Ginger Shocklee
Director, Leadership Team
Teacher: Homesteading Class and Gardening Class
Ginger is the proud mother of four wonderful children, aged 33, 22, 20, and 18, and she adores her role as "Gigi" to five joyful grandchildren! She has also gained three fantastic sons-in-law and treasures every moment spent with her family.
In 2003, Ginger transitioned from the corporate world after her tenure at Blue Cross & Blue Shield in the Quality Department. During her time there, she skillfully developed databases and streamlined workflow processes, resulting in substantial time savings for end users and a reduction in associated overhead and financial expenditures.
For many years, Ginger ran a home-based custom cake business under Texas Cottage Law, where she lovingly crafted over 1,000 baked masterpieces, including wedding cakes, graduation cakes, and birthday cakes. Her kitchen also produced a myriad of cupcakes, cake balls, and cookies. Although her icing bags and tips have been set aside for a while, they make a return for very special family occasions.
Ginger has journeyed to five of the seven continents for mission work, with a special fondness for South Africa, having visited several times. Additionally, in 2013, her family joined forces with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) for a short time.
It was during her first trip to South Africa in 2006 that The Bridge Connections nonprofit (the parent organization to Homegrown) was established. Through this nonprofit, Ginger has initiated and operated a food pantry, clothing closet, community meals twice a month (free for all), an annual Christmas Outreach, and Homegrown, with the latter two currently active. Her vision for "The Bridge" is to eventually acquire a spacious parcel of land dedicated to community living, food cultivation and harvesting, a nutritious food pantry, and enhanced educational opportunities through Homegrown.
As a passionate hobbyist (and lifestyle!), Ginger enjoys cultivating her own food and discovering great bargains on organic, non-GMO products. With a strong emphasis on zero food waste, she diligently researches methods to dehydrate, pressure can, powder, and freeze food, striving to ensure that nothing usable goes to waste. Surrounded by all this delicious, healthy fare, she dedicates her free time to creating and baking in her kitchen. Additionally, she has a keen interest in exploring the benefits of herbs and natural remedies as alternatives to conventional medicines.
One intriguing tidbit about Ginger: she once lived in a tiny house for a total of five years with three of her children, sharing a cozy 258 square feet of space along with three cherished dogs.
Beth Pryor
Leadership Team
Art Director, Social Media Manager
Hi! I’m Beth Pryor. My family has been homeschooling for over 9 years. Our eldest son graduated from Wylie High School and UT Dallas; we started homeschooling our middle son in 7th grade, and our daughter has been homeschooled from the start. I’ve been a co-op teacher for 5 years and have taught K-8 history/geography, science, and art classes, as well as a kindergarten class. I’m also on the admin board for 5 different homeschool organizations. My kids and I have been involved in archery, soccer, swimming, chess club, and a variety of groups and activities to enrich our schooling experience. We joined Homegrown in its inaugural season and have never left!
Professionally, I have been an art director and brand manager for over 24 years. I began my career in web development after graduating from UT Dallas in 2000. With over a decade each in corporate marketing and as a freelance entrepreneur, my experience has equipped me to offer well-rounded perspective to the unique creative needs of an organization, whether startup, non-profit, small business, or large enterprise. I offer brand management, identity consultation, print and web design, web and social media development and optimization, content strategy, copywriting, and more to a variety of industries. A large portion of my work has been serving the education sector via postsecondary trade school clientele.
My hobbies include continuing education, genealogy, travel, cooking, photography, and enjoying the great outdoors. Our family has learned so much together and is so glad to have incorporated Homegrown into our journey.
Machali Deaton
Age Group Leader: Blue
Hi my name is Machali but I go by Mach for short. I am 22 years old, and I am the blue age group leader.
I love working with kids and animals! When I am not at Homegrown, I enjoy my job at a local dog boarding facility.
Any free time I have, I enjoy hanging out with my doggies, riding and working with horses and going on road trips!
In the future, I hope to attend dog grooming school and start my own dog grooming business or do something with animals.
I have been with Homegrown since 2021 when it started and Homegrown days are my favorite day of the week! I greatly enjoy working here and getting to know each student! I look forward to getting to know your kids this semester and learning about nature with them.
Elani Deats
Age Group Leader: Green
My name is Elani Shocklee and I adore being around kids and being a part of their growing up process!
I thoroughly enjoy Homegrown and the experiences it has given me and the friendships with these kiddos.
I have been with Homegrown since 2021 and have loved all of it! I started out with Yellow group and now have the opportunity to lead Green.
Some of my hobbies include spending time with family, friends, doggies, and anyone I’m around! I am graduated from cosmetology school, currently work at a salon in Allen and would love to do bridal makeup and hair one day.