Okra Abbey Staff
Dan Wally Lang
Director
Since moving to Louisiana in 2012, Dan Wally Lang has embraced the cultural vibrancy and resilience of New Orleans. Originally from North Carolina, Dan earned his bachelor’s degree in French from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later completed his Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary. His journey in New Orleans began as a chaplain intern at East Jefferson General Hospital, followed by five years teaching dance and fitness in local elementary schools. Since 2018, Dan has also served as Site Coordinator for the Young Adult Volunteer Program, facilitating intentional community and accompanying young people in vocational discernment. These diverse experiences have deepened his connection to the city and its people.
Dan is inspired by New Orleans’ rich traditions of food, music, and community and brings that same energy to his leadership at Okra Abbey. As Director, he works to foster connection and compassion, ensuring the garden remains a place where neighbors gather, grow, and thrive together.
Billie Golan
Lead Gardener
Billie Golan’s journey into gardening and composting began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where veggie scraps found their way into a towering compost heap in the backyard. As a child, Billie spent hours digging through the rich soil, fascinated by the worms and the transformation of waste into something vibrant and alive. This early experience planted the seeds for a lifelong passion for nurturing soil and growing food.
In college, Billie dove deeper into this calling, starting as a camp counselor on a small vegetable farm in New York’s Hudson Valley before becoming the camp director. Alongside her campers, she explored nature’s wonders—searching for Japanese beetles among jewelweed, planting carrot seeds, and harvesting zucchini to make muffins. Through these experiences, she learned to appreciate the natural world by engaging all the senses, especially taste.
In 2020, Billie moved to New Orleans to lead the education team at Recirculating Farms in Central City. There, she taught community classes on topics like making elderberry syrup, creating compost from food scraps, and discovering how seeds grow from plants (yes, even lettuce produces flowers!). Through these workshops, she developed a passion for connecting people to plants, bugs, and food through curiosity and hands-on learning.
Now serving as Okra Abbey’s Lead Gardener, Billie feels blessed to be part of the garden community and is excited to grow alongside her neighbors in Pigeontown. With her deep love for soil, food, and community, Billie brings a vibrant energy and curiosity to every project she leads.
Luke Kellett
ASSISTANT Gardener 2024-2025
Luke Kellett, a Young Adult Volunteer serving in New Orleans, brings passion and dedication to his work at Okra Abbey. With a background in community service, photography, and environmental stewardship, Luke studied at Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State.
His commitment to helping others deepened during his time at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he honed his skills in service and outreach. Outside of his work, Luke enjoys exploring games and connecting with nature, always seeking meaningful ways to contribute positively to the world around him.
At Okra Abbey, Luke's enthusiasm for fostering community and sustainability shines through in every meal, garden project, and interaction with neighbors.
Robbie Mosley
ASSISTANT Gardener 2024-2025
Robert Charles Mosley was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and grew up in the nearby town of Winneconne, where he also attended school. Growing up, he worked in his family’s and his grandparents’ personal garden. That inspired his love for gardening. He shares a close bond with his family, including his mother, Kristina Mosley, and his brother, Theo Mosley.
Robbie is thrilled to be serving as a Young Adult Volunteer in New Orleans, embracing this opportunity to contribute to the community while learning and growing through his year of service.
Dre Collins
ASSISTANT Gardener 2024-2025
De’Andre Collins was born in Jackson, Mississippi. At a young age Dre had a neighbor and mentor who taught and encouraged him in the garden. When that neighbor passed away Dre took a long break from gardening.
As a young man living in Pigeon Town, he walked past The Okra Abbey and the Rev. Hannah Quick invited him in and asked him to lend a hand. After several months of volunteering and sharing his love of music around the table at Grace and Greens, Dre joined the Okra Abbey staff in June of 2024 and has been an anchor for both the hospitality and the gardening since then.