Mental Health and the Importance Of Green Spaces
This event explores the powerful ways being in green spaces benefits our mental health. Whether it’s a peaceful park, an invigorating mountain hike, or a vibrant community garden, connecting with nature provides profound healing.
Experiences like touching natural soil, getting our hands in the dirt or compost, growing food, or simply escaping the city to breathe fresh air can reduce stress, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and foster a sense of community and well-being.
Held during New York City Climate Week, this event takes place at Heyground Harlem, whose work emphasizes local connection and the entrepreneurial environment.
About the Panelists:
Gabriel-José Maldonado - Lead Land Steward, Frank White Memorial Garden
Gabriel-José Maldonado holds a Bachelors of Arts, History and Museum Studies from SUNY Buffalo State and a Masters in Science and Education from Bank Street College’s Graduate School of Education. Certified in Urban Agriculture from Farm School NYC, he is also a recognized Master Composter under the NYC Community Composting Network.
In the past, Gabriel worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) as their Discovery Garden Assistant Program Coordinator. There he planned and facilitated daily programming for families, schools and camp groups, trained and mentored volunteers, helped develop materials for children with disabilities, created educational STEM and botany curricula for groups, developed inquiry and object based lessons, led tours, evaluated programs and assisted with horticulture, repairs and greenhouse maintenance.
Now he is the lead land steward for Frank White Memorial Garden. Teaching young people how to garden, he curates workshops centered around composting, botany, and agriculture.
Chase Louden - Food Access Program Director, Southside United
Chase holds an MS in Design and Urban Ecologies from Parsons School of Design and a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. As Food Access Program Director at Southside United, Chase focuses on strengthening New York City’s food security by advancing food sovereignty and collaborating closely with urban agriculture practitioners. With a background in community planning, Chase is dedicated to developing resilient infrastructure, building sustainable local economies rooted in regional materials and circularity, and championing anti-displacement and anti-gentrification efforts across NYC.
Chase brings deep expertise in both research and on-the-ground program development, and is committed to fostering equitable systems for all New Yorkers.
Shelby Miller - Horticulturist, High Line
Shelby Miller is a passionate horticulturist specializing in ecological garden design and stewardship. She is currently a horticulturist at the High Line, where she oversees the maintenance and renovation of the grassland and wetland gardens of the Hudson River Overlook and the Sundeck.
Shelby holds a B.A. in Art Studio and a B.A. in Feminist Studies from the University of California Santa Barbara, and an A.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from CUNY Bronx and the New York Botanical Garden.
Shelby has worked in several managerial roles, designed and implemented horticultural data management systems, and led workshops in horticultural practices, from propagation to garden design and maintenance. At the High Line, she works closely with community members through volunteer programs and mentors teen fellows through annual residencies in horticulture, where she hopes to inspire the next generation of gardeners.
About the organizers:
Saved by the Plate Inc. is an EdTech platform dedicated to food justice and sustainability education. Founded and led by its Executive Director Shay Bouchles, they focus on teaching about sustainable agriculture and food systems while fostering community engagement and garden activism through educational content.
Sustaining Sanctuary is a WellTech startup committed to enhancing mental health through nature-based solutions. Through innovative technology and therapeutic approaches, they support individuals in harnessing the healing power of green spaces to improve overall well-being. Led by CEO Gia Grier, the company blends wellness, technology, and environmental stewardship.
Kelsey Estevez is a passionate community garden volunteer in Harlem. She brings deep community activism experience and a commitment to urban green spaces, advocating for the mental and social benefits that community gardens provide in city life.
About the space:
Communitas America is a social impact innovation hub in Harlem dedicated to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship and community-driven change. Their Heyground Harlem space provides coworking areas, flexible event venues, meeting rooms, and a vibrant community atmosphere—supporting local entrepreneurs, especially BIPOC and women founders, as they build solutions for equity and economic empowerment. Since opening in 2023, Communitas America has become a key gathering spot for events, workshops, and networking in New York City, with a strong focus on supporting historically under-resourced communities.