Rev. 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!

​​Annabelle Edward joined the team in the summer of 2025. Annabelle is currently a student at University of Guelph. She is part of the preaching team at Kortright Presbyterian Church and has a strong desire to see kids grow and thrive through educational initiatives. Annabelle has several years of experience working with children and youth in various settings, and loves the work of connecting with children, donors, and the public. Annabelle also runs all of the digital media for Rooted.

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!