About me

Hi, I’m Gretchen.

My career has focused on working with classroom teachers and out-of-school educators to support them in effectively planning lessons, connecting with their learners and cultivating observation skills. I adored working alongside these professionals who had the desire to improve their practice and make a difference. During my free time, I gravitated to spending time outdoors, caring for the green spaces in my urban and rural environments. I built on that foundation through self-study and classes, including the Horticulture Certificate Program at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Now, I am ready for a new path, one that blends my passion for supporting learners with my lifelong love of plants and nature. Hence the creation of The Persistent Gardener, where I combine education with the beauty and resilience of nature to inspire growth in both gardens and people.

As The Persistent Gardener, I blend my horticultural knowledge with my experience in constructivist learning theory (which prioritizes an awareness of the learner, hands-on experience and collaboration) to work alongside my clients to achieve positive and long-lasting results. Through coaching and consulting, I support the establishment of biodiverse habitats that bring joy to humans and benefit the species in their local environments.