Meet The Crew

Farm Manager

Jake Shelton

Jake Shelton, an Ogden native, brings a strong background in botany and chemistry, earning his degree from Weber State University in 2018. With experience in both hospitality and crop cultivation, he is passionate about sustainable farming and fostering community connections. When he’s not managing the farm, Jake enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and four kids, always striving to create a positive impact in the world around him.

Operations Director

Parker Goss

I am Parker Goss, a farmer and Ogden native. I am interested in permaculture, mutual aid, and all things sustainable agriculture (and learning more every day). I love watching our community come together to help our neighbors in need. I also love tomatoes and have gotten pretty good at growing them.

Trainee Advocate

Chance Prophet

Chance serves as our Trainee Advocate with a background in social work. She has experience in working closely with low-income individuals and families, providing them with vital support and counseling to navigate through difficult life transitions such as homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, and employment challenges. In addition, her experience within the court system has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive services to individuals involved in legal matters to include evictions and being justice-involved.

Chance is a Utah transplant from Georgia with a passion for service to others. She believes that both plants and people grow and change, each responding to nurture and the right environment. Much like plants in nature, people will find that as they tend to their inner garden, they will also tend to their body, mind, and spirit.

Job Training Supervisor / Program Manager

Rachael Dixon

With 17 years of experience as a sport and performance psychology consultant, Rachael Dixon has had the privilege of working with athletes, corporate professionals, and individuals to develop the mental skills necessary for success. Her expertise in motivation, goal-setting, confidence, and resilience has helped countless individuals unlock their potential and perform at their best. She firmly believes that with the right tools, support, and self-determination, anyone can achieve personal and professional growth. That’s why she is incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with Eden Streets' Grow Ogden—an organization with an urban farm that empowers individuals through skill-building, teamwork, and sustainable practices. Helping people cultivate not only crops but also confidence, purpose, and stability. This work aligns with her passion for fostering growth and transformation in others.

Farm Project Lead

Karl Ebeling

Known as the "Mister Rogers" of farming, Karl Ebeling, or “Farmer Karl,” leads with compassion and a mission to empower individuals through sustainable agriculture. After 33 years of corporate experience, he founded Eden Streets in 2020 to help people relaunch their lives through farming. His current project, Grow Ogden, is an urban farm offering job training as part of a transitional-employment program for vulnerable individuals. In 2021, Farmer Karl worked with women facing homelessness at Wasatch Community Gardens’ Green Phoenix Farm. Eden Streets' charter, The Declaration of Common Ground, aims to unite community-based farming efforts to address social challenges worldwide. Alongside Eden Streets, Farmer Karl and his wife Rita operate Faircrest Farms, which cultivates exceptional, organic vegetables while contributing to a vibrant local food community.

Farm Facilities & Land Access Coordinator

Christine Humphrey

Christine Humphrey is only 2 generations of the farm with ancestors who settled in Utah and Idaho and worked the soil growing their own food and providing for their families.  She, however, was born and raised in Southern California and raised her family in Northern California.  She and her husband, Rev. Neal Humphrey, a Presbyterian minister, moved to Utah in 1999 when her husband took a call to serve a Presbyterian church in Fruit Heights, Utah.  She is a CPA and spent her career in Healthcare Finance, retiring in October 2012.  After retiring she served the Presbytery of Utah as Treasurer in a sunset career until 2019 when she retired for good.  She enjoys spending time with her family, summering at her cabin in Idaho, and volunteering for various non-profits in Utah.  She is an active member at the First Presbyterian Church of Ogden where she serves on the Outreach Team as the Church's liaison for Grow Ogden.  Her favorite fun activity is playing flute with her harpist friend Sandra and participating in a local community flute choir. 

Farm Video Media Advisor

Chris May

Chris May is a farmer’s son from Mississippi. As a child he saw firsthand the impact
farming has on a community while working on his family’s farm. Chris went on to study
filmmaking at the University of Memphis, where he started working in news at a local TV station.
He now works as a photojournalist in Salt Lake City and brings both his skill as a visual
storyteller, and farmer’s upbringing to help spread the message and goals of Grow Ogden as its
Farm Video Advisor.

Plant Pollinator Specialist

Dominique Dietz

Dominique Dietz is a retired, seasoned educator holding a Bachelors of Science/Special Education degree, as well as a Master's of Science/ Psychology.  She has a growing passion for organic flower farming and volunteers with Grow Ogden to offer service and connect with an earth-conscious community. 

Farm Food & Cooking Specialist

Katie Goetz

Katie, originally from Texas, is thrilled to now call Utah home. She started volunteering with Grow Ogden as a way to connect with the community and take part in an activity that brings her great joy. When Katie is not helping with Grow Ogden, she is knitting, reading, or enjoying the great outdoors.

Farm Engineer

Mason Allan

My Name is Mason. I've always been fascinated by technology. I'm thankfuI get to share my talents by helping others through Grow Ogden!

Farm Development Director

Rita Ebeling

Rita Ebeling - educator, permaculturalist, and farmer. Rita earned her bachelors of science degree in biology at Wichita State University and her Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction in science at Brigham Young University. She has taught and tutored at the secondary level in a number of settings including at a school utilizing restorative practices. In 2020, she and Karl attended a Permaculture Design Course which helped her see a beautiful way to use her science education background to improve both people and the planet. Growing up as an Air Force dependent, she learned to find the good in every place, every person, and every situation. Her most rewarding job has been being a mom of five incredible children and especially enjoys her grandchildren. Since 2022, Rita and Farmer Karl have managed a small for-profit farm (Faircrest Farms) in Ogden, UT

Farm Steward

Kayleigh Davis

I was excited to hear that Ogden was going to have a community farm "Grow Ogden" that was going to have a purpose more than providing people with food. I have been interested in plants my whole life, from foraging to gardening and just being out and experiencing nature. I am an avid outdoor adventurer, wanting to help others experience what nature can provide with hope and happiness. I am excited to feel like Ogden is building a community or hope, acceptance, and generosity.”

Community Engagement Coordinator

Gina Nielsen

Gina Nielsen brings a passion for community building and a wealth of experience to her role as Grow Ogden’s Community Engagement Coordinator. Born and raised in Cache Valley, Utah, she has also lived in Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, expanding her perspective and love for connecting with people. Growing up on a farm in Idaho, she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agriculture. She earned a degree in Public Relations and Communications from Utah State University and has extensive experience in event planning, media relations, and public outreach. For six years, she and her sisters ran a seasonal business, growing and selling pumpkins and produce in Smithfield and South Ogden. Many in the community fondly know her as The Pumpkin Lady. Now living in South Ogden with her husband and two of their four children, she is excited to bring her skills and passion to Grow Ogden. She looks forward to fostering meaningful connections and strengthening local engagement.

Grow Ogden Recruiting Manager

Adam Montes

Adam Montes is a dedicated veteran and a proud father who has overcome personal challenges on the path to achieving his goals. Currently a senior at Weber State University, Adam is pursuing a major in Social Work, driven by a passion to support and empower others. As a recovering alcoholic, he brings a deep understanding and empathy to his studies and future career. Outside of academics, Adam enjoys riding motorcycles and attending sporting events with his children, creating lasting memories and fostering strong family bonds.

Grow Ogden Volunteer Coordinator

Gini VanArsdell

For the duration of my life I have found good going to the mountains and canyons. Lucky for me I lived in Flagstaff, currently Ogden, cities that have a system of trails and pathways surrounding them. I simply need nature everyday! I appreciate the Grow Ogden farm for its mix of nature, city, country, its social mission, and the prospect of a life reconsidered....