Meet the Team

Young man in a suit jacket smiling outdoors with a blurred green background.

Matthew Behrman

Founder– Seeds of Equity

Seeds of Equity was created out of a deep belief that every child and every community deserves access to meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities. As an educator, coach, and longtime advocate for outdoor education, I have witnessed how community gardens can transform students, campuses, and entire communities. Seeds of Equity exists to remove barriers for Title I schools by helping them build sustainable gardens, integrate garden-based curriculum, and empower staff to confidently maintain and grow these spaces. This work is about more than plants — it’s about equity, access, and giving students the chance to learn, grow, and thrive through real-world experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

Smiling man in a gray blazer and orange sweater.

Andrew Harden

Co-Founder

Andrew Harden is a co-founder of Seeds of Equity, an educator, coach, and dedicated gardener whose work is deeply rooted in the community he grew up in and now serves. He launched the school garden program four years ago, helping it grow into a thriving club of more than 75 students engaged in hands-on learning. Andrew centers much of his garden work around social-emotional learning, using the community gardens as a space for connection, mentorship, and personal growth. As a trusted mentor to students and families, he brings a strong focus on relationships, belonging, and student voice to Seeds of Equity. His commitment to giving back to the community that shaped him is central to the mission and heart of the organization, promoting outdoor education for all.

Smiling woman with curly hair sitting at a table with lights in the background.

Monica Behrman

Content Creator & Curriculum Support

Monica Behrman is the creative and organizational force behind Seeds of Equity’s digital presence and early learning curriculum. As a Pre-K teacher and home gardener, she brings a deep understanding of child development and a passion for hands-on learning and outdoor education. Monica plays a key role in developing garden curriculum that incorporates community gardens for Pre-K through 5th grade, ensuring lessons are engaging, age-appropriate, and meaningful for both students and educators. She also designed and manages the Seeds of Equity website, helping share the organization’s mission and impact with the broader community. Her creativity, attention to detail, and love for growing things—both in the garden and in young learners—are central to the heart of Seeds of Equity.