Staff & Board

Our Committees

If you are interested in joining one of our volunteer committees or our board of directors, please reach out to Alicia@kcfarmschool.org

Common Ground Development Committee is a committee growing from the work Eco Team has put in over the past sixteen months to understand what is growing on these eleven acres, where the sun hits, and the water flows. We’ve received an Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grant, multi-year funding from the USDA, to begin work on this land. As we take action after a year of walking the land, we seek community members to join the effort and to grow common ground. Our farm director, Lydia Nebel and Eco Team lead this committee.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee exists to create an always inviting and ethical organization and community ready to take on conversations that matter and address the crucial topics of these times. Members are Karen Greenwood, Sarah Dehart-Faltico, Tom Alonzo, and Lydia Nebel.

Eco Team exists in order to grow a sustainable and resilient farm, school, and community that can best adapt to the climate crisis by rebuilding our soil health and restoring the land’s natural biodiversity, by embracing green energy and building technologies, and in so doing strengthen our community connections to create a healthier environment for the generations to come. Read our Eco Team-produced, Sustainability Action Plan. Members are Dave Bennett, Brent Ragsdale, David Dods, Cherie Smith, Loretta Craig, Leanna Dishman, Brad Stowe, Karan Gupta, and Alicia Ellingsworth.

Education Committee exists to further the educational goals of the organization in relation to individuals of all ages, ancestries, and abilities including developing a comprehensive curriculum, agricultural apprenticeships, adult learning, and always including the environment and the arts. Members include Jennifer Thomas, a large group of dynamic local educators from Turner USD #202, J.C Harmon, UMKC, KU and several community members and parents.

Events Committee exists to put power and energy into our community and fund building efforts. This team brings the FUN! Members include Jennifer Thomas, Edith Blakeney, Lindsay Robichaux, Carolee Dorsey, and Alicia Ellingsworth. We are putting effort into growing this committee. New inquiries are welcome!

Fund Devo is our finance committee, fund development, event planning, and donor recruitment committee formed with the purpose of furthering the work of the organization and growing our ability to reach further and provide more opportunities to our community. Members are Carolee Dorsey, Sarah Dehart-Faltico, Cotton Sivils, Don Wise, Jennifer Thomas, and Alicia Ellingsworth.

Let’s Grow Wyandotte Seed Starters is the leadership team that grew from long-time Let’s Grow Wyandotte members. In their second year, the Seed Starters collaborate to plan events, lead annual orientations, and provide crucial staff support. Our Seed Starters are Max Dorsey, Susanne Mahoney, Kolika Simmons, Helen Hokanson, Sheldon Harris, Chris Larkins, and April Booth.

Marketing Committee exists to increase awareness of the mission and vision of KC Farm School at Gibbs Road. Members are Courtney King, Marisa Kolka, Kolika Simmons, and Alicia Ellingsworth.

Wyandotte Farmers Market Coalition in collaboration with the KCK Farmers Market, Bonner Springs Farmers Market, and the Turner Community Garden Farmers Market, we’re launching a co-brand, creating educational demos and opportunities to expand the reach of our individual farmers markets and increase access to local, nutrient-dense food for more people in Wyandotte County. This work is funded through a three-year USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant (FMPP).

KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition (Kansas City Farmers and Ranchers for Mentoring, Education, and Resource Sharing Coalition) is a project of KC Farm School at Gibbs Road and Kansas City Black Urban Growers Inc. (KC BUGs). This coalition seeks to provide farmer-led, hands-on education for new and beginning farmers and ranchers across the KC metropolitan area, grow a strong community of growers and preserve farmland for coming generations. Visit the KC FARMERS webpage for more information. This work is funded through a three-year BFRDP grant.