CANOPY BLOG

Meet Desiree Humphers, Canopy’s new Adult Education Coordinator

By Canopy Team on March 11, 2024

Desiree Humphers (she/her) joined the Canopy team in March 2024 as Adult Education Coordinator. We asked Desiree a few questions to get to know her better.

What were you up to before joining Canopy?

Desiree: I attended De Anza Community College where I got an AA in Liberal Arts: Behavioral Sciences. Then I transferred to San Jose State University where I got a BA in Environmental Studies with a minor in Climate Change Strategies. I returned to college for an additional semester to become a Certified Interpretive Guide through the National Association for Interpretation at West Valley College. Most of my teaching experience comes from what I learned as a Park Interpreter for Santa Clara County Parks.

I’ve spent my entire life in the Bay Area where I have worked to improve the environment. Throughout college I participated in many environmental and political campaigns. I entered the world of politics first and then I stepped into the environmental world when I interned for the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, Grassroots Ecology, and the Climate Action Corp. I also became a Tree Amigo with Our City Forest. That is where my love for trees sprouted.

What are you excited to be working on?

Desiree: I’m excited to be developing new educational programs to connect more people to nature in an interesting and fun way 🙂

Why do you care about trees?

Desiree: Trees are the reason why we breathe. We couldn’t love the things we love or care about the things we do if it weren’t for our friends in the ground that produce the oxygen we breathe or strengthen the soil we stand on. Trees have so many benefits to the environment and our daily lives.

What is your favorite tree?

Desiree: This is tough. For practical reasons, I will say the Pacific Madrone (since they are so cool, literally) and the California Buckeye since its nuts are a very effective method for gathering fish historically (it is now illegal to catch fish using buckeye nuts). For aesthetics, I’d say Sakura trees. For fiction, I’d say Whomping Willow from Harry Potter, GROOT, or The Giving Tree. All trees are like The Giving Tree!

Favorite Quote?

Desiree: “Action is the only remedy to indifference: the most insidious danger of all.” – Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech 1986

What are your favorite hobbies?

Desiree: I still play PokemonGO a lot. I’m a big horror fan and music person. I love music festivals! I’m also a foodie and a museum person. I love art of all forms!

Thanks, Desiree! Welcome to the Canopy team. 🌳