Tania Hernandez-Martinez , Assistant Garden Educator and Community Garden Steward

“I come from a very tight knit family from a town in Oaxaca. I am currently a student studying computer science at Marist College and farming on my days off. I knew what I wanted to study since high school, but I also loved being outdoors, so when I needed to complete a certain amount of community service hours for my English class, I chose to do it with PFP. Now, a couple of years later, I am a staff member at PFP. I grew up in Poughkeepsie and I don't come from a wealthy family, so I am more than aware of the current situation here, which only inspired me more to help make a change for the future generations. Thanks to PFP, I have been able to eat healthier food more often; I have been able to connect more with not only my family/family history but my neighbors through gardening; and I have connected with people who believe that everyone deserves to have equal opportunities and deserve to speak whatever language they feel most empowered speaking. Through my work at Pershing Ave., I hope to share everything I have learned with the parts of the community I have yet to meet and I hope that we can build our own tight knit family.”

Nick "Nico" Jackson is a Hip Hop dancer from Poughkeepsie, NY. His style of dance is of his own creation, entitled ‘Water Style’, with a focus on body waves, gliding, popping and locking. He started dancing at 5 years old, to Michael Jackson, at family functions and local events. As a teenager, he formed his very own dance crew called 'Circus Freaks' and they performed together for 11 years. In 2015, they auditioned for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School class of 2012. From there, he began his personal journey of mastering his craft. Dancing is his life and he "can’t imagine where he would be without it." The reason why he teaches is to build confidence and encourage honest self expression in his students.

When Nico's not dancing, he's a chef, an avid gardener and he loves to travel. Nico started apprenticing with the ECP in June 2021 where he looks to master new skills in farming and community organizing. He plans to give back to his community through free fresh foods and Outreach events so that more stability can be created in his hometown and beyond. Providing a safe haven for people to Express, Learn and Grow with a specific focus on the Black community. This Fall, he will move to running a farm at Pershing Avenue Park in Poughkeepsie and work in collaboration with the Poughkeepsie Farm Project, Ecological Citizen's Project, Scenic Hudson and the surrounding community members.

Earlier in August, Nico started a few trays of seedlings. They include tatsoi cabbage, kale, romaine lettuce, summer lettuce, kohl rabi and spinach. He is planning to direct seed cilantro, parsley, and arugula. Stay tuned for more.