Nicky Maddams
IMGC 2025 Conference Director
State Program Manager
Nicky’s educational background in horticulture and landscape design comes from the University of Guelph. Her expertise spans multiple growing regions, having lived in Alberta, Canada; Lima, Peru; Texas; and now Virginia. She earned her Texas Master Gardener certification in 2012 and served five years on the Texas Master Gardener Association Executive Committee before joining the state office in 2016.
As the State Program Manager, Nicky is instrumental in advancing the Texas Master Gardener Program. She organizes the annual Texas Master Gardener Conferences, coordinates Advanced Training programs to expand specialized education, and develops essential educational and marketing materials. She administers the Volunteer Management System (VMS), ensuring precise tracking of service hours and program impact. Through her leadership, she strengthens best practices and fosters knowledge-sharing across the state, enhancing the impact of Master Gardeners in their communities.
Beyond her professional role, Nicky is an adrenaline enthusiast and dedicated animal advocate. She enjoys wing-walking and caring for her herd of donkeys. Her extensive Zone 7 gardens in Virginia showcase over 5,500 flowering bulbs and 100+ azaleas; she is committed to ecological restoration through invasive species removal and a shift toward a more native landscape.
Dr. Jayla Fry
State Coordinator
Dr. Jayla Fry is a distinguished leader in horticulture and agricultural education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Master’s in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University, culminating in a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership.
Her career began with the development of a horticulture program at a federal prison camp, demonstrating her commitment to education and rehabilitation through horticulture. As the statewide coordinator for the Texas Master Gardener Program, she provides strategic leadership and guidance to thousands of volunteers and county coordinators across Texas. She is instrumental in educating new Master Gardeners, teaching foundational courses on the Texas Master Gardener Program and Plant Growth and Development.
Dr. Fry played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s educational resources, serving as editor of the seventh edition of the Texas Master Gardener Handbook in 2019. She also authored the Introduction and co-authored the Plant Growth and Development chapter, ensuring high-quality, research-based content for volunteers statewide.
As the official advisor to the Texas Master Gardener Association, Dr. Fry provides support for the state Master Gardener conferences, leadership training, and strategic initiatives that enhance the program’s impact. Her dedication to education, leadership, and volunteer development continues to advance the Texas Master Gardener Program’s excellence and outreach.
Between shuttling two active teenage girls to practices, school events, and social outings, this busy mom is adjusting to the bittersweet milestone of them starting to drive themselves. While their newfound independence frees up a little time, her hands are still full managing a sprawling garden and a menagerie of animals that demand care. But with teenagers, a thriving garden, and an unpredictable animal crew, there’s never a dull moment!
Alexandra (Ally) Wittig
Program Coordinator
Ally Wittig serves as a program coordinator for the Texas Master Gardener and Junior Master Gardener programs, playing a key role in supporting volunteers and educational initiatives across the state. A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, she was inspired to pursue a career in garden programming by her passion for faith, community, and the natural world. Dedicated to expanding horticultural education, Ally brings creativity and enthusiasm to her work. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys exploring new experiences—though always with a thoughtful approach. Her passion for painting, particularly in acrylic and watercolor, allows her to immerse herself in creativity and inspiration.
Elisabeth Castro
Conference Treasurer and Assistant to the Director
Elisabeth has been an Extension Master Gardener in Montgomery County, Texas, for many years, actively contributing to the organization in multiple leadership roles. She began as Assistant Treasurer before serving as President and later took on the role of Plant Sale Coordinator. Currently, she works in the greenhouse as a propagator, ensuring the accuracy of botanical names for all propagated plants. In addition, she manages the MCMGA website, publishes updates on plant sales and educational classes, and serves as a VMS Administrator for her association.
At the state level, Elisabeth has played a key role in the Texas Master Gardener Association, first serving as Treasurer before progressing through leadership positions from Second VP to First VP and serving as President for two terms.
Her passion for plants began with a single grocery store rose bush, sparking a lifelong love of gardening. She now cultivates over 100 roses, with a particular fondness for Old Garden Roses, as well as a vast collection of bulbs and succulents. Despite the challenges of Texas weather, she finds joy in seeing her schoolhouse lilies bloom and looks forward to sharing her Hardy Amaryllis as her collection grows.
Beyond Master Gardeners, Elisabeth is deeply involved in the broader horticultural community. She has been a Texas Rose Rustler for over a decade and currently serves as Chair of the organization. Additionally, she is a Consulting Rosarian with the Houston Rose Society, sharing her expertise and love of roses with fellow gardeners.
