Group of seven people standing together in farm fields, smiling, with a barn and trees in the background.

Farm Team

  • Woman smiling in a garden

    Lea Scott

    FARM DIRECTOR

    Lea moved to Austin in 2014 and worked as Farm Director for Urban Roots for 5 years.  Her farming career has centered on food access and community building through cooperatives, educational farms and community gardens.

    Lea believes in a systemic approach to caring for land with a focus on building soil and ecosystem health.

  • Smiling woman in denim shirt standing outdoors in a wooded area.

    Frankie Bayne

    FARM MANAGER

    With a passion for delicious nutrient-dense food, an undying love affair with all things flora, and the heart of a teacher, Frankie is a long-time grower and organizer in Texas organic agriculture. She was a founding member and served for many years as the President of the Central Texas Farmers Co-op, was the Operations Manager for the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, and has worked with her hands in the dirt at nurseries and small farms around Hays and Caldwell County since 2013.

    When not farming, Frankie loves playing sports with her two sons, traveling to new places, and swimming in the beautiful Central Texas spring-fed rivers and creeks.

  • A young woman with wavy brown hair wearing a blue plaid shirt with trees and a grassy landscape in the background.

    Mary Genova

    MARKETING AND PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

    A creative at heart with a background in natural sciences, Mary is passionate about raising awareness in creative ways. While studying Marine Science and Geology at The University of Alabama and in her subsequent work at the US Geological Survey, her interest in climate change and sustainability was sparked.

    Mary has spent much of her time actively volunteering in local community initiatives and continues that work as a member of the Junior League of Austin.

  • A woman smiling in front of a colorful floral backdrop with pink, red, purple, and green flowers.

    Christine Messina

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Christine’s corporate career has been focused in marketing, sponsorship, corporate philanthropy and event management with Fortune 100 companies. She eventually moved into the non-profit sector as Director of Resource Development for a Houston arts group and served on multiple boards dedicated to children’s causes.

    Christine believes all children should have equal access to basic needs and education, leading to opportunities for fulfilling and successful lives.

  • A smiling woman with short, curly hair standing in front of a red brick wall, wearing a pink knitted cardigan with brown buttons and layered necklaces.

    Nia Howze

    FARM ASSISTANT

    Nia Howze has always had a deep passion for food, community, and the outdoors. This curiosity has lead to many pursuits: from exploring permaculture in Costa Rica to working as a line cook at Odd Duck, and studying food justice and community gardening during their time at Rice University. Nia earned a degree in ecology and anthropology, where they further developed their belief that disconnection from our food systems perpetuates a wider disconnect from the natural world and from one another. Nia views sustainable agriculture as the key to healing this divide, nourishing and sustaining both our communities and the Earth.

  • Young man smiling outdoors in a garden

    Philo Toprac

    FARM ASSISTANT

    Philo Toprac holds multiple degrees from the University of Texas, including a Neuroscience BSA and a Plan II Honors BA. After transitioning from academic and social service work to farming, Philo found a deep connection to hands-on, regenerative agriculture. With experience across organic farms in the Texas Hill Country, Philo brings care, adaptability, and a strong commitment to Hope Full Farm’s mission and the daily work of growing food for the community.