Olga Christie

Born and raised in a small village in Moldova, in a region once known as the orchard of the Soviet Union, I developed a deep connection to nature early in life. After immigrating to the U.S. in the late 1990s, that connection continued to anchor me and guide my path. Following my graduation from Berea College in Kentucky, I moved to New York, and eventually settled in the Somerset Hills with my family.

My passion for gardening and sustainability has roots in a culture where regenerative agriculture was a way of life long before it became a movement. Over the years, I’ve remained curious about the natural world—traveling to biodiverse regions, studying plant and animal life, and exploring the legacy stories gardens hold.

I became involved with the Willowwood Foundation at the invitation of local historian and then-president Meryl Carmel. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the board, and I’m honored to now lead Fund Development under the current leadership of President Kristen Peterson. I’m excited to continue helping the Foundation grow and to support its mission of preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of Willowwood Arboretum.