Amanda grew up gardening with her Grandmother and believes in the therapeutic value of outdoor spaces. Her inspiration is found everywhere in nature from urban parks to national parks, botanical gardens to wild lands. Amanda has studied horticulture and arboriculture at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and with various professionals. She has a certificate in leadership techniques, environmental studies and outdoor skills from the National Outdoor Leadership School. Amanda also holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Boston University.

Before joining Jane Gil Gardens, Amanda worked on Governors Island as the first dedicated horticulture employee. She managed and cared for the gardens including perennials, shrubs and trees. She led seasonal staff, volunteers, interns and also helped develop the existing horticulture program and park operations systems. Amanda worked to maintain 40 acres of new landscapes designed by West8 & Matthews Nielsen Landscape Architects. She helped establish over 2,000 square feet of new pollinator gardens from seed. In addition, Amanda led the effort to build a functional horticulture operations headquarters on the island which includes a hoop house, 3 shipping containers for tool and materials storage, raised beds and a plant nursery.

Prior to this, Amanda worked in land conservation and trail maintenance with the Student Conservation Association. She led groups of high school students and community volunteers in parks throughout NYC including Morningside Park, Marine Park and Floyd Bennet Field. This role helped Amanda discover her passion working at the intersection of people and nature, especially in urban areas.

Amanda lives in Brooklyn with her partner Matt. Together, they fight a battle against invasive species in their yard, while maintaining a garden of mostly native perennials and edible annuals.