Staff & Board

Director

Aaron Sommers is the Director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Previously, he served as the Founding Director of the Paul Smith Children's Village beginning in 2009. He is most interested in ensuring visitors have a safe, clean, fun, educational, and mischievous visit amongst our garden spaces.

He has one one-eyed dog, one two-eyed cat, one wife, one daughter, and one bicycle—which he pedals to work each day. Raised in Michigan, America's High Five, Aaron holds a Master's in Education from the University of Texas and a bachelor's in communication from Northern Michigan University. Aaron is always in the mood for a dumb joke.

asommers@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6458

Exterior Horticulturist

Danika grew up in the high desert of California, just outside of Los Angeles, where she developed a deep-rooted love for nature. Most weekends during summer breaks were spent camping, hiking, kayaking, or white-water rafting.

In 2015, she moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to attend Colorado State University. She graduated in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Restoration Ecology. During her time in school, she worked at the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery as a nursery technician and later as a Production Supervisor, where she developed a strong passion for growing plants and horticultural practices.

Outside of work, Danika can usually be found riding her horse, visiting the roller rink, watching reality TV, or enjoying time at a local brewery. At home, she has two cats (Aja and Ashes), a dog (Sharkey), and a large collection of houseplants. If you see her around, she’s always ready to share a fun plant joke.

dlesniak@cheyennecity.org | (307) 773-1047

Horticulture Operations Supervisor

Isaiah was an intern at the Gardens during the summer of 2017 before becoming the Interior Horticulturist, then the Exterior Horticulturist, prior to accepting his current position. He came to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens from Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Auburn University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Horticulture.

While at Auburn, Isaiah studied abroad for a semester at Pershore College in Pershore, England, and later visited Costa Rica for a horticulture educational trip.

Isaiah’s responsibilities include the care of nearly 12 acres of outdoor garden spaces. He enjoys continually learning about the diverse plants and environments of the High Plains, as well as creating floral arrangements using plants from the gardens. Isaiah also co-hosts a weekly garden radio show in Cheyenne on 97.5 FM KFBC every Thursday morning.

When he is not at work, you can find Isaiah hiking in the mountains, enjoying the scenery, or spending time with his family in Cheyenne.

isaiah@botanic.org | (307) 638-4331

Interior Horticulturist

Hi! I’m Aria Jones. I have lived in Cheyenne my whole life, and much of my childhood was spent at the Botanic Gardens. I’m very excited to be working with such amazing people who provide our community with fun experiences surrounded by beautiful gardens that will continue to inspire and delight generations to come.

If you see me, don’t be afraid to say hello—I love answering questions and chatting about all things plants!

ajones@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6397

Children's Village Horticulturist

Jessica grew up in Cheyenne and always admired the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. While studying at LCCC, she decided on a career in horticulture, inspired by the opportunity to work outdoors in the summer and care for plants in a greenhouse during the long Wyoming winters.

With a degree in Landscape Management from Brigham Young University, she started at the Gardens in 2009 as a summer intern and then worked for three years as the horticulturist for the newly opened Paul Smith Children's Village. After eight years of moving around the country while her husband pursued career training, she returned to her previous position in the fall of 2020.

Jessica’s passions include annual production at the Children's Village and researching, caring for, and propagating the collection of historic trees and shrubs at the High Plains Arboretum. She is a certified arborist and authored a book about the history of the High Plains Arboretum in 2022.

Having met her husband while on a mission in Germany, Jessica enjoys sharing the German language and culture with her two children.

jfriis@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6349

Interior Operations Coordinator

Eric started his career at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens as a volunteer in 2015. He later worked as a horticulture assistant before stepping into his current role as Interior Operations Coordinator.

He is a Wyoming native and a graduate of the University of Wyoming, where he earned a degree in Computer Science and Business. His responsibilities include the design and management of the Green Wall, as well as expanding the bonsai collection at the Conservatory.

Eric has a strong interest in Japanese gardens and hopes to adapt elements of that style into local landscape beds, even though Cheyenne’s climate presents unique challenges for traditional plant selections.

eroadifer@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6214

Programming Operations Supervisor

Lanna has enjoyed her position at the Botanic Gardens for the past six years. She loves creating and refurbishing home décor and gardening on her ranch in Burns, Wyoming.

Her love for animals is evident on the ranch, where she has one dog, two cows, three bulls, and fifteen chickens. She created the Burns Farmers Market three years ago to bring locally grown products to the community and enjoys participating in local craft shows and fairs.

Lanna has a background in early childhood education and previously owned an in-home childcare facility in California before relocating to Wyoming. She is also a licensed aesthetician and certified massage therapist, having run a business focused on skincare and pain management.

She is a mother of two daughters, two bonus sons, and a proud Mimi to a sweet little boy.

ldonn@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6459

Visitor Services and Education Coordinator; Tilted Tulip Gift Shop Manager

Born in Wyoming and raised in Naturita, Colorado, Brandi has spent the past 20 years in Wyoming and made Cheyenne her home in 2018. She began her career at the Gardens as a part-time Gift Shop Manager and transitioned into a full-time role in 2023, expanding her responsibilities to include education and visitor services.

