Staff

Evonne Strohwald

Founder

A passion for protecting urban green spaces, and an advocate for building and strengthening community groups.  Evonne has volunteered extensively for sustainability and environmental organizations such as Evergreen, the Edible Garden Project, Table Matters, North Shore Neighbourhood House, the Vancouver Foundation, and on Parks and Environment Committees.

Evonne’s vision for Moon Gate Farms is to create a place where people can reconnect with nature, restore heart and mind with positive like-minded people, and empower themselves and others through sharing skills, knowledge, and resources. Creating meaningful interaction with our families, friends, and other kindred spirits.

Moon Gate Farms retreats are a place where people can engage through meaningful conversations, encouragement, resources, support, and most importantly learn to sow the seeds of change back in their own homes, workplace, and communities.

Jen McCarthy

Moon Gate Retreat Coordinator

Growing up with her hands in the garden alongside her parents, Jen is inspired by the Moongate vision and the desire to bring people back to nature and connect in community. She is the founder of Bluhouse Cafe in Deep Cove and deeply committed to sustainability and living lightly on this planet.  Jen weaves energetic understanding and appreciation into her facilitation and communication in many forms. 

Chef Helen Orimaco

Head Retreat Chef

Chef Helen holds a Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. She received her Red Seal Certification through the Fairmont hotels and was part of the opening team for Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. She is the Chef instructor at Vancouver Community College for the Restaurant Operations program in the Hospitality Management Department. Helen is the part of the BC Culinary Team.