Denise's love of gardening started in her grandfather's orchards—picking, canning, and preserving stone fruits like peaches and plums. She became involved in school gardens when she helped build the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Garden in 2016, and later volunteered regularly at the El Monte School Garden. An avid home gardener, Denise's favorite things to grow are sunflowers. When not in our Growing Healthy Kids school gardens, you can find Denise at the Gehringer Community Garden tending tomatoes, onions, and garlic.