Our Staff
Nate Smith He/Him
Farm Apprentice
Starting his journey as a youth employee, Nate has now returned to New City Neighbors as part of the adult staff, bringing his passion for farming and dedication to personal growth with him. He is working hard to boost his leadership skills and cultivate real, genuine connections in his role.
Fatima Lee She/Her
Farm Customer Service Assistant
Gardening was not a passion for Fatima until she became a garden coach.
Then it became a passion for life. She believes that gardening is an excellent tool to teach about nature, food, and health. She also believes that if youth learn where their food comes from, understand the process of caring for plants, and take part in cooking what they grow, then they’ll enjoy eating healthy foods. Fatima is the mother of three wonderful children and grandmother of three fantastic grandchildren. Fatima enjoys reading, music, friends, harvesting from her garden, and cooking with her family. Fatima loves working at NCN because she shares the same beliefs.
Isak Davis They/Them
Farm Leadership Training Coordinator
Isak is a recent convert to farming, and has since been delighted working with the cycles of nature. Their ancestors commercially farmed in West Michigan and Isak feels connected with their life experiences as they work with the earth, although farming in a regenerative way is Isak’s approach. They are passionate about anti-racism and radical peacemaking and hope to see New City Neighbor’s values become a part of the larger society we live in. Isak has an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies and Chemistry and loves to see connections in the world around them. You can find them hammocking, making prints, and enjoying nature by the lakeshore.
Joanna Walters She/Her
Farm Customer Service Manager
Joanna has spent the last 15 years working in non-profits and youth programming. She received her degree from Albion College where she studied Exercise Science, Psychology, and English. She loves adventuring in the outdoors, teaching humans of all ages about conservation ecology, and experimenting in her garden. Her greatest loves are her husband and two sons.
Avrey Smith He/Him
Café & Community Leadership Training Coordinator
With a background in youth ministry and a graduate of Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders (GRIL), Avrey is a mission driven champion for community impact through youth mentorship. You can find him either working in the café or leading students through leadership training. He uses his experience to reach young leaders and play a key role in their professional development. Affectionately nicknamed, “the Pizza Prince,” Avrey uses the café as an avenue to empower and welcome the growth of every highschooler that steps foot in the kitchen.
Luke De Haan He/Him
Café Coordinator
Luke’s earliest memories are of helping his mom with the family garden behind their house. Growing and preserving food has been an important part of his family’s seasonal rhythms as far back as he can remember. When he’s not gardening, Luke loves expressing creativity through food. Food has been a way for Luke to explore cross-culturally. Four years in West Africa introduced him to myriad flavors and foods he would never have encountered in his home context. For him exploring and honoring another’s customs and traditions best happens around a dinner table.
Sierra West-Smith She/Her
Administration & Development Director
Sierra has been involved with New City Neighbors for many years. She started working with the organization as a youth employee as a freshman in high school. Currently she is in college, earning a degree in Social Work. Sierra has passion for helping others and is excited to continue working toward empowering youth.
Lance Kraai He/Him
Operations Director
Lance loves connecting with others through good work and good food. He has been engaged in social enterprise work for 10+ years including urban farming, café management, and building renovations. He holds a B.A. from Calvin College in Religion and an M.Div from Regent College. He is married to his wife Daina, and has three children–Myakah, Aiven and Syder.
Ricardo Tavárez He/Him
Executive Director
Ricardo is passionate about community development, justice work, and equipping the next generation of urban leaders. He earned a dual bachelor’s degree from Kuyper College in Bible, and International Business & Marketing. He later obtained his M.Div from Calvin Theological Seminary. Ricardo was named as on of the 40 under 40 business leaders by the Grand Rapids Business Journal for 2022. He also serves as a local church pastor at En Vivo Church. In his free time you can find him enjoying the arts and spending time outdoors.