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Staff Members
Sorrell Redford,
Interim Director/Education Director
email: sredford@mstfp.org
I am Sorrell Redford and I love nature and working with children! I have been in Colorado since 2007, studying, working, exploring and enjoying this amazing state. I have worked with children in public schools, private schools, summer camps and environmental learning centers over the past 15 years. Teaching outdoors is my passion and it has been a pleasure to connect the youth of Montezuma county with where their food comes from since 2021. When I am not at work, I rock climb, ski, hike, garden and study the natural world.
Dave Banga,
Production Manager
email: dbanga@mstfp.org
I am Dave Banga, owner of Bangas Farm. I’ve been growing vegetables, seed garlic, and culinary garlic in a swampy, few acres of the high desert Mancos Valley for well over a decade. Hard neck garlic grows really well on my farm and I’ve narrowed it down to growing two varieties that are customer favorites. By being a part of The Grasshopper Collective I hope to focus almost exclusively on laying in a hammock watching top notch seed garlic grow. Wish me luck with that! When not doing the summertime chores of planting, irrigating, weeding, and harvesting I enjoy eating, skiing, and traveling.
AmeriCorps Service Members
Elijah has always had a great interest in geography and global humanitarian missions. His studies and previous experiences further influenced his desire to serve both his national and global communities, with his studies focusing on conflict resolution and even a previous volunteer experience in Italy working with child refugees. Consequently, this has led him to join the Montezuma School to Farm Project to partake in impactful service for the community. He loves outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and ATV off-roading. Throughout his studies and professional experiences, he has found his passion in humanitarian assistance in global crises, and he hopes to pursue a future involvement in the United Nations.
Growing up in the Adirondack mountains, Elise has always been drawn to natural spaces and outdoor activities. Watching the leaves turn every fall, finding edible plants in the backyard, and seeking out scenic landscapes has ignited a curiosity for the environment and how people can best interact with it. She believes that fostering a safe space for younger generations to learn about food and the environment is crucial for a broader understanding of our world, which is what drew her to MSTFP. Excited to assist students as they delve into local landscapes and agriculture, she is looking forward to learning alongside the students this year. Outside of work, Elise loves to kayak, ski, and watch movies.
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Brooke originally moved to Colorado for higher education. She became captivated by the opportunity to engage with the outdoors and wanted to stay in a climate that fostered that connection. Growing up with a grandfather who loved gardening and working in flower gardens over the past few years, she developed a passion for tending to the earth. Her mother’s inspiring dedication as a teacher and her own personal experiences growing up fueled her desire to make a meaningful impact on young lives. Joining MSTFP allows her to blend her interest in art, nature, and education- offering students enriching outdoor experiences she values deeply. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys making art, reading, hiking, and climbing- which continues to inspire her commitment to sharing the natural world with others.
When she was younger, Gwen spent her summers on the Chesapeake Bay at her mom’s work where she was an environmental educator. She wanted to pursue a similar career path, and ended up working at outdoor STEM summer camps between semesters in college. These experiences, along with a love for the outdoors, lead her to join MSTFP. She hopes to share her love of nature and make an impact on others through this program. Outside of work, she like to fish, hike, and explore new places.
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Board of Directors
Gregory Felsen
Board President
Greg is currently in the position of serving the public as an Expanded Rural Engagement Specialist in the area of Accessible Education. Throughout his career he has focused on providing impactful community development projects for all members of our society, which is why he loves being part of MSTFP.
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Kay Phelps
Board Member
Kay is a retired Ft Lewis Professor of Teacher Education and K-4 teacher. As a proponent of place-based, relevant science education she helps preservice and inservice teachers explore ways to teach Colorado state standards in school gardens and, perhaps more importantly, to cultivate next generation stewards of the Earth.
Michelle Waltman
Board Member
Michelle Waltman is a veteran teacher in the Montezuma Cortez School District currently working with 6th graders as they develop their knowledge of the world through map skills and history. She believes that taking children out into the natural world will provide them with the opportunities and abilities to foster good mental health, understand the value of hard work, and appreciate the good things that nature has to offer.
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Jim Patton
Vice President
Jim’s passion for making nutritious foods available to all continues through his work with MSTFP. Jim is retired and enjoys hiking, snow skiing, bike riding, swimming, and most of all, baseball with his grandson, Rowan.
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Alex Midgley
Board Member
Alix Midgley (she/they) is a medicinal herb farmer in the Mancos Valley. After working with unhoused and displaced populations as a clinical social worker for nearly fifteen years, she feels very fortunate to spend her days engaging with earth and plants to bring healing. Alix is passionate about supporting the work of MSTFP so more students have an opportunity to discover and deepen their own plant relationships.
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Trent Woods
Board Member
Trent Woods grew up in the heart of Southwest Colorado, where he developed a deep connection with nature and a passion for sustainable living. From a young age, Trent was immersed in the practices of growing food and environmental stewardship, spending countless hours learning from his family's garden. These early experiences instilled in him a profound respect for the land and a commitment to nurturing it for future generations.
2025 MSTFP
Quarterly Board Meeting dates:
January 24 4pm-5pm
April TBD 5pm - 6pm
July TBD 5pm - 6pm
October TBD 5pm - 6pm
30 North Beech Street, Unit B
Cortez, CO 81321
Meeting minutes are available upon request, please email sredford@mstfp.org
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