Our leadership team

The leadership team for Green Teacher Network Charlotte draws from all parts of the community, including people involved in health, business, feeding the elderly and teaching our children. Of course they share a passion for seeing our students glow with success when they master a new concept or bite into a radish they helped grow – or both at the same time!

Erin Brighton

Erin is the director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council and a community college health instructor. She has been involved with local agriculture, public health education, and school gardens in Charlotte since 2009.

Edna Chirico

Edna serves as managing partner of Green Teacher Network and Executive Director of Catawba River District. After 20 years in commercial real estate, Edna passionately believes sustainability begins with students gardening, establishes life skills and sets the platform for sustainable communities.

Wayne Fisher

Wayne is the elementary science specialist for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. He previously taught physics for 10 years at Myers Park High School. When he is not helping teachers and students understand physics, he enjoys practicing physics in Masters Track and Field!

Tyler Harding

Tyler works as program coordinator for Field to Fork, a non-profit community partnership that promotes child wellness by growing a healthy pizza garden with elementary children in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Tyler is also working on a graduate degree in human nutrition at Winthrop University.

Beth Mack

Beth is a registered dietitian from a small agricultural town in Ohio, with degrees from both OSU and UNC. Now she oversees all food offerings by Chartwells Dining Services at UNC Charlotte. Beth enjoys checking out the local food scene, cooking, gardening and cheering on the Buckeyes!

Allison Nelson

Allison is a Registered Dietitian currently working as the Health Promotion Supervisor at the Mecklenburg County Health Department. She coordinates community-wide policy and educational opportunities to improve environments for children and families to be active and eat healthy. She enjoys living in Charlotte with her husband and dog, Daisy.

Henry Owen

Henry has worked at summer camps and served as a 2nd grade teacher. He is a co-founder and program director of Friendship Gardens, a nonprofit project teaching gardening and growing food for Friendship Trays, our local meals on wheels. He is a local food advocate, father, husband, garden nerd, worm composter, and backyard chicken raiser.