With over 15 years of experience in customer service, Brandi is passionate about creating positive, welcoming experiences that help people feel happy, connected, and inspired. Her dedication to well-being also led her to a successful 10-year career in massage therapy.

Brandi enjoys spending time with her adult daughter and granddaughter and embraces every opportunity to learn and grow. Inspired by her work at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, she pursued higher education and earned her degree in Business Humanities in May 2023.

bbingham@cheyennecity.org | (307) 773-1041 | (307) 772-1615

Events Coordinator

Sheena settled in Cheyenne in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the Botanic Gardens during her first visit. She is now part of the team, where she enjoys both the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to contribute to such a beautiful space.

Before joining the Gardens, Sheena worked as a nail technician for 20 years, developing a strong eye for detail and creativity that she now brings to her role. With a talent for bringing organization to chaos, she takes pride in creating the elegant backdrops that have become a hallmark of the Gardens’ events and brand.

She is a proud mom to two boys and a dog named Conan. Outside of work, Sheena enjoys going on adventures with her husband, their sons, and their dog, making the most of their time together.

smunoz@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6430 | (307) 772-1732

Volunteer Coordinator

Trudy Fox has been on staff for 20 years and previously worked at the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for another 20 years. She can best be described as practical, dependable, and loyal, with a strong focus on people and attention to detail.

Trudy’s youngest daughter, Nevada, is a fifth-grade teacher in Peoria, Arizona, and her oldest daughter, Haley, is a Mary Kay consultant and mother to a young son.

Trudy is a former 4-H club leader and became involved with the Future Farmers of America while attending Cheyenne East High School. She has always had a love for horses, raising and training her own gelding.

She also has an artistic side, having graduated from Laramie County Community College with an associate degree in Fine Arts.

tfox@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6376

Assistant Guest Service/Gift Shop

Diana was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and enjoys her role at the Gardens. She is always eager to learn new things.

She is currently a student at Colorado Technical University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Diana is a mother of three and enjoys being actively involved in her church community.

Events Horticulture Assistant

Originally from Northern Colorado, Marla has been living in Cheyenne since 2018. Over the years, she has lived in Texas, Arizona, and Minnesota while supporting her husband’s career pursuits.

Although she especially enjoyed gardening in Minnesota, her family ultimately returned to Cheyenne to put down roots and be closer to loved ones in a place she truly values.

Marla has one daughter, two capricious cats, and a deep passion for all things nature. Her happy place is anywhere in the Snowy Mountain Range, by a lake, with a fishing pole in hand.

​Children's Village Horticulturist

Originally from Georgia, Emma has always had an affinity for plants. After a childhood spent gardening and visiting the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, she moved to Fort Collins to pursue her degree in Rangeland & Forest Management at Colorado State University.

While at CSU, she gained experience in environmental education and discovered her passion for teaching others about the natural world, along with continuing to deepen her knowledge of plants.

After working in environmental education and community gardens for several years, she found her way to Cheyenne and the Botanic Gardens. If you see her around the gardens, feel free to stop and say hello—she loves talking about plants.

When she’s not gardening, you can find her reading, playing volleyball, or spending time with her two cats, Banjo and Trout Fish.

ehalaburt@cheyennecity.org | (307) 637-6458

​Horticulture Assistant

Alivia is an aspiring biologist from Cheyenne with a particular love for ornithology and entomology, happiest when she’s watching birds or searching for insects to identify.

Her curiosity about the natural world extends beyond the outdoors—at home, she cares for a lively collection of critters, including frogs, fish, and a thriving assortment of plants.

She is thrilled to be part of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, a place where she grew up and first developed her love for nature, and she’s always excited to answer plant questions or share her collection with others.

​Event Assistant

Jessica Lyles is an Events Assistant at the Botanic Gardens, where she helps bring events and community programs to life. She supports event setup, coordination, and guest services, creating a welcoming environment for visitors.

She is passionate about fostering connections between people and nature through engaging and memorable experiences.

Jessica was born in a rural town in California and raised in an Air Force family. The Air Force brought her to Cheyenne, where she met her husband and now calls Wyoming home.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys exploring nature, gardening, and art, and cherishes time spent with her husband, three children, and two cats.

A lifelong Wyoming resident, Annie has dedicated her career to the state through her work in communications and economic development for over 15 years. Now, as the Executive Director for the Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Foundation, she is excited to merge her professional expertise with her personal love for the outdoors.

Annie’s background also includes private industry manufacturing and owning a small business focused on aviation ground operations and consulting. She is eager to build strong relationships with donors and friends of the gardens to further the foundation’s mission.

Annie earned both her undergraduate degree in marketing and her MBA from the University of Wyoming and finds joy in camping, fishing, hiking, and getting her hands dirty in her vegetable garden.

annie@botanic.org | (307) 637-6396