Patricia Becker has been with Common Ground since 1994, and became Center Manager in 2000. Before coming to Common Ground, Patricia spent several years working for Hidden Villa Farm in Los Altos, where she held several positions, including Manager of the Volunteer Programs. Patricia is a past member of the board for the Ecological Farming Association, where she served as Secretary for several years. She volunteers for the Peninsula Macrobiotic Community, which hosts weekly Monday Night Gourmet Vegetarian Dinners. She is also a macrobiotic nutrition counselor and a cooking teacher.

Don Larson is our Assistant Center Manager. Don brings to Common Ground his twelve years of experience as a composter, gardener, and small-scale orchardist, as well as his passion for sustainable living, interest in permaculture, and experience with solar technologies. He teaches classes on solar cooking. Don started with Common Ground during the summer of 2002.

Judith Jacoby works part-time at the store, taking care of the plants, ringing in sales, answering the phone and helping customers, and in general doing anything and everything that needs to be done. Judith comes to us with a background in acupuncture, a special fondess for medicinal herbs, and a degree in holistic health and applied ecology.

Joe De Maio takes care of the plants, helps customers, designed our Certificate of Achievement, and brings flowers, goodwill, kindness, and computer skills to Common Ground every day. He is a community gardener with a love of perennial flowers. He believes in the value of a plant-based diet of fresh, organic food, natural health, yoga, and a low-impact lifestyle. You may see him riding to Common Ground on his recumbent bike.

Evelyn Kmetovic gives great attention to detail. She graciously helps when needed on short notice at our center. She is very good with accounting procedures. She likes to represent Common Ground at outreach events. We like to call upon Evelyn when we have mailing parties.

River Moon feels blessed to be working at Common Ground where her values are aligned with the intention of everyday work. "I have great affection for all my colleagues and I love the fascinating diversity of all our customers. I have over 10 years of nursery experience and my favorite native flower is Indian Paintbrush." River's co-workers appreciate her ever-present, warm and caring heart. River takes responsibility for many business aspects, plant orders and behind the scene details that are essential for our health.