Katherine Sims, Founder and Executive Director
Katherine Sims founded Green Mountain Farm-to-School in 2008 to improve childhood nutrition and support Vermont farms by connecting schools and farms through food and education. As Executive Director, Katherine is responsible for overseeing the organization, developing GMFTS’ long-range strategic plans, raising funds, publicizing its activities, managing its staff and board. Katherine has a B.A. in history from Yale University where she worked with students to develop the Yale Farm and establish school gardens at local elementary schools. Prior to joining GMFTS, Katherine apprenticed at several farms in northern Vermont. Katherine loves to ski and enjoys raising sheep, chickens and vegetables with her husband on their homestead farm in Westfield.
See Small Farmer’s Journal article.
Amy Crank, Education Director
Amy Crank joined GMFTS in 2010. As the Education Coordinator, Amy's primary responsibilities are to develop, grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS' educational programming. Amy graduated from Miami University with a B.A. in Education and received a M.S. in Environmental Education from Antioch University. Prior to joining GMFTS, Amy was the Waterville Elementary School After-School Coordinator and an intern for the Clinton Foundation. Amy enjoys gardening, preserving the harvest and making homemade meals with her husband. She looks forward to sharing the joys of local food with youth in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.
Emily Mehr, Nutrition and Agriculture Educator, AmeriCorps
Emily Mehr joined GMFTS in 2009. As a Nutrition and Agriculture AmeriCorps Educator, Emily’s primary responsibilities are to grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ educational programs. Emily graduated from the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and holds a graduate certification in Environmental Education from Hamline University. Prior to joining GMFTS, Emily was a naturalist programmer at Westwood Hills Nature Center in Minnesota, a naturalist intern at the Audubon Center of Northwoods in Minnesota, and a farm hand at La Finca CSA Farm in Minnesota. Emily enjoys being outdoors in all seasons exploring nature and learning new skills. Her favorite activities include canoeing, hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Emily is excited to be teaching kids about healthy food choices and sustainable agriculture.
Sarah Vecci, Nutrition and Agriculture Educator, AmeriCorps
Sarah Vecci joined GMFTS in 2009. As a Nutrition and Agriculture AmeriCorps Educator, Sarah’s primary responsibilities are to grow, present, and evaluate GMFTS’ educational programs. Sarah graduated from the University of Dayton with a BFA in Photography. Prior to joining GMFTS, Sarah worked as an Educator at Camp Stevens in San Diego, California and as Kitchen Staff for the Three Stone Hearth, a community supported kitchen in Berkeley, California. Sarah enjoys cooking with seasonal, whole foods, worm composting, dancing and learning to play the guitar. Sarah is excited to be working with students in the garden and the kitchen.
Carrie Glessner, Spring Intern
Carrie Glessner is spending the spring and summer of 2010 with GMFTS. As an intern, Carrie's primary responsibilities are to design and develop materials to support GMFTS programs and assist in the delivery of our educational programs. Carrie graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Anthropology. While at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Carrie wrote her senior thesis on local food purchasing by institutions, entitled "Would You Like Green Eggs and Ham; University Dining Programs and Sustainability." Prior to joining GMFTS, Carrie has spent time teaching students about sailing and history on ships up and down the east coast. Carrie loves plants and is excited to garden with kids after five summers at sea!