Growing More Than Food

At Jovial Concepts, we believe gardens grow more than vegetables—they grow connection, community, and a sense of purpose.

We’ve seen it time and again across Colorado—from schoolyards in Lakewood to neighborhood plots in Aurora. A patch of soil becomes a place where people come together, learn from one another, and create something lasting.

Mission

Our mission is to cultivate relationships between individuals, food, and the environment.

Vision

We believe in the power of gardens as classrooms to inspire learning and growth. Through passive experiences in parks, schools, and backyard and active learning through interactive classes and volunteerism, we strive to create beautiful, food-focused landscapes that engage all ages and abilities.

Food Has a Way of Bringing People Together

Whether it’s kids planting garlic in fall, neighbors harvesting heirloom tomatoes in August, or a shared recipe exchange over freshly picked kale, gardening is a universal language.

People show up for the plants, but they stay for the stories. We’ve watched friendships grow between folks who might never have met otherwise. Grandparents swap tips with first-time gardeners. Families share traditional dishes. Teachers and students learn side-by-side.

Colorado Soil, Colorado Roots

Gardening in Colorado comes with its quirks—clay-heavy soil, hailstorms in June, sudden frost in May—but that’s what makes it special.

It’s not just about food—it’s about learning to work with the land we call home.

A Space for Everyone

From the mountains of Morrison to the heart of Denver, we’re building more than gardens—we’re building community

If you’re ready to get your hands in the dirt, laugh with your neighbors, and grow something real, there’s a spot for you in the garden.

Our Heart’s Work

“In the 21st century, I think the heroes will be the people who will improve the quality of life, fight poverty, and introduce more sustainability.”

Bertrand Picard

Meet the Team

Board of Directors

Kristina Welch

Founder/ Executive Director

After completing a degree in Philosophy and entering the workforce, Kristina became inspired to create Jovial Concepts and is now the founder, event coordinator, and head organizer. Creating a space devoted to community service, education, and sharing in the joy of others.

Yvonne Welch

Treasurer

After Yvonne’s time as a nurse in the US Women’s Army Corps, she ignited her deep passion for community engagement and the pursuit of wellness and happiness, shaping her into a dedicated advocate for the well-being of others.

MJ

Board Member/ I/DD Garden Leader

Michael Jordan has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving his community through volunteer work, particularly as a mentor to numerous young adults over the past 15 years. Even with little gardening experience before joining Jovial, MJ has grown to become an expert, maintaining a strong belief in the potential future of our planet.

Emily Lauher

Board Member

Emily J. Lauher is a bilingual speech-language therapist in Jefferson County Public Schools. She joined Jovial as a volunteer and was soon appointed to the Jovial Board of Directors for her knowledge and passion. Emily also guides extracurricular clubs and supports teachers who incorporate the gardens into lessons at Edgewater Elementary, further integrating the garden into therapy sessions to encourage children to open up and express themselves.

Sherman Phillips

Board Member

My wife, Pauline, and I have lived in the Friendly Hills neighborhood for over 50 years, where we raised three daughters and now enjoy time with our grandchildren. I’m a USAF veteran, community activist, and member of Optimist International. After retiring from telecommunications in 2014, I began volunteering with what is now the Weaver Creek Community Orchard and Garden. That work sparked my passion for food justice and community connection, which I continue to support through Jovial Concepts and the Food Forest alongside dedicated volunteers and neighbors.

Kristine Patrick

Treasurer

Kris is a retired professional who is now devoted to raising vegetables and flowers to share with others. She is committed to supporting Jovial Concepts and their dedicated staff and volunteers who make gardening accessible to the community.

Andre

President

Andre is a proud member of the Morrison community who developed a passion for gardening and sustainability through volunteering. With a background in digital marketing, he supports Jovial’s mission of education and food security. “Nothing brings people together like food and community, and I love seeing excitement for sustainable gardening.”

Key Support

Kristina Welch

Founder/ Executive Director

After completing a degree in Philosophy and entering the workforce, Kristina became inspired to create Jovial Concepts and is now the founder, event coordinator, and head organizer. Creating a space devoted to community service, education, and sharing in the joy of others.

John

Garden Manager

With a lifelong passion for sustainability and the environment, John holds a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture from a university in Brazil and enjoys educating gardeners on stewardship and sustainable gardening practices. Living by what he loves the most, “…bringing gardening to the people.”

Paige

Garden Managers and School Liaison

Paige has always had a passion for nature, with a particular interest in plants, which inspired her to join Jovial’s team. First starting as a volunteer with Jovial in 2014, she quickly became a Garden Manager and School Liaison through her passion for working with plants and children—a master of networking, lover of plants, and queen of everything.

