2 years with Dr. Julia Smith and Dr. Sharon Parnin.
Eric Duell
Assistant Professor
Texas A&M University
Eric is a plant ecologist whose work centers on the complex and dynamic relationships between plants and soil microorganisms. My research explores how these interactions influence broader ecological processes and contribute to ecosystem services.
Deeply connected to the landscapes of North America’s Great Plains—where I have spent my entire life—I have developed a strong affinity for native plants of grassland and prairie ecosystems, and the invertebrates that depend upon them.
Gretchen K. Gasvoda Kelso
4-H Youth Educator
University of Wyoming Extension
Gretchen “Gretty” Gasvoda-Kelso is a University of Wyoming Extension 4-H/Youth Educator and County Coordinator in Big Horn County, Wyoming. With more than 25 years of Extension experience, she is passionate about creating hands-on learning opportunities that help youth discover their spark, build practical life skills, and become confident leaders. Raised on a Montana farm and ranch and currently involved in farming and ranching in Wyoming, Gretty brings a lifelong connection to agriculture, gardening, food production, and natural resources to her educational programming. As a Master Gardener, she helped launch Junior Master Gardener programming in Big Horn County, connecting gardening education with healthy living, community service, and strong community partnerships. Gretty believes some of the best learning happens when youth get their hands dirty, try something new, and discover that they are capable of more than they thought. She enjoys developing creative programs that bring youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and community partners together. Outside of Extension, Gretty enjoys gardening, cooking, quilting, cattle, fishing, traveling, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Kat Hamilton
National Program Operations Manager
Imagine Science
Kat Hamilton serves as the National Program Operations Manager for Imagine Science, a national collaboration of Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, 4-H, and Girls Inc. dedicated to expanding access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities.
In her role, Kat supports program implementation, strategic partnerships, and continuous improvement across a national network of communities. Drawing on experience in both local and national program leadership, she focuses on equipping youth-serving organizations with the resources, training, and support needed to deliver engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences in afterschool and out-of-school time settings.
Nicole Hansen
CBI IV
UNR Southern Area Extension
Nicole is a Las Vegas Native who has dedicated much of her career to teaching the Las Vegas Community about the benefits and ease of gardening in an arid climate. Nicole has taught all youth age groups and continuing education for adults. Her prior career experience includes delivering school garden company curriculum to youth at various Clark County School District Elementary and Middle Schools. Her wealth of knowledge about gardening in the Mojave is an essential contribution to her current role as a Community Based Instructor for the Youth Horticulture Education Program at Extension. She is fondly referred to as “the plant whisperer” by her colleagues due her wealth of information about plant science topics. Nicole received her Associates Degree in Horticulture from the College of Southern Nevada and her Master Gardener Certification from Extension’s Clark County office.
Deborah Ivie
Extension Associate Professor
Utah State University
Deborah Ivie, an Associate Professor at Utah State University, serves as the STEM and Agriscience lead for 4-H and youth programs. She loves working with youth and the adults who support them in growing the leaders of tomorrow. She is especially focused on helping kids find the STEM mixed in with everyday life. Deb is the mother of seven mostly-grown kids. She enjoys visiting the mountains, playing board games, and hanging out with family.
Shelby Kilpatrick
Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology, Kansas State University
Dr. Shelby Kilpatrick is an Assistant Professor in Kansas State University’s Department of Entomology. She earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from Texas A&M University in 2026. Shelby joined the Junior Master Gardener Program (JMG) in Denton County, Texas in 2004. Her activities included selecting and leading lessons from JMG's Wildlife Gardener curriculum which provided a group of fellow JMG members with the opportunity to become Certified Wildlife Gardeners. In 2007, she was recognized with the Texas Junior Master Gardener of the Year Award for her teaching and leadership of the group. Between 2008 and 2018, she volunteered for the Science With Attitude (SWAt) Educational Outreach Program, providing in-service trainings for Denton County, Texas area elementary school teachers, educating them on how to incorporate JMG and related curricula into their classrooms. Throughout her career, Shelby has incorporated JMG curricula and activities in her entomology teaching practice, including in 4-H and other youth enrichment programs, outreach activities, Master Gardener intern class trainings, and college-level courses. She aims to identify best practices in research and teaching, and develop accessible resources promoting them for scientists, educators, and other stakeholders, to enhance and advance the field of entomology as a whole.
Bob Markey
Director, Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation
Square Foot Gardening Certified Instructor
Born and raised in Rahway, New Jersey, Bob Markey graduated from St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark and earned a bachelor’s degree from Monmouth University in 1972. During his 45-year real estate career in Rahway, Bob also earned Rutgers University certifications as a Master Gardener and Master Tree Steward. In 2008, he traveled to Eden, Utah, where Square Foot Gardening founder Mel Bartholomew certified him as an instructor. That spring, Bob proposed a gardening program to the local YMCA, where he had learned to swim as a child. The director agreed, and campers soon affectionately named him “Mr. Bob the Gardener.” The program received enthusiastic reviews from the Garden Club of New Jersey, Rutgers Gardens, and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance in 2015. It has since expanded to three New Jersey YMCAs. In 2023, Mr. Bob’s Garden Foundation for YMCA Summer Campers received the National Garden Clubs’ Award of Excellence for its youth work. Bob later served on the organization’s Board of Directors as Youth Coordinator. On March 13, 2024, a Joint Legislative Resolution from the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly recognized his work teaching children to garden. Bob continues working to bring Square Foot Gardening to YMCA summer camps nationwide.
