Meet the Team
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Lori is a lifelong environmentalist, a community organizer, and a resident of New Haven. She is committed to creating a just food system and a just world.
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Roberto Casanueva is the Operations Manager at Haven's Harvest in New Haven, Connecticut, where he combines his knack for logistics and operations with a deep commitment to sustainability and community resilience. With years of experience spanning non-profit organizations, tech startups, and grassroots community initiatives, Roberto’s approach is both practical and human-centered, fostering connections that create real impact.
When he’s not working, Roberto enjoys movie nights, taking his dog Orfue to the beach, and dreaming of the next chapter in life—starting a family with his wife Julia, who’s pursuing postdoctoral research at Yale. For Roberto, life is all about building a meaningful future, both personally and professionally, rooted in connection, care, and a dash of adventure.
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Courtney—known lovingly as “Coco” by her friends—is a published author, award-winning writer, and singer with a passion for uplifting others. Growing up in Dallas, Texas, she enjoyed a life of privilege but has also witnessed the painful realities of homelessness and hunger close to home. Those experiences, paired with her nurturing roles as a preschool teacher and a weight loss coach with Jenny Craig, shaped her deep compassion and belief in the power of community. Through her autobiography, Coco shares a heartfelt journey of challenges, triumphs, and an enduring message: together, we can do anything. She is currently working on her dream of owning a dog rescue, buying her first (and hopefully only!!) house and starting a homestead, and making sure no dog or child ever goes hungry.
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Emma is a digital native with over five years of experience supporting Haven’s Harvest in IT roles and operations. Currently studying at Clark University, Emma combines her expertise in IT with a passion for environmental sustainability and food recovery. Outside of work and academics, you'll often find her engrossed in a good book, creating intricate crochet designs, or exploring captivating new destinations.
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Mandy is a retired Nuisance Wildlife Control Specialist wanting to use her customer service skills for serving humans! She's a part time volunteer who shares her small business expertise willingly. She currently serves Haven's Harvest on the Partner Relations Team after dispatching for us in 2022 -2024. She's a grandmother of 5, living in Branford, with her Mom. She loves, people, good deeds and Jesus Christ.
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Bailey joined Haven’s Harvest as an intern in 2024 through her College, Albertus Magnus. Bailey is entering her senior year at Albertus and is majoring in philosophy. She continues to work with us as a dispatcher, ensuring effective transactions between our volunteers, donors, and recipients!
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Anissa has been working in management for 6+ years, formerly as an Associate Casting Director in Hollywood, and now as a Project Manager with Haven’s Harvest. Exhausted by the competitive and glamorous nature of the entertainment industry, Anissa desired a change. A native New Yorker, she made the move to New Haven on a whim and has since thrown herself head-first into the nonprofit world.
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Trista Caron began at Haven’s Harvest as an intern while completing her degree at Albertus Magnus College. Her joy for giving back to the community has led her to remain with the organization. She brings four years of corporate world experience and sits on one board in her hometown, Naugatuck.