By David George
The UC Master Gardener Program is thrilled to honor four UC Master Gardener volunteers as “Gardeners with Heart.” They join others across the state who are celebrated this year for their extraordinary dedication. In 2025, the Contra Costa County UC Master Gardener program selected representatives in two statewide impact areas: Community Wellbeing and Food Gardening.
The following three remarkable UC Master Gardeners were identified by the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) for strengthening relationships with community partners, with a focus on increasing program reach and being inclusive of new or more diverse audiences:
Dorothy Abeyta, Co-Awardee for Contra Costa County Community Wellbeing
Dorothy Abeyta was certified only three years ago, graduating with the 2022 New Volunteer Training class. She is a credentialed arborist and lends credibility to all of our tree-oriented discussions, ventures, and webinars.
Dorothy also co-led the 2023-2025 New Volunteer training classes along with John Fike. When new volunteers step into the UC Master Gardener Program in Contra Costa, she was the first face they met—and one they wouldn’t soon forget. As co-lead, she donated over 2,000 hours of service and trained more than 50 new volunteers. Her lessons are invitations to believe in one’s own potential to teach and serve. Dorothy’s demeanor is brusque on the outside and sweet on the inside. Both the graduating classes of 2024 and 2025 awarded her the highest possible marks for leadership and caring.
“With her fiery passion, Dorothy led and inspired UC Master Gardener trainees to strive for excellence. Her efforts exemplify the highest standards of service and leadership, and she cares deeply about her fellow UC Master Gardener colleagues,” says Program Coordinator, Dawn Kooyumjian.
John Fike, Co-Awardee for Contra Costa County Community Wellbeing
John Fike earned a doctorate in biology and has been instrumental in the successful community outreach of Contra Costa’s Ask a Master Gardener tables at farmers markets. John’s special interest in gardening, pesty bugs, and healthy soils helped him instruct and mentor many recent graduate classes of new CoCoMG volunteers. He co-led the New Volunteer training classes of 2024 and 2025 with Dorothy Abeyta.
John is an accomplished educator, and his deep-rooted commitment to outreach has led to his participation in many Speakers Bureau webinars and on-site talks. In addition, he has poured many hours over the years into supporting the Our Garden’s produce contributions to the Monument Crisis Center.
“To me, it has always been easy to put in those efforts because of the enjoyable collaborative environment that exists here,” says John. “I feel privileged to have been able to work with so many passionate and engaged UC Master Gardeners, most of whom have become good friends. So, the Gardener with Heart recognition is not so much about me but about the environment that inspires us to put in time and effort to help friends and colleagues, as well as the public.”
“John is a superstar UC Master Gardener, combining his scientific background and curiosity with a truly special presentation style that educates and motivates his audiences,” says Dawn.
Phil Quinlan, Co-Awardee for Contra Costa County Community Wellbeing
Phil Quinlan started volunteering at the Gehringer Community Garden, a lively public garden focusing on California natives, pollinators, and edibles, before becoming a UC Master Gardener in Contra Costa County. Educated in the United Kingdom, Phil felt a need to get more connected to California. Today, as a UC Master Gardener, Phil’s work goes beyond connection into leadership and community impact.
“Phil is someone who wants to drive change in local communities. He makes things happen and is a great mentor to budding gardeners,” Dawn says.
Along with initiating the community garden and serving as an exceptional mentor, Phil started a 4-H Youth Development Program project at the garden. He also established educational programs for two groups of adults with special needs. Fellow volunteers admire his organization, quiet diligence, and ability to offer timely, sincere encouragement.
In addition to promoting equal access and opportunity to garden education for all community members, Phil is passionate about food access and sustainable landscaping. When demand for Gehringer Community Garden plots outpaced supply, Phil was instrumental in securing a plot to grow food for local food banks.
“I love that our Geringer Community Center Demonstration Garden is publicly accessible, and that the local community is so supportive. I feel we are driving real change with food donations and sustainable gardening practices ... and we’ve only just begun.”
The ELT identified the following remarkable UC Master Gardener for his commitment to advancing food gardening education and enhancing food access:
Joie Spinelli, Awardee for Contra Costa County Food Gardening and Food Access
Joie, a gold badge UC Master Gardener volunteer in Contra Costa, is a warm and inspiring leader at our UC Master Gardener demonstration garden in Walnut Creek, primarily known for his work in composting and food gardening. Described as the “heart and soul” of New Volunteer training, he excels at engaging newcomers and connecting them to meaningful projects. His leadership shines as he oversees the production of a significant portion of the demonstration garden’s compost each year, utilizing on-site green produce.
“Joie Spinelli is often heard saying, ‘Compost is always there for you’ and ‘Make the world a better place: volunteer,’ words that inspire all who work with him,” says Dawn.
Thank you to all four Contra Costa County UC Master Gardeners who have been recognized this year as “Gardeners with Heart”! Today and every day, we celebrate your unwavering dedication and compassionate contributions to our community.
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