Who we are

We believe healthy soil should be understandable, practical, and accessible to everyone. Whether someone is a home gardener, a school educator, or a first-time volunteer, we make it easier to learn and apply regenerative methods with confidence.

  • Head office in Houston, Texas
  • Partnership model with local and rural communities
  • Collaboration-ready programs for other cities nationwide
  • People-first education for all ages and experience levels
Leadership and Governance

Leadership and Governance

Light Forager Resources is governed by a multidisciplinary leadership team with expertise spanning finance, enterprise risk management, science, education, sustainability, and community engagement. This breadth of experience ensures strong fiduciary oversight, operational accountability, and mission-aligned execution in advancing public education on soil health, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable nutrient systems.

The organization's leadership structure reflects best practices in nonprofit governance, including separation of financial oversight, operational leadership, and independent board supervision.

Dawn Yeung

President and Director

Dawn Yeung serves as President and Director of Light Forager Resources, providing strategic leadership, organizational oversight, and mission alignment. She is the founder of The Scheirer Group, a Women-Owned Small Business specializing in financial education and data-focused management consulting, where she serves federal, state, and private clients through workshops, training, and advisory services on financial strategy and data solutions.

Her expertise in financial systems, organizational development, and strategic execution strengthens Light Forager Resources' institutional capacity and ensures responsible management of donor and grant resources. Dawn's leadership focuses on building scalable educational programs, developing strategic partnerships, and establishing durable organizational infrastructure to support long-term mission delivery.

Her financial education and governance expertise helps position Light Forager Resources as a reliable and accountable steward of philanthropic and institutional funding.

Ariel Scheirer

Treasurer and Director

Ariel Scheirer serves as Treasurer and Director, overseeing financial governance, reporting integrity, and resource accountability. Her professional background spans finance, data analytics, and strategy, with experience supporting national infrastructure systems and operational networks. This provides strong analytical and technical expertise in structured data management, systems oversight, and operational reliability.

Ariel is also an advocate for financial literacy, with published work exploring women's investing behavior and the role of confidence in financial participation. As Treasurer, she ensures the organization maintains sound financial controls, transparent reporting practices, and responsible stewardship of financial resources. Her role supports Light Forager Resources' compliance with nonprofit financial standards and strengthens its ability to responsibly manage grant funding and donor contributions.

Her technical and operational expertise contributes to building durable systems that support the organization's growth and long-term sustainability.

Mobarka Ansari Sheikh

Secretary and Director

Mobarka Ansari Sheikh serves as Secretary and Director, bringing extensive experience in enterprise risk management, financial governance, and regulatory compliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Government from Dartmouth College and a Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management from Columbia University, where she graduated among the top of her class.

With over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, she has held senior roles in global financial institutions, including BNP Paribas and Morgan Stanley, where her work focused on institutional risk management, governance controls, and regulatory oversight. Her expertise strengthens Light Forager Resources' governance framework, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations, sound internal controls, and responsible organizational oversight.

Mobarka's experience in managing institutional risk and governance systems enhances the organization's operational resilience and accountability. Her leadership supports the organization's commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and responsible stewardship of public and philanthropic resources.

Cecil Yeung, MD, FACS

Director

Dr. Cecil Yeung is a double board-certified otolaryngologist and facial plastic surgeon who serves as a Director of Light Forager Resources. He earned his bachelor's and medical degrees from the University of Toronto, completed his residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Toronto, and pursued fellowships in plastic and microvascular reconstruction at Washington University in St. Louis and in head and neck surgery at the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Yeung is an independent ENT specialist who has spent over 20 years treating patients' allergic and respiratory conditions at his private practice, Houston Sinus Surgery. He performs procedures at his own state-of-the-art surgery center in Houston, specializing in minimally invasive endoscopic sinus surgery, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and complex breathing disorders. An award-winning author and sought-after lecturer on ENT and sinus health, Dr. Yeung's career reflects a lifelong dedication to patient care and clinical excellence.

His deep scientific and medical expertise strengthens Light Forager Resources' ability to deliver accurate, evidence-based educational programming related to biological systems, environmental health, and ecological sustainability. Dr. Yeung's involvement supports the organization's commitment to scientific integrity and public education grounded in biological and ecological principles.

Pam Wellen

Director

Pam Wellen is an experienced educator and Director of Light Forager Resources. She holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Management from the University of Texas and has pursued graduate studies in Educational Diagnostics at Houston Baptist University. She is also a certified educator holding Elementary (PK–6th) and ESL (K–12) certifications.

Her professional background in classroom instruction, curriculum development, and educational diagnostics provides valuable expertise in designing effective educational programs and learning experiences. Her work focuses on translating complex scientific and ecological concepts into accessible educational content that supports student engagement and public understanding.

Pam's experience strengthens Light Forager Resources' educational program development and ensures the organization's outreach initiatives are pedagogically sound and accessible to diverse communities. Her leadership supports the organization's mission to expand environmental literacy and promote long-term ecological stewardship through education.

Daniel A. Ardila

Head of Community Outreach

Daniel A. Ardila leads Community Outreach for Light Forager Resources, overseeing partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and community education initiatives. He completed a renewable energy and sustainability program through The GREEN Program at Reykjavik University's Iceland School of Energy, earning credentials in Energy Entrepreneurship and renewable energy innovation. His professional work focuses on systemic marketing, sustainable partnership development, and mission-driven organizational growth.

Daniel brings experience connecting organizations with diverse communities and stakeholders. His sustainability training and hands-on coursework in environmental policy and renewable energy strengthen Light Forager Resources' ability to expand its educational reach and develop partnerships that advance environmental awareness and regenerative practices.

His leadership supports the organization's ability to deliver effective outreach programs, foster community engagement, and expand access to environmental education.

Governance Strengths and Institutional Capacity

Light Forager Resources' leadership team provides:

  • Financial governance and fiduciary oversight
  • Enterprise risk management and regulatory compliance expertise
  • Scientific and biological domain expertise
  • Professional education and curriculum development experience
  • Strategic finance and organizational leadership capacity
  • Community outreach and partnership development capability

This multidisciplinary governance structure ensures that Light Forager Resources operates with strong accountability, sound financial stewardship, and the organizational capacity necessary to responsibly manage institutional funding and deliver measurable educational and environmental impact.

Contact

Connect with Light Forager

We welcome questions about partnerships, workshops, education programs, and community garden support.

Primary contact

Email: hello@lightforager.org

Head office: Houston, Texas

Service area: Local Houston initiatives, rural collaboration, and nationwide outreach partnerships

How we can help

  • Community garden and soil health support planning
  • Workshop and educational event collaboration
  • School and student engagement opportunities
  • Material and nutrient recovery program discussions
  • Partnerships with mission-aligned organizations

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