From April 2022
Kelsey is one of the twenty-six new Master Gardener trainees this year that will be highlighted in these Spotlight articles……..for the next couple of years by my count!
Kelsey is truly a PNW woman. Raised in Seattle, she has lived a good part of her life in Oregon and now calls Hood River home. Kelsey is passionate about all things outdoors…..foraging, mountain biking, skiing, windsurfing and probably anything you might suggest she try, by the sounds of it! Her husband Philip is a professional windsurfer, which was a big part of their decision to move to Hood River and they love it here!
Attending American University in Washington, DC, Kelsey majored in foreign language and communication, with a focus on Spanish and visual media, and minoring in graphic design. During that time Kelsey spent a semester in Costa Rica. The opportunity to immerse herself in the Costa Rican culture and utilize her conversational Spanish skills was just what she was looking for. Kelsey was also a member of the Alpha Phi Omega community service fraternity. The experience apparently solidified her commitment to community. An appreciation for community service combined with her education and 10+ year career in public relations led her to the Master Gardener program. Kelsey values accessibility to information and giving back to the community.
Although Kelsey is new to Master Gardeners, she is no stranger to getting her hands dirty. She loves growing plants that are utilitarian most recently trying her hand at growing some teas! Her current residence offers varied growing spaces, so she’s already working on a plan for each area and seeking out plants that will thrive in those unique spaces. Although she loves growing a variety of plants, she did share that her absolute favorite flowering plant is the Daphne, for its heady scent! Look that one up……they come in a variety of gorgeous colors.
When asked if there might be something about her people might be surprised by, she told me this “A few years ago, after working on a ballot measure campaign, I decided to take a break from work. I traveled to Cartagena, Colombia and spent six months there, windsurfing, traveling around the country and practicing Spanish.” I have a feeling this might not be as big a surprise once you start talking to Kelsey….it seems to me that this woman is up for whatever life has to offer!
By Jewel McKenzie
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