Lisa B. Synar, Executive Director
lisabsynar@okcbeautiful.com
"I joined OKC Beautiful in 2008 because I was driven to be a part of the growth and positive change happening in our city. Through the leadership of amazing board members and staff, OKC Beautiful has been a significant part of the change. It is an honor to be a part of ensuring Oklahoma City’s strong future. Providing environmental education and beautiful spaces it vital to the economic growth of our great community."
After 30 years in the corporate and retail business, Lisa Synar found her passion with OKC Beautiful. Under her leadership, OKC Beautiful has doubled the programs available to the community. Lisa is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City and is a board member with the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Natalie Evans, Program & Marketing Director
natalie@okcbeautiful.com
Natalie started her career in community development and environmental stewardship as the Projects Coordinator for Keep Oklahoma Beautiful in 2016. In this role, she worked with partners like OKC Beautiful to make communities across Oklahoma more sustainable. While working for the City of Edmond's City Manager's Office, she obtained a Master of Public Administration in 2018, focused on urban sustainability and community development. She served on OKC Beautiful's Grow OKC Board for three years and continues to serve on boards and volunteer for organizations like Scissortail Park, the Plaza District Association, Foundation for OKC Public Schools, and the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. In her spare time, you can find her hanging out at our great parks, painting murals, biking, or gardening.
Micah Stover, Education Director
micah@okcbeautiful
"The Harvest Program presents a dynamic opportunity to serve under-resourced schools through education on sustainable food gardening, science, and nutrition. As someone who has every bit of faith in our children, I'm humbled to have a hand in helping kids create a healthy future for themselves and the environment. I cannot wait to share the inspiring growth of our gardeners and their plentiful harvests."
With a background in social advocacy and event coordination, Micah has consistently worked to bring people together for the right reasons. Micah is an Oklahoma Native with a passion for the state she grew up in. Prior to joining OKC Beautiful, she worked as a Special Events Coordinator and interned for a local nonprofit.
Sarah Mossman, Garden Educator, Cleveland Elementary
sarah@okcbeautiful.com
"I am passionate about school gardens and am grateful for the opportunity to help provide a vibrant outdoor classroom for elementary students. I enjoy teaching garden-based lessons that deepen students’ understanding of science and math as well as emphasize positive food choices and a healthy lifestyle. It is a true joy to garden with the students and to watch them grow in their understanding of the natural world."
Sarah was born and raised in Oklahoma City and received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from OU. She left a career in social work to become a stay at home mom. Sarah decided to volunteer to coordinate the school garden at her children’s elementary school 6 years ago and has enjoyed watching an unused space turn into a beautiful school garden.
Laura Burnell, Office Administrator
laura@okcbeautiful.com
Laura was born and raised in Oklahoma City. She graduated from UCO with a Business Education Degree and was hired by Moore Public Schools, where she taught Business Education and Computer Science classes. She retired in May 2022 after 29 years of teaching. She has two adult, married children - a daughter and a son, that have blessed her with 5 adorable grandchildren, 2 boys and 3 girls, as well as an amazing son-in-law and daughter-in-law. She also has a mini dachshund/poodle mix dog named Jinx! She enjoys spending time and making memories with my family and friends, daily walking, and relaxing at Lake Tenkiller at their family cabin, year around!
Aleah Walker, Garden Educator at Bodine and Wilson Elementary Schools
aleah@okcbeautiful.com
Aleah is an Oklahoma native, current Horticulture student at OSU-OKC, and food sovereignty organizer with Uprooted and Rising Indian Territory. She is very enthusiastic about all things in relation to biodiversity, sustainability, and the environment, "I’m very excited to bring that enthusiasm to OKC Beautiful. It’s a great pleasure to be a part of the cultivation of community and making this city better than it was when I got here. I’m very excited to be a part of the team.”