Urban Ag Session

Denise Taylor, MS, RD, Senior Research Associate, has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. In her current role, she supports and provides education on clinical research for physicians in training at ChristianaCare. She also is a dietitian, home gardener, and co-founder of the iLEAD Discovery Garden. The hospital garden fosters wellbeing and learning, while promoting the beneficial relationship of gardening and food as medicine.

Katie Soja Johnson is the Operations Director at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Delaware. She participates in many aspects of the House including: budgeting; programming; emergency procedures; daily operations; and fundraising.  Katie is also active in the global RMHC community where she collaborates with Ops leaders from other Houses to plan conferences and share best practices.

Katie is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Fund For Women where she serves as the Chair of the Grants Committee. She serves as Treasurer for her high school alma mater’s Alumni Association. She previously served on the Board of Next Gen North of the Delaware Community Foundation as well as the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network. 

Katie is a native Delawarean and holds a B.S in Finance and an M.A. in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Delaware. She has been active in the Delaware nonprofit community since high school, and has worked for area nonprofit organization since graduating from UD.

Mark Mason, PhD, MEd, CGP, Resident Wellbeing Specialist and psychologist in the Center for Worklife Wellbeing, works to foster healthy clinical environments so professionals can practice health care with fulfillment and meaning. He is fascinated by the power of groups to heal and reflect and leads quarterly wellbeing rounds with 300 interns and residents and fellows on such topics as sleep science, imposter syndrome, mindfulness, and self compassion. He previously worked as a staff psychologist and group therapy coordinator in a university college counseling center, and had his own experience with burnout, which led to his work helping others to be their healthiest selves. A devoted gardener, he delights in watching things grow, a passion that extends to his work. His avocation as an ultimate Frisbee player enhances his ability to teach others to connect through teams.

Tito Caba is the Green Space Director at Historic Fair Hill, an initiative in Philadelphia that blends greening, literacy, and history. Since 2023, he has led efforts to promote community engagement with green spaces, overseeing the maintenance of the burial ground, arboretum, and gardens while managing seasonal planting and educational programs. Tito’s work also includes developing sustainable labor models and managing volunteers, interns, and service groups.

Tito was recently featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer, where he stated, "The work that we're doing, it's about making sure that the space remains accessible to everyone, whether you're coming to volunteer or just coming to learn." His work emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of accessible community spaces in areas facing economic challenges.

Previously, as Head Gardener (2020-2023), Tito focused on crop management, sustainable farming, and community outreach. He earned the Golden Persimmon Award and Purple Fig Award from the Philadelphia Orchard Project for his dedication to community agriculture and orchard care.

Tito’s personal passion lies in growing food for his community and fostering food sovereignty by providing fresh produce at no cost. He is also involved in seed-saving initiatives and sustainable farming practices.

For more information, visit Historic Fair Hill or follow on Instagram at @Historic_fh.