This month on Community Matters, we speak with Colin Hovde, a producer, artistic director, and current Executive Director of the Santa Fe Playhouse. As one of the longest-running arts organizations in our region, the Santa Fe Playhouse has created community on stage and off by holding space for unexpected conversations through intriguing and vital programming since 1919.

This month on Community Matters, we are truly honored to be joined by 97-year-old activist Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," along with her granddaughter Mrs. Dione Sims. Together, these remarkable women have walked miles—both literally and figuratively—to make June 19 a federally recognized holiday in the United States. Tune in to hear Dr. Opal Lee's inspiring message of hope, resilience, and her vision for a brighter future.

Karen Cain, Executive Director of the Street Homeless Animal Project

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our April episode of Community Matters features guest Maria Jose Rodriguez Cadiz, the Executive Director of Solace Sexual Assault Services. Solace is a Santa Fe-based nonprofit with a mission of preventing sexual violence and empowering survivors through restoring dignity, strength, and resilience.

Lea VanMerkestyn - Program Director, Life Circle Adult Day Center

On this episode of Community Matters, we speak with Juliana Ciano, executive director of Reunity Resources, about the importance of food waste diversion, preparing for spring gardening, community support, and more.

This week on Community Matters, we speak with Anna Farrier, the executive director of Cooking with Kids — a nationally recognized non-profit organization based in northern New Mexico. Founded in 1995, Cooking with Kids educates children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods. Thousands of New Mexico public school kids participate annually, and Cooking with Kid’s research-tested curriculum is used nationwide. Anna has been part of the Cooking with Kids team for nearly 20 years.

This week on Community Matters, we speak with Anna Farrier, the executive director of Cooking with Kids — a nationally recognized non-profit organization based in northern New Mexico. Founded in 1995, Cooking with Kids educates children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods. Thousands of New Mexico public school kids participate annually, and Cooking with Kid’s research-tested curriculum is used nationwide. Anna has been part of the Cooking with Kids team for nearly 20 years.For more information, visit cookingwithkids.org

Tarrie Burnett, LMSWTarrie brings more than 19 years of nonprofit policy and program experience with a background in community social work. She graduated from the University of Boulder with an undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies and the University of Denver with a Master’s in Social Work, focused on program implementation and design for international social work and a specialization in trauma. Currently serving as the executive director for Tomorrow’s Women, a decidedly feminist organization that is empowering the next generation of social justice and peace activists in Israel and Palestine through leadership, compassionate listening, and creative arts. Previously, she developed nationally recognized mental health and wellness, micro-financing, and sustainable farming initiatives for refugee families working with Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains. Tarrie brings experience in community development, financing, and teaching as well as an interest in local, national, and international politics. She currently volunteers with the New Mexico Refugee Educational Bridge Project, supporting young women from Afghanistan to pursue secondary and higher education in the United States, and is a speaker on refugee issues for Global Santa Fe.

On this episode of Community Matters, Sandra interviews Caren Gala of Laguna/Taos/Nambé Pueblo, who was hired in 2017 as the Director of the Santa Fe Indigenous Center.