Who We Are
First & Foremost, we are students of Nature
Amanda G. Verkest, co-owner, holistic herbalist & international consultant in regenerative food & agriculture and regulatory affairs.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science with a minor in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations from Northeastern University. Amanda also obtained the title of Holistic Herbalist through the Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine in 2022 and is an Associate Member of the American Herbalist Guild. During her master’s degree, Amanda took classes in education, sustainable development, and international food and agriculture. She also provided consulting work through the U.S. State Department for the U.S. Embassy in South Africa and completed her thesis with an NGO in British Columbia, both of which focused on Restorative Justice. She worked part-time at Rising Fawn Gardens, an herb farm and retreat center, from 2021 to 2024 and is now a private contractor there. Prior to this, Amanda spent 5+ years working in food and beverage microbiology. She has also completed work trade assignments and volunteer opportunities at Crabtree Farms and was a weekly volunteer at the Chattanooga Food Center for 16 months. Amanda now volunteers with Tyson Sampson and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians monthly.
Derik Verkest, co-owner, USMC veteran, environmental scientist, and naturalist.
Derik served an 8 year contract with the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 2017 at the rank of Sergeant. Derik holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga having majored in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Natural Resources. Derik graduated with honors, cum laude distinction, and received two awards for his work at UTC’s University Center. Derik also completed an internship and work trade assignment at Crabtree Farms and worked full-time for Wild Violet Permaculture from January 2022 to June 2024 with additional part-time work during the summer of 2021. Derik, through Wild Violet Permaculture, assisted in the work for the City of Chattanooga to transition the landscaping at East Lake Park to a native plant design. Derik is an Associate Member of the National Association of Environmental Professionals. When he’s not building or growing things at home, Derik works with Amanda’s father’s contracting and trucking company. Derik also joins Amanda volunteering with Tyson Sampson and The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians as much as he is able.
Morty, chief fun officer - CFO
Morty is the foreman of all garden operations. Fun is an important part of a balanced ecosystem, and Morty has 9+ years of experience in the field.
