Rev. Dr. Konnie Vissers was ordained in 2015 in the Presbyterian Church in Canada. She has spent the past two decades working with children, particularly those on the fringes of society in the United States, Guatemala, and Canada. She started The Children’s Garden Collective in 2022 and eventually renamed it Rooted: Centre for Theology and Eco-Justice, in the hopes of bridging the gaps in food security in our cities and teaching children about the benefits of sustainable gardening and Earth care in a theologically grounded manner.

Konnie’s PhD research considered how congregations can use gardening as a spiritual practice to bolster resilience in children who face eco-anxiety. Konnie also teaches as a Sessional Professor at Knox College—University of Toronto and Vancouver School of Theology in the areas of human development, psycho-spiritual care, ministry, and eco-theology.

She lives in Guelph with her husband and three daughters and spends as much time as possible in the garden!

Grace is a U of G student graduating this spring in Bio-Medical science. Grace has years of experience working with kids at several different camps–teaching everything from STEM, to swimming, to art. Whether you need a baker for pecan pies or an AED/CPR first responder, Grace has done it all. We are so grateful to have such a strong and smart leader to direct Rooted Summer Camps this year!

My name is Alex Wichert and I recently graduated from the University of Guelph in political science. I’m excited to bring my passion for sustainability and working with kids into the summer and onto the Rooted team. I like photography, rock climbing, and big, old trees. I hope to learn lots this summer and have fun being in community and in nature. 

Hey I’m Abi! I’m currently working on a Master of Divinity at Knox College. I’m SO excited to watch the garden grow this summer! I’m most looking forward to eating fresh cherry tomatoes and seeing how many types of bugs I can catch🐛🐞

My name is Chris Macleod, and I am so excited to be your outdoor ed coordinator for the summer! I have grown up loving all things outdoors – gardening, fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching – and cannot wait to continue learning about creation with campers this summer! I have a particular passion for birds and frogs. I graduated from the University of Guelph with a degree in Biology, and currently work part time as a freelance wildlife and pet portrait artist.

I’m a University of Guelph student pursuing a bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in horticulture. I have a passion for nature, teaching, and all kinds of plants. When I’m not studying, you’ll usually find me on a nature walk, knitting, or drawing some of my favourite plants. With my experience as a tutor and years of being a camp counsellor, Rooted is the perfect place to combine all the things I love about my work, so I’m very excited to be a part of the Rooted team!

Hello, I’m Viviana & I am the Sports Program Coordinator at Rooted! I am currently in Grade 11, attending GCVI. When I’m older, I aspire to do something in law as a career. What I am looking forward to most this summer is the sunshine & meeting all the campers! 

I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo currently studying physics and astronomy. I love making art, learning about science, and being with my family and friends. This summer I’m looking forward to spending my days learning about and playing in God’s creation!