About Us

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals is the backbone of Urban Community AgriNomics. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop. Read on to learn more about some of our incredible team members.

Board Members

Alyssa is a lover of science with 9 years of research experience. They enjoy growing edible plants and soaking up information through practice and inquisition. Their experiences in special education, scientific teaching, and studio art spurs their excitement for designing STEAM activities at the farm. Alyssa is currently a fellow within Duke Civic Engagement, thinking of ways to critically guide and support those representing Duke University in the ways they show up across Durham and North Carolina.

Natasha is a Quality Control Associate at Biogen's drug substance site in RTP, NC. She holds a bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from NCCU Biomanufacturing Research Institute & Technology Enterprise. She serves as the co-lead for Biogen women's innovation network (WIN) employee network. Through her work with WIN, she provides programming around career development, networking, mental health, salary negotiation & community engagement. During her time at Biogen, she also volunteers in the community lab to inspire a new generation of young scientists and volunteers as a committee member with Triangle Women in STEM college action team & K-12 pipeline committee.

Sabre Morris

Chair

Natasha Wiley

Vice Chair

Alyssa Florwick

Seceretary

Michael has grown up in the triangle and has lived in Durham for the past 5 years. He is working on completing his Kinesiology degree and teaching licensure from NCCU. With 16 years in the education field, Michael has taught and coached at various schools in the triangle. Currently, he is the Physical Education Teacher at Triangle Day School. Michael is passionate about being actively involved in the Durham community.

My name is Quinton Pettiford, I am a student at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC. I went to two high schools, first Northern High where I took agriscience classes and animal science classes which made me fall in love with outdoor work and activities. Then after two years I transferred to Southern School of Energy and Sustainability where I took technology classes and created my love for computers and technology. I am currently majoring in computer engineering with a minor in cyber security. Besides being in my books I also play football for Johnson C. Smith.

Kindra Holden has 20+ experience in engaging the youth in physical fitness as a volunteer in the community. Currently, an elementary and middle school Physical Education & Health Teacher at Bethesda Christian Academy and a Youth Fitness Trainer and Owner of Triple Threat Training Lab in Durham, NC. Originally from Indianapolis IN, graduated from Queens University of Charlotte, NC and a current resident of Durham, NC for 13 years.

Brianne Cellemme-Short has enjoyed gardening with her family since she was a child. After earning a degree in Classics from UNC Asheville and a degree in Baking & Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales University, Brianne started her first career as a baker/pastry chef. During her time as a pastry chef, she developed various food allergies which inspired her passion for providing healthy and delicious food options for people with food allergies and sensitivities. After leaving the culinary profession, she began her current career as an E-Commerce Advertising Specialist and Consultant. She joined the Catawba Trail Farm’s community garden as a plot owner in 2022. UCAN has given Brianne the opportunity to combine her passions for gardening, cooking, and nutrition. She enjoys not only growing her own produce, but also creating and cooking healthy recipes to share with the community.

Michael Nye

Board Member

Quinton Pettiford

Board Member

Kindra Holden

Board Member

Brianne Cellemme-Short

Board Member

Staff

Delphine is the retired Director of the Durham Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. She holds a Master's of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Pfeiffer University, & an undergraduate degree in Social Studies from NCCU. Mrs. Sellars has 30+ years of experience in social & human services. Positions held both past & present include: Community Outreach Coordinator, Social Worker, Adult Vocational School Director & Employment Specialist. She resides on a number of boards and committees, is a skilled facilitator, grant writer, & manager.

Justin, who most recently was a stay at-home parent, has spent most of his adult life working in HIV/AIDS prevention/virology and health communications. Previous to working in infectious diseases, he was a city planner as well as grant coordinator for a small city outside of Chicago. Wooley is not new to board leadership, he has worked with notable organizations such as the Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Real Men Cook, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Black AIDS Institute, San Mateo Police Activities League, as well as many more. Justin has a wife and daughter as well as both his mom and dad that push him to make the world a better place.

Lucille Patterson holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Shaw University, two Associate's Degrees, one in Early Childhood Education, and the other in Operation Management. She retired from the City of Durham Parks and Recreation. Mrs. Patterson has a passion for sharing, caring, and collaborating with others. She has collaborated with many organizations in an effort to provide for those in need.

Delphine Sellars

Executive Director

Justin Wooley

Assistant Director

Lucille Patterson

Treasurer

Aniya Bourne

Content Manager

Our Roots

Urban Community AgriNomics at Catawba Trail Farm

Prior to receiving its nonprofit status in 2016, UCAN worked in the community with and for other nonprofits to reduce food insecurity, prevent and reverse health issues, augment the academic success of our children and create healthy families. In November 2017 we finalized our User License Agreement with TLC for the use of their Snow Hill IV property.

In January 2018 Urban Community AgriNomics (UCAN) began reclaiming this dilapidated historic farmstead into Catawba Trail Farm (CTF) and Community Garden. By spring we had cleared a densely wooded pasture and constructed a 10’ fence around the perimeter of a 47 raised bed garden. By the end of 2019 UCAN members, volunteers and supporters enclosed an additional ¾ acre that includes a small orchard, in-ground planting area and chicken coop.

We rely heavily on volunteers who have been instrumental in helping us to create a safe infrastructure. Volunteers assisted in clearing overgrown field areas, construction of raised garden beds, cutting and stacking fire wood, repurposing natural resources and removal of unsafe structures and farm operation debris. We hire contractors to complete work that require expertise in a given area, such as building deconstruction and restoration, well drilling for water, tree trimming and removal and initial land clearing.

UCAN has been able to accomplish a lot with an average annual budget of $26,000. Funds are acquired through individual donations, the sale of vegetables, garden plots and seasoned firewood and small grant awards.

UCAN growth plan is rooted in increasing value and visibility through engagement with local schools, youth groups and farm and food related organizations. UCAN is working with low income communities and local schools in teaching healthy food preparation and preservation, addressing relevant issues, teaching life skills that encourage academic and career success and distributing fresh food to those in need. Eventually we will clear an additional 2 acres to provide space for new and aspiring farmers.

Mission

Urban Community AgriNomic’s mission is to improve the health and wellness of our community. Our programs shall provide education on healthy lifestyles, seed-to-table food preparation and preservation, and hands-on STEM and agricultural skills. We empower Durham families with access to resources to grow their own healthy food using sustainable practices in a supportive environment.

Values

Create opportunities for all people to have equal access to fresh produce and the knowledge of how to grow it themselves.
Honor and respect the environment
Educate individuals in how to create gardens; especially for communities that have limited green spaces
Cultivate safe community spaces where residents come together to build relationships around agriculture.
Collaborate long term relationships based on trust and inclusion.