Micknai is a resident of the Whitelock community, a consultant, cultural organizer, and facilitator with experience working both domestically and globally. Their work centers social justice, equity, and collective healing—supporting organizations through transformative processes that dismantle systems of oppression and imagine new, liberated ways of living together. Deeply committed to reproductive justice, Micknai uplifts the BIPOC perinatal health workforce to advance equitable and compassionate maternal and newborn care.
Staff & Board Members
Meet Our Team
Whitelock Community Farm thrives because of the dedicated leadership, wisdom, and care of our staff, volunteers and board members.
Jennifer West
Executive Director & Farm Manager
Jen is a clinical nutritionist, herbalist, farmer, and mindfulness practitioner with over a decade of experience in land-based healing. Her leadership is rooted in the power of plants, people, and collective wellness. Jen oversees the daily facets of operations, farm management, and programming.
Danika Larkin
Program Manager
Short bio goes here. Danika is a tenured Executive Assistant with 10 years of experience. Her background includes working in diverse industries ranging from international NGOs, healthcare startups, and renowned academic journals. Currently, a graduate student studying Media/Public Discourse and Social Justice advocacy, Danika hopes to continue publishing essays centering marginalized cultural touchpoints and work in the social impact sector.
Board of Directors
Aaron Pitsenberger
Interim Board President
Aaron Pitsenberger is the Board President of Whitelock Community Farm and Soul Soil Collective. A dedicated community leader and advocate for environmental justice, Aaron is passionate about building sustainable food systems that empower Black and Brown communities. His leadership bridges grassroots organizing, land stewardship, and social equity—centering community voice and collective care in every initiative.
Spencella
Dobson
Vice President
Spencella “Penny” Dobson is a dedicated community organizer in Baltimore City who has spent years building connections across neighborhoods to uplift and empower Black communities. Her work focuses on food access, public health, and collective care, always centering the people most impacted. Penny brings intention and integrity to every space she’s in, helping turn community vision into action.
Kamaria
Swan
Administration Support
After earning an English degree from Howard University, Kamaria Swan served as a literature teacher for over six years. She now works full-time as a copywriter and homeschool mom. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction by Black authors, supporting Black-owned businesses, and spending time outdoors. Her love for Black community fuels her passion to serve on the Whitelock Community Farm Board.
Micknai
Arefaine
Community Engagement
Babatunde
Youth Advisor
Babatunde is a Whitelock community resident, electrician, and gardener who takes pride in working with his hands and giving back to his neighborhood. Whether he’s fixing a circuit or tending to the garden, he’s always finding ways to keep things growing and connected.
Pamela Patterson
Intergenerational Advisor
Mrs. Patterson is a native Harlem New Yorker living in Reservoir Hill for over 30 years. She pioneered and worked for the first girls club of Harlem as well as the Child First afterschool program and John Eager Howard now known as Dorthy I. Heights Elementary School in Baltimore. Mrs. Patterson loves working with people. She studied Liberal Arts at Coppin State University.