monarch council

A long-time guest of the Desert Botanical Gardens, Calvin enjoys taking in the beauty of the garden, attending special events, and appreciating the unique art installations. In his spare time, he loves traveling, immersing himself in new cultures, being outdoors, and spending time with his French bulldog, Chester.

Calvin has spent most of his career in HR, driven by a passion for supporting others both personally and professionally. After escaping the cold Midwest, he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Arizona State University.

Raquel Crawford is a dynamic advocate for mental health and well-being, leveraging her expertise in communication and marketing to drive meaningful change. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and is a proud alumna of the Hispanic Leadership Institute, Class of 2023. 

With a deep commitment to leadership and community empowerment, Raquel actively contributes her talents to organizations such as the Desert Botanical Garden, Maricopa County Animal Shelter, and Gabriel’s Angel. Her professional journey spans the nonprofit, government, and private sectors across Mexico and the United States, where she has honed her skills in marketing, community engagement, and public policy.  

Raquel is particularly passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. By sharing her own experiences, she fosters understanding and promotes the importance of seeking support. 

In her personal life, Raquel embraces an active lifestyle through regular workouts and fitness activities. She also enjoys spending time with her dog, caring for her plants, and relaxing with a good book in the company of friends. 

Natalie Health is a seasoned IT professional with 20 years of experience driving success through collaboration, client engagement, and strategic problem-solving. Originally from Ogden, Utah, she earned her degree in English and political science from Weber State University, initially planning a career in law before discovering her passion for technology.

Beyond her professional achievements, Natalie is deeply committed to environmental conservation and the protection of natural resources. As an outdoor enthusiast, she finds solace in the mountains and on the water, advocating for the preservation of our land for future generations. Natalie believes in the power of community, diversity, and meaningful connections to drive positive change.

As a dedicated animal advocate, she dreams of creating a sanctuary where rescued animals can live safely and freely. She brings this same passion for advocacy, engagement, and leadership to every initiative she supports—always striving to make a lasting impact.

Jen Knorr is an Associate at SmithGroup, practicing as a Licensed Architect and Medical Planner. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Jen moved from Wisconsin to Arizona in 2007 to begin her professional career. Jen later obtained a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University. With nearly two decades of experience, she focuses on Healthcare Facilities, aiming to create healthy, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

Jen has been a member of the Desert Botanical Garden since 2011, which is the same year she married her husband, Chris, on Ullman Terrace. In the Spring of 2020, she became an Emerging Leader Member to become more engaged in the Garden, which led her to join the Fund the Farm Committee in 2022 where she continues to serve. In January 2025, Jen was welcomed as a Monarch Council Member and joined the Operations Support Committee, further demonstrating her commitment to the Garden.

Dr. Rosa-Elise Scooler is an Arizona native and graduate of Sonoran University, formerly known as Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Prior to attending medical school, she graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition.

During her time in medical school, Dr. Rosa learned the medicinal properties of many plants, including some native to the Southwest–ask her about the healing properties of Creosote! In her spare time, Dr. Rosa enjoys reading, baking, being outside, and taking pictures of all the flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert.

Norell Wheeler grew with a new found love for desert life and living when at the age of eight she was introduced to the works of painter Georgia O’Keeffe by her great grandmother, who pioneered Norell’s love for the arts in all forms and advocacy for the protection of culture and natural resources. 

With a double Master’s degree in public health and behavioral health from the University of San Francisco, and an American Society of Aging RISE Fellow and Ambassador, she continues to work professionally and passionately on topics related to aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Outside of her current role as Vice-Chair for the Monarch Council, Norell enjoys her apple tree orchard and garden, painting and ceramics, hiking and traveling with her poodle, family, and friends and most of all— caring for her parents.