Our Team
Phil Reasons - President
Phil has invested 40 years in the farm lands of the mid-west where he developed animal husbandry and agriculture experience ranging from small organic gardening to large scale cattle and row crop production Phil was the Director of Development for the Peace through Water Foundation and has served as coordinator for several natural disaster relief efforts.
Phil was the former Executive Director of Morning Star Fishermen an aquaponic research and training center. His efforts have taken him around the world working with local communities to develop sustainable food production. He has worked in collaboration with the University of South Florida, The University of Florida, The University of Arizona, The Hebrew University in Israel, The Mariculture Institute, Mote Marine Laboratories and many others.
Hans Christian Geissler - Aquaponic Systems specialist
Hans has grown up around aquaponics. He is the namesake and grandson of Morning Star Fishermen's founder. Hans has been designing, building and maintaining aquaponic systems full time since 2011. He has presented aquaponics at many local schools, juvenile detention centers, community events and many others. Hans has been involved in building aquaponics systems of all sizes from the smallest of classroom models to elaborate commercial production systems. He designed, built and then managed a commercial tilapia hatchery and nursery. Hans continues to be involved in aquaponic training as a very effective and enjoyed Aquasol instructor.
Elizabeth Reasons - DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA
Raised on a rural farm in the Mid-West, Elizabeth has developed a passion for sustainable living. Since 2011 Elizabeth has been involved in the building and documentation of various aquaponic systems, including managing an aquaponic garden at The Holy Name Monastery with Sister Miriam.
Elizabeth believes the solution to many of today's problems is going back to the basics of growing our own food. She plans to own her own farm equipped with training facilities for holistic living and sustainable food production.
Elizabeth believes the solution to many of today's problems is going back to the basics of growing our own food. She plans to own her own farm equipped with training facilities for holistic living and sustainable food production.
joo lee - community development
Born in South Korea, Joo came to the U.S in his early teens. He received a B.A in Philosophy from the University of South Florida. During his study he first learned the importance of sustainability in today's world. Since then he has been fortunate to be involved in various kinds of sustainability projects such as solar energy, eco cottage construction, and building/managing/consulting community gardens. Embodying the broad sense of the term sustainability, Joo has been working close with non-profit organizations in order to not only achieve sustainable food system, but also a sustainable community. Joo is especially interested in sustainable farming. Joo joined the Aquasol team in 2014. Joo has built small hobby systems to commercial production scale Aquaponic systems with the team. On his own, following the Aquasol's vision, Joo has built, researched, taught, and managed Aquaponic systems in Tampa, FL and elsewhere while continuing to successfully demonstrate their sustainability factors.
Don Luttrell - Lead designer
Don Luttrell is a missionary and sustainable farming inthusiast who has dedicated his life to helping others through sustainable agriculture. His journey began in 2011 when he and his family moved to Dade City, Florida, to work and learn more about aquaponics and sustainable farming.
He realized that aquaponics was just a small piece of the puzzle and that farming could be used as a way to bring the gospel and see God change lives forever. In 2014 Don become a full-time missionary in Honduras. Don and his family fell in love with the country and the people and commited to making a difference through argiculture. In 2021 Don and his family came back to Florida to work full time with Aquasol International furthering their passion for agriculture and missions. |
Sam dItrolio - Aquaponics business consultant
Sam has a passion for helping people build and develop aquaponics systems. Growing up in Paraguay, he has devoted his life to growing sustainable food. Since graduating from the University of Valley Forge with his bachelors in business administration, he has worked in the non-profit sector to develop aquaponics as a tool for viable business. This research has taken him all around the world and connected with the Aquasol internship program. He is currently working towards a master's degree in international business from Missouri State University.
Luki Reasons - Director of prograMS
Luki, a vibrant User Experience Designer with deep roots in Brazil’s lush Northeast, infuses her work at Aquasol International with a rich heritage of agrarian life and a profound respect for the natural world. Raised on her grandparents’ farm amid the beauty of the countryside, she learned the principles of sustainable living firsthand and was inspired by the sense of community in educating and uplifting local children from underserved areas. At Aquasol, Luki embraces her role as an ambassador of nature, dedicated to weaving sustainable practices and educational opportunities into the fabric of agritourism. Luki’s mission is to design immersive agritourism experiences that not only showcase the beauty and sustainability of rural life but also inspires and foster a deeper appreciation for nature among visitors, ensuring that the splendor of the natural world is accessible and engaging for all.
