Dig deeper into the transformative power of garden-based education. In this session, participants will explore how school garden activities nurture core social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, responsible decision-making, and relationship-building. Grounded in SEL frameworks, this workshop equips educators and program leaders with practical strategies and resources. Through presentation, collaborative discussion, and resource sharing, you'll leave with fresh ideas and adaptable tools to cultivate meaningful, student-centered learning in your own garden spaces. Whether you're sowing the first seeds or stewarding a mature program, come ready to engage, create, and connect.

Erica Curry - Row by Row, Bainbridge Island, WA

Michelle Markesteyn, PhD - Oregon State University, OR

Erica Curry is a seasoned leader, educator, and strategist with over two decades of experience advancing sustainable agriculture, food systems education, and community engagement. As founder of Row by Row, she brings an interdisciplinary lens shaped by her background in ecology and a master’s in Sustainable Food Systems and Place-Based Education.  Her previous work with FoodCorps, The National Farm to School Network, Shelburne Farms, and the Farm Based Education Network built expertise in facilitation, network building, and evidence-based program design. Erica is known for her dynamic leadership and commitment to equity in food and education systems. Whether she’s cultivating gardens, leading trainings, or designing impactful learning experiences, Erica’s work is rooted in a belief that meaningful change grows from the ground up—through relationships, place, and purpose. She is proud to be a Life Lab board member!

Michelle Markesteyn, PhD is an inventor, educator, scholar, and advocate. With a background in interdisciplinary social science and a doctorate focused on participatory school garden approaches to policy and program design, Michelle’s work bridges grassroots practice with institutional change. Her work spans school gardens, statewide food systems, youth-led participatory design, and mass media communications. Through Rootopia and her role with Oregon State University Extension, leads youth-centered product development that blends social-emotional learning with hands-on garden education. Michelle also co-hosts the Farm to School Podcast and is a professional counselor in training.

This webinar will be recorded and available for viewing on this web page immediately following the presentation.

To turn on live captions during the presentation, please join using the Chrome browser and visit this page for instructions on how to turn them on: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/10538231?hl=en 

Rooted in Connection: Cultivating SEL Through School Gardening