Farm Team

Katie Critchley - Farm Director

Katie is a 16 year resident of Agritopia and has worked for the Johnston Family for over 10 years. In 2015 the Johnston Family created The Johnston Family Foundation for Urban Agriculture. The Johnston Family created this Foundation to keep the 11 acre organic farm intact for generations to come. Katie is at the helm of the Foundation and oversees the farming operations as it relates to the goals of the Foundation.

Kelly Saxer - Lead Farmer

Kelly was born and raised in Carefree, AZ.  Kelly went to college at the University of Arizona, got a degree in Finance & Accounting and then shortly thereafter she earned a Masters in Agribusiness from ASU.  In 2001, she started Desert Roots Farm - this grew into a 33-acre vegetable farm in Queen Creek, AZ with a 300+ member CSA.  Kelly ran the farm until 2014, when life took her to Florida for a new adventure. She spent 6 years in Florida where her little boy was born and she had the opportunity to work at an awesome 60-acre organic farm near Gainesville, FL.  But, Arizona will always be home and she is back here leading the farm’s production of nutrient dense, local food for the community.

Taylor Merchant - Farm Store Manager

Taylor was born and raised in Chandler. She grew up in a family rooted in entrepreneurship which set her up with a huge appreciation for local businesses. She explored a career with the retail industry, however the corporate world was not aligned with her goals and her interests. Her passion for supporting small businesses combined with her interest in environmentally conscious practices led her to Agritopia, where she now manages the Farm Store.