MEET THE OWNER
Owner & Urban Farmer
SAMANTHA THOMAS
Favorites: Pineapple Tomatillos, Loofah, Basil
My earliest memories of organic gardening are spending long Saturday’s working side by side with my father in his fruit tree orchard in Fair Oaks, Ca. After a long day, lying under our Rainier cherry tree eating fistfuls at a time, I remember thinking, “Can it get any better than this?”
My father would spend countless hours puttering in his garden, grinding all day in the hot sun. Now as an adult, mother, and avid gardener, I realize he was not only providing delicious fruit for his family, but he was quieting his mind and feeding his soul.
In 2022, I stumbled into a company called Harvest to Home. Looking for something to connect my love of gardening and a career, it became apparent I had found a very special place.
As an Organic Garden Specialist, I was able to connect with or help individuals and families that also saw the many benefits of gardening and growing your own food. Slowly my clients became family. They were filling my soul each time I tended their garden. Maybe chatting about recipes, how to dry herbs, or watching them plant a tomato correctly for the first time and feeling quite proud.
When the opportunity arose to purchase Harvest to Home, I knew instantly it was the answer to that question from years ago under that cherry tree. Teaching others to grow and harvest their own food, was better than just tending to my own garden.
My goal is to nurture and grow the soulful company Mike Saraylian started in 2009. I truly believe if organic gardening left such a lasting impression on me all those years ago, it is my passion and purpose to share this with others.
For all those I’ve been lucky to garden next to already, and all those that are ready to start their gardening journey, welcome to the Harvest to Home family.
Head of Sales
CAITY KLEM
Favorites: Cucumber, Strawberry, Oregano
Caity was born and raised in Plant City, Florida and went to the University of Florida to earn her degree in Plant Science before moving out to California. Vegetable Gardening has always been her favorite, because of the connection of growing your own food. She enjoys bringing others to see that and loves meeting with Harvest To Home’s clients to create their dream veggie garden.
She loves to cook, spend time outdoors, and travel with her husband.
Field Operations Manager
SERGIO RAMIREZ
Favorites: Avocado, Cucumbers, Rosemary
Sergio loves working in gardens because the work is rewarding and it allows him to connect with nature. In his large home garden, his focus is sustainability and permaculture.
He enjoys reading, playing soccer, and hiking through national forests.
Urban Farmer
AMY CUTE
Favorites: All the roots—Turnips, Beets, Radishes
Amy has been with Harvest to Home for over four years and feels that being in gardens is her meditation. She loves focusing on companion planting to make sure that all the plants support each other.
She loves spending time with husband, Brian, and their pug, Brutus.
Urban Farmer
CHASEN AFGHANI
Favorites: Tomatoes, Rainbow Chard and Basil
Chasen was introduced to urban farming at the University of Oregon. She has worked at 3 different organic farms in Oregon, delved into native landscaping for 2 years and then decided to return home to Long Beach where she joined the Harvest to Home family.
When Chasen is not in the garden she loves to rock climb, nurture her houseplants and skateboard at the beach with her dog.
Field Operations Manager
JEFF BRUNNER
Favorites: Radish, Asparagus, Broccoli & Dill
Jeff was taught gardening as a boy by his grandfather, and hasn’t put the shovel down since. He loves gardening because it allows him to get his hands dirty and be outside—all while providing a service that is happy and healthy for everyone involved.
Jeff loves dogs, 60s-70s Jazz/soul music, and sports. He can be found on the pickleball court most weekends.
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Office Coordinator & Living Wall Specialist
RICHARD PRINGLE
Favorites: Hot Peppers, Albo Monstera, Lavendar
A true green thumb, Richard cultivates an expansive and diverse array of houseplants, succulents, cacti, and veggies. At 13 yrs old, he was mentored by a close family friend turning his hobby into a vocation over the years. An avid globetrotter, Richard draws inspiration and new gardening practices along his journeys that he shares with his clients. He is also our resident living wall maintenance specialist.
He loves traveling, traveling, and more traveling.
Urban Farmer
ELIZABETH CORTEZ
Favorites: Rainbow Swiss Chard, Heirloom Tomatoes, Cleveland Sage
Elizabeth was introduced to gardening as a child by her grandmother. She has always loved being as close to nature as possible in an urban environment. She strives to support an active part of the ancient symbiotic relationship humans have fostered with plants and the land.
She is a dedicated actor, loves cooking, and reading.
MEET THE TEAM
