Our Team
Aaron Bernal-Hockman
Aaron Bernal-Hockman
Aaron has a background in anthropology and worked in cultural resource management for 15 years. Inspired by permaculture he shifted to working on community projects and permaculture design of social systems. He is an educator, connector, and systems thinker working towards building localized regenerative systems.
A Chicano emerging from the dual cultures of the borderlands (U.S./MX) Aaron has an understanding of complexity, systems, and the importance of social networks. He strives to apply this knowledge to the design of non-profit organizations, regenerative programs/projects, and community initiatives. He is dedicated to leveraging his knowledge and experience to accelerate towards a more equitable future for marginalized groups and indigenous peoples.
Education Background
- University of Las Vegas Nevada Masters in Cultural Anthropology
- New Mexico State University B.A. in Anthropology
- Grow Permaculture, Inc. Permaculture Design Certificate
Robyn Monroe
Robyn Monroe
Robyn has a background in Sociology and has worked in rural Appalachia where she has helped mobilize community groups, managed partnerships with local, state, and federal government entities, and created wraparound services program for a local 501(c)(3) in support of a women’s health initiative.
Born and raised in the heart of rural Appalachia, Robyn has a passion for underrepresented, misunderstood, and misrepresented people, coming from such a community in Appalachia. She brings an integrative approach to foster communication, understanding, and collaboration to help communities and organizations meet their needs and goals. Her goal is to help create holistic solutions and achieve tangible results for individuals and their communities to live life on their terms.
Education Background
- East Tennessee State University Master of Criminology in progress
- University of Tennessee Chattanooga B.S. in Sociology
- Cleveland State Community College Associate of Arts
Robert L. Rich
Robert L. Rich
Bob is a permaculture designer/builder, and mechanical & architectural designer. He spent his first 20 years in maritime environments and the next 20 years in the deserts of the southwest.
Drawing on long experiences in a diversity of biomes in North America (coastal, desert, plains, Appalachian foothills, and urban settings) and the highlands of Brazil, Bob’s work strives to create connections amongst the natural world, people and their culture, and the infrastructure that allows them to all fruitfully coexist. He brings to the table years of experience, expertise, and familiarity with ancient and modern techniques and tools.
His major focus at this time is the design & construction of climate-hardened food production & human support systems for life in difficult and extreme environments.
Professional Experience
- Co-founder of Oglala Lakota Cultural & Economic Revitalization Initiative (OLCERI)
- Curriculum development / Technical Writer
- Aircraft Systems Integrations Engineer, The Boeing Co.
- CAD Drafting & Design