Before moving to El Dorado Hills, Gina had a successful corporate career based in Sacramento. She and her husband relocated to El Dorado Hills in 1996 to raise their family, with all three of their children attending RUSD schools and graduating from Oak Ridge High School.

While raising her children, Gina spent endless hours volunteering at both Lake Forest Elementary and Marina Village Middle Schools working on beatification projects on each campus. When volunteering at the schools, Gina couldn't help but noticed many students sitting alone or wandering around during lunch recess, not engaging in the activities offered during this free time. The school's unattended gardens needed some TLC, so she connected those students to the garden with a mission in mind. With the principal’s permission, she started “Lunch Time Garden” programs for ALL students who wanted to participate.

A local nonprofit, El Dorado Community Foundation, got wind of her garden program and approached Gina to start her own nonprofit so that these programs could be integrated into more district' schools. Thus, Project Green was born. 

Gina was recently the recipient of the El Dorado County School’s Outstanding Community Member award for Rescue Union School District for her work with Project Green.

Martha brings a dynamic skill set to Project Green that includes program management experience and expert gardening knowledge. Formerly an event and facilities manager and Director of Gameday Services at Oakland Coliseum, she eventually relocated to El Dorado Hills, where she is now a Master Gardener and the owner of Martha’s Landscape and Garden Designs.

While living in El Dorado Hills and raising her two boys, Martha has always been an active volunteer in the schools and community. She was a board member and coach for three youth sports organizations, a K-12 school volunteer, managed special events at her church, and was a board member and board president of Serrano Country Club.

Martha is excited to be a part of Project Green, as she loves working with children and understands the value of providing them garden space where they can learn, grow, and find safety and community.

El Dorado Hills resident and Rescue Union School District parent Claire McGhehey has seen the value that school gardens bring to the student population. Claire is a seasoned accountant with business, personal and nonprofit financial experience.

As a mother of two and entering the elementary school system during the pandemic, there was uncertainty for all. During this time, there was a need to expand the classroom beyond its four walls and spend time outdoors whenever possible. At this time, the garden provided a safe, nurturing environment for children to build peer relationships, develop their creativity and engage in the care and responsibility the garden required.

With the support of Project Green, our school gardens have expanded garden use during recess time and provide a peaceful space to support student mental wellness. Claire has seen Project Green develop with the efforts of Gina Johnston and is eager to advance the goals as the finance chairperson.

Raised in a rural Northern California community, much of Lauren’s childhood was spent enjoying the outdoors. A long-time food and agriculture public relations consultant, she helps oversee Project Green’s communications efforts.

After spending many afternoons volunteering in her children’s school garden, Lauren was immediately drawn to Gina’s passion for creating a space where all of her beloved students felt welcome. She also spent several years serving on her children’s elementary school PTC in various roles including fundraising and campus beautification. She is honored to be a part of the Project Green team and to help spread the word about the countless ways school gardens positively impact children.