Our Team

As Operations Manager, Heather oversees and implements SOPs, training, visitor services, contracts, and calendar planning between all partners. Heather has been developing her career in Operations Management for 20 years, within varying business structures. Her work values have focused on project collaborations, staff advocacy, and creative problem-solving. She hails from San Antonio, Texas, but moved to Austin over 20 years ago.

As Curator, Jeff is responsible for the development of the Garden’s living collections. This includes the cataloging and labeling of plants as well as caring for and expanding greenhouse collections. Jeff has been working in horticulture for 18 years and is an expert on succulent flora. He is the VP of Education for the Austin Cactus and Succulent Society and serves as the Immediate Past President of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. In 2015, he helped found the Conservancy and was Interim Executive Director from 2018 to 2020. Prior to working with plants, he received a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas with an emphasis on graphic design, photography, and printmaking. Originally from near Houston, Jeff has called Austin home since 1988.

As Education Coordinator, Janie plays a key role in fostering horticultural and environmental education. Janie organizes school field trips, collaborates with the garden’s docents, and oversees the development and implementation of educational workshops, ensuring that visitors of all ages have access to engaging, nature-based learning opportunities. Originally from Fort Worth Texas, Janie has lived in Austin for five years and enjoys visiting new parks, kayaking around Lady Bird Lake and growing her plant collection. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Janie brings a strong foundation in education and a passion for nature.

As the Marketing and Communications Specialist, Julia blends her expertise in digital media outreach with her passion for local environmental and sustainability nonprofits. While completing her dual degree in Communications and Radio-TV-Film at the University of Texas, she explored a variety of media design methods and practices, including photography/videography, graphic design, copywriting, and multimedia design. Since graduating in 2023, she has worked with several eco-nonprofits in Austin to manage and develop their social media + digital strategy as well as create robust online campaigns that ring with authenticity and build community support.

Amanda is a Manager on Duty at Zilker Botanical Garden. She works with the Guest Services team to keep things running smoothly at the front gate, in the gift shop, and supporting behind-the-scenes. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology and is fascinated by the connection between nature and mental well-being. In her free time, Amanda stays outdoors as much as possible usually camping, gardening, and enjoying live music around town.

Pedro has been an essential part of the Zilker team for four years, serving as our Lead MOD. His primary mission is to keep the Garden safe and organized so our guests can fully immerse themselves in nature. An avid rock climber and lifelong fan of the outdoors, Pedro is happiest when he’s under an open sky whether he’s managing the grounds or floating down the river.

Brittney started working at the Garden in June 2025. She first encountered the Garden in 2023 as a visitor to Austin and canceled the rest of her tourist plans to spend the day there in bliss. Her favorite part of working at the Garden is the beautiful blend of community and nature, and the way it curates a space that feels grounding and welcoming to all.

She grew up gardening and cleaning litter in her neighborhood with her grandmother in Connecticut. She has a professional background in cultivation and horticulture, along with years of experience in customer service, both of which allow her to express her compassion and love for all living beings in everything she does.

One of her favorite stories to share with guests is how Taniguchi Japanese Garden is a living love letter of peace to the city. Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy is her own place of peace and was a major part of her decision to move to Austin, TX. Brittney is so happy to be part of such a jewel.

As an Operations Manager at Zilker Botanical Garden, Cheris feels very lucky to be able to be able to combine her background of teaching, gardening, environmental advocacy, logistics, and communication in such a beautiful environment. She grew up in the northwest, went to school in the northeast, and is happy to call Austin home. If you can’t find her working at Zilker Botanical Garden, you’ll find her at her working at her home garden.

After 34 years as an educator, Elaine retired from Hays Consolidated ISD in 2011.  She rediscovered Zilker Botanical Garden the following year as a volunteer while working to obtain her Master Gardener’s Certification. As often happens, one thing led to another, and she now helps to manage the Gift Shop, greeting guests from all over the world and introducing them to the magic that is ZBG!  When not at Zilker, Elaine loves spending time with her family and friends, serving in various capacities at her church, traveling, and digging in her own garden.