Our History

Eduardo is originally from Bogotá, Colombia, but he has been a Gainesville resident since 1997, where he completed his college education at the University of Florida. Translator and interpreter by trade, he is very passionate about his social activism and is always looking to foster a sense of community in all of his endeavors. He also brings a lot of experience in music event production and promotion, facilities management, business administration and guest hospitality, both as former co-owner of The JAM (music venue in Gainesville, 2012-2016) and through his involvement throughout the years in several different music festivals at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, among other life experiences. Him and his lovely wife Stacy are currently on the joyful and demanding journey of raising their two daughters, who have been the biggest blessing in their lives, as well as their greatest teachers. Eduardo's commitment to FCPJ is largely driven by a profound desire to leave behind a better world for them, their children, and their children's children.

 Shawna A. Doran, ARNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner trained in functional integrative medicine and conventional medicine.  She has experience in multiple settings including women’s health care, hospitals, birth centers, and medical nutritional centers.  Shawna is Co-Chair in Alachua Green Party since January 2004 to present day and was a state side coordinator for ProNica from 1984-1992. She is passionate about human rights and maintaining a safe space for those who need it.

 Kate Ellison is an eco-feminist and local political activist living in intentional community with a few other women. In addition to the Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice, she is a member of Bradford Environmental Forum, Melrose Business and Community Association, Bradford County Democrats, Concerned Citizens of Bradford County, and the Democratic Women’s Club of the Lakes Area. She has studied Non-violent Communication, Permaculture, and intentional community, primarily from the school of life.
 

 Ken has a vocational background in electro-mechanical and architectural design. He completed his

Permaculture Designer certification in 2000 and helped to facilitate one of the first Permaculture Design

courses in Florida. He spent a year in Birmingham, Alabama in 2009-2010 as an on-site consultant working

with a network of 84 farmers under Grow Alabama, an organic produce distributorship and went on to

initiate a number of permaculture workshops in Florida, Alabama and Tennessee.

Growing up in the Connecticut River Basin of Western Massachusetts set the foundation for Ken’s current

passion for bio-regional (watershed) regeneration. Even as a child, it fascinated him to notice that what

defined the basin was the river running through it. It was apparent to him even as a young child how the

dark, rich soil and smooth-edged rocks showed the profound impact water had on the formation of natural

landscapes and patterns.

Studying natural patterns has led Ken to incorporate the theme of healing into his more recent talks. He

sees that the work that lies before us today is not only in restoring the landscape itself, but more

fundamentally in healing what he likes to call the “inner landscape.” He believes strongly in the natural law

‘as above- so below’ and sees individual human sovereignty as the essential groundwork needed for co-

creation in order for us to become effective stewards of the land.

Bryan is a Certified General Contractor and Permaculture Designer.  He has been actively involved in community organization for decades.  
As a founding member of the Roosevelt 2.0 in Tampa, Bryan helped launch many enduring community initiatives that brought many people together.
With a strong belief in community resiliency he has not only advocated for clean energy and sustainable agriculture through talks and events, he has put them into practice in real-life projects.

Bryan successfully permitted the first Earthship in the state of Florida.  He held workshops that connected people of all ages in natural building techniques, alternative energy, and innovative water reuse initiatives. 

With a strong desire to share knowledge, Bryan will help lead many of the ongoing projects here at the property. 

Sara is here to help you get connected. Happy to be of service, she will be your first point of contact by phone or email.   She will be happy to schedule a tour of the grounds or facility, or discuss the needs for your next event. 

Sara has experience in animal care and advocacy. She cares for all the furry and feathered critters here on the grounds and will be able to direct you to where our wildlife lives on the property.

Sara is an experienced volunteer coordinator in fast-paced work environments and is great at recognizing the strengths of individuals and placing them where they can have the greatest impact.