Carolina

Carolina, a native of Mexico City, developed her passion for cooking in her grandmother’s kitchen. After relocating to the United States, she quickly established her path in the restaurant industry, delighting clients with traditional dishes and authentic flavors. She focuses on using fresh ingredients and drawing inspiration from nature, enhancing Jovial’s mission of bridging food, nature, and community.

Michael Shube

Orchard Manager and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Program Coordinator

Michael joined Jovial Concepts in 2025. He previously worked as a grant writer for another environmental nonprofit in Denver. You can find him gardening and laughing alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) program participants, or working up a sweat on various orchard projects.

Tracy

Executive Assistant

Tracy has always felt a deep connection to gardening and the natural world. With two decades of experience in the administrative field, she shares her valuable knowledge and expertise with Jovial. Her heartfelt dedication uplifts the mission of bringing together nature, food, and community, creating a nurturing space for everyone involved.

Ariel Katz

Ariel joined Jovial Concepts in 2025 to assist with school partnerships and programming. She studied Communications & Culture at Indiana University in Bloomington before earning her Child Development certification and Early Childhood teaching license in Colorado. Ariel brings experience from a range of educational settings – including preschools, early intervention programs, and art enrichment studios. She lives in Colorado with her partner Zach, their daughter Phoebe, and dog Adobe. Ariel’s primary focus at Jovial Concepts is nurturing meaningful, hands-on programming and community relationships.

Neighborhood Garden Leaders

MJ

Board Member/ I/DD Garden Leader

Michael Jordan has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving his community through volunteer work, particularly as a mentor to numerous young adults over the past 15 years. Even with little gardening experience before joining Jovial, MJ has grown to become an expert, maintaining a strong belief in the potential future of our planet.

Vincent

Neighborhood Garden Leader

Vincent Harrington has a background in environmental biology and currently works as a civil engineer in Denver. Although he did not have a background in gardening, he was excited to join Jovial Concepts, both to gain firsthand gardening experience and to give back to the community.

Eric Stroble

Neighborhood Garden Leader

Eric is a Gardening Leader at Jovial and first picked up gardening in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. He specializes in cultivating pepper varieties that are not commonly found at the grocery store. With both indoor and outdoor gardening setups, he continually works to hone his gardening skills year-round. Eric has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and enjoys his time at Jovial because it allows him to spend as much time away from the computer as possible.

Lillie Wertz

Garden Intern/ Garden Leader

Lillie is a recent graduate from the University of Denver with a degree in Environmental Science. She is passionate about teaching and helping others learn how to grow their own food and where the food we eat comes from.

Board of Advisors

Carrie Sonneborn, Ph.D.

Carrie is a fantastic community leader who brings people together to discuss ways to improve our lives. Carrie is currently an engineering mentor at the Colorado School of Mines, helping Jovial Concepts work with students to develop sustainable products that will benefit future generations. As a community leader, she consistently promotes the ideals of peace and ways to build truly sustainable communities.

Daniel Byrd

Financial Consultant

Daniel Byrd is a Financial Consultant with Equitable Advisors in Lakewood, Colorado, and a member of the Catalyst Society of the Mile High United Way. Daniel is an alum of the University of Denver, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Real Estate from the Daniels College of Business. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community service and remains an advocate for education, health, and financial stability as a professional.

Deacon Rodda

Permaculture Theorist and Designer

Deacon Rodda is a permaculture theorist and designer who has worked with social change organizations in Denver for the past two decades. He has led localization initiatives, developed permaculture research and education non-profits, and created social benefit business ventures. Currently, Deacon is excited to contribute to the promising and sustainable future of Jovial Concepts and The Co-op at 1st Avenue.

Katy

I/DD Garden Leaders

Katy is an artist, regenerative gardener, and environmental designer. Her purpose is to cultivate joy and vitality for all Earthly creatures by connecting people to each other and to the land where we live, work, and play. She accomplishes this primarily through her murals of giant botanicals that put people in the perspective of our struggling pollinators and by teaching adults with disabilities at Jovial Gardens and underserved youth at Arts Street how to grow food and medicine to regenerate themselves, their communities, and the planet.

Bonny McNulty

Mayor Edgewater, 2008-2016

Thomas Slabe

Biologist EPA

Jane Ambrose

Founder One Sky, One World

Honorary Forever Member

Quency Moye

Board Member

Quincy is a 3 time time stroke survivor that has been a Barnum resident for over 20 years. He is an active voice for health equity, empowerment, and sustainability in our community. He is passionate about gardening, organic foods, and holistic health!

Thank you for your service to our board May 2017 – Oct. 19, 2021 Rest in peace, dear friend.

Partners and Collaborations

Annual Reports and Publications