Mary Pearl Meuth
Program Coordinator
Texas Master Naturalist Program
Mary Pearl is the Assistant State Coordinator of the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program. A partnership program established in 1998, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department proudly administer the program with the mission to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
Mary Pearl was a lead editor for the TMN Statewide Curriculum published in 2016 which encompasses 24 units of material covering instruction that range from geology to ornithology to wetland ecology—all written by the state’s top scientists and experts.
Mary Pearl also organizes the Texas Master Naturalist Program’s Annual Meeting each fall with three full days of professional training sessions. Mary Pearl is an avid environmentalist and educator. Her greatest joy comes from watching her two sons and young daughter enjoy the outdoors, discover the little nuances and creatures, and delight in recognizing something they have learned about the world around them. She resides in Giddings, Texas with her three children and husband.
Daniel Barrera Ortega
Program Coordinator
National School Garden Network
Daniel has been the Programs Coordinator for the SGSO Network for almost 3 years. Previous to this, he was an educator based in Washington, DC. After graduating from the University of Florida, he realized how even with a degree in Plant Genetics, he still did not know how to grow a simple herb garden!
Since then, he’s grown alongside students by learning through food and gardens while serving in FoodCorps and being a Spanish classroom teacher at an elementary school. He believes children have the power to break cycles of inequity and gardens are a medium to empower their health AND academic achievement. Outside of the supporting the SGSO Network, he can be found swing dancing, baking, or performing improv at some local theater.
Megan Ostergar
Program Coordinator
USU Extension Salt Lake County
Megan is a plant lover through and through and delights in sharing her passion with youth! She is a program coordinator with USU Extension Salt Lake County 4-H and leads the Junior Master Gardener program at the Bastian Agricultural Center.
She loves finding any opportunity to weave youth development and leadership into garden education. She currently runs a shared youth garden, a youth community garden, and a hydroponics program.
Sharon Parnin
Clinical Assistant Professor Emerita
Purdue University at Fort Wayne
Sharon Parnin is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Educational Psychology, emerita at Purdue University, Fort Wayne. She formerly coordinated the elementary education and educational studies programs in the Teacher Education Department. Sharon has worked with the School of Education Urban Garden project since its inception.
Becca Rodomsky-Bish
Project Leader – Garden for Birds
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
As Project Leader for the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), which runs annually in February, we unite birdwatchers from around the world. We ask participatory scientists to submit their bird observations from their home or in their community after watching birds for as little as 15 minutes. My background is in environmental education, and the GBBC is a great way to engage birdwatchers at a variety of levels and experience.
I originally found my way to the Cornell Lab by working on a project called Habitat Network that taught people about creating habitat at home to better support birds and other wildlife. Using this experience, we have built a new program called Garden for Birds that helps to guide people into taking action at home and in their community to better support birds and biodiversity. Garden for Birds participants gain a better understanding of how landscaping choices, native plant additions, and habitat features can attract and support a great diversity and number of birds, bees, and butterflies. To bring back birds and biodiversity we need everyone making better and smarter choices in our landscapes and communities.
Frank Schleicher
Retired Engineer, Texas Master Gardener
Blanco County Master Gardener
Frank is a retired Civil/Industrial Engineer with over 40 years of helping team build project efficiently. He has found ways to use his engineering skills to build a productive garden. Part of being a Master Gardener is the enjoyment of sharing gardening ideas and help young adults find ways to enjoy gardening.
Randy Seagraves
Junior Master Gardener Curriculum Coordinator
Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Randy is an Extension Program Specialist & Curriculum Director for the International Junior Master Gardener program. A former 3rd grade teacher in College Station ISD, Randy is the lead author of 8 JMG® curriculum guides, including the new, evidence-based Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! curriculum.
He guest lecturers for horticulture and education courses at Texas A&M and has been a guest host for the Weekend Gardener television segment for local CBS affiliate in College Station and regularly speaks at regional, state and national conferences across the country.
Julia Smith
Professor of Early Childhood Education
Purdue University Fort Wayne
Dr. Julia Smith is faculty in the School of Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne. She received her PhD at Michigan State University and worked at the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University before joining PFW where she currently teaches Early Childhood Education in the Department of Teacher Education. Her community engagement work focuses on rural communities, food security, school gardens, and farmworker families of Mexican origin.
Lisa Whittlesey
Junior Master Gardener Program Coordinator
Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Lisa serves as the program director for the International Junior Master Gardener program and has been an invited speaker to over 285 regional and national conferences and her recent work has focused on utilizing the Junior Master Gardener program (Learn, Grow, Eat & GO curricula) as an intervention as a part of a 5 year USDA AFRI funded Extension and Research project focused on child and family interventions for obesity prevention.
In additional to her work with the JMG Program, Lisa provides leadership to horticulture programming, staff development/management and as a PI federal contracts with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Windham Schools – TDCJ, and with Lee College prison programming efforts.
Lisa is a lecturer for the freshman university course AGLS 125, guest lecturer for floral design and socio-horticulture classes at Texas A&M University and does educational videos for the public through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension social media outlets.