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Bill Falls - Aquaculture Specialist
Dr. Bill Falls received his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Southern Mississippi, his M.S. from Murray State University and his B.S in Zoology from the University of Louisville. Dr. Falls has a rich professional background beginning over two decades ago as the Research Administrator for the Florida Dept of Environmental Protection, Florida Marine Research Institute. He is currently the Sr. Ecologist, N.S. Nettles & Associates, Inc and full time Professor at the American Intercontinental University.
Dr. Falls has been awarded many honors: Nominee for Governor’s Innovation Award – 2003, NISOD Recipient of Excellence in Teaching & Leadership – 2003, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers - 2004 & 05, Certified Fisheries Professional Emeritus 2006, Teaching Excellence Award-General Education – 2010, and many others. Dr. Bill has been a friend since 2010 and a continued asset to our staff.
Dr. Falls has been awarded many honors: Nominee for Governor’s Innovation Award – 2003, NISOD Recipient of Excellence in Teaching & Leadership – 2003, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers - 2004 & 05, Certified Fisheries Professional Emeritus 2006, Teaching Excellence Award-General Education – 2010, and many others. Dr. Bill has been a friend since 2010 and a continued asset to our staff.
rAY cRUZE - hYDROPONIC sPECIALIST
Ray Cruze, has taught agriculture at Roosevelt Academy in Lake Wales for the past 27 years. He is certified in Exceptional Students Education and Agricultural Education and is a Florida Certified Horticulture Professional, by the Florida Nursery Grower and Landscape Association. Ray created a school to work educational program called, Roosevelt Farms. The program is used to enhance the vocational skills of 6-12 grade students in order to better prepare them for their career opportunities in the future. The program is a working aquaponic and hydroponic farm consisting of 6 greenhouses used in the production of annuals, herbs and a variety of vegetables on a commercial scale.
Rays program has hosted professors and researchers from the University of Florida, provided tours to hundreds of university students and numerous mission programs from around the U.S. and the world.
Rays program has hosted professors and researchers from the University of Florida, provided tours to hundreds of university students and numerous mission programs from around the U.S. and the world.
Mark Homesteader - Sustainability Specialist
Mark is a huge asset to the team at Aquasol. He has invested the last 30 years learning to create agrarian based, self-sustainable, off-grid, zero-waste communities. His skills and traditions range from early primitive cultures to the most modern green technologies. His desire is to restore, preserve and promote the interests of simple living and instill in others the mindful stewardship of the Earth, Her limited natural resources and fragile eco-systems.
Mark was the Farm Maintenance Manager for Sweetwater Organic Community Farm for six years. He maintained and built pole barns, green houses, wells, irrigation, filtration and septic systems. Assisted in all aspects of farm operations including seeds, greenhouses, hardening sheds, tilling, composting, wind rows, planting, organic insect control, harvesting and distribution of produce.
He became a certified coal fire blacksmith and did demonstrations at the Heritage Village Living History Museum also advising them on heirloom vegetables and early pioneer living.
He is also, a member of the DART (Disaster Animal Rescue Team), He assisted in the operations, rescue and recovery of injured animals during many natural and manmade disasters including hurricane Andrew, the Mississippi and Louisiana floods and the BP oil spill.
Mark also served as farm manager at the aqua-garden at The Holy Name Monastery.
He has traveled the world in his quest for knowledge and we are glad his path has led him here.
Mark was the Farm Maintenance Manager for Sweetwater Organic Community Farm for six years. He maintained and built pole barns, green houses, wells, irrigation, filtration and septic systems. Assisted in all aspects of farm operations including seeds, greenhouses, hardening sheds, tilling, composting, wind rows, planting, organic insect control, harvesting and distribution of produce.
He became a certified coal fire blacksmith and did demonstrations at the Heritage Village Living History Museum also advising them on heirloom vegetables and early pioneer living.
He is also, a member of the DART (Disaster Animal Rescue Team), He assisted in the operations, rescue and recovery of injured animals during many natural and manmade disasters including hurricane Andrew, the Mississippi and Louisiana floods and the BP oil spill.
Mark also served as farm manager at the aqua-garden at The Holy Name Monastery.
He has traveled the world in his quest for knowledge and we are glad his path has led him here.