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Martha Boyd, Program Director, Urban Initiative (Chicago)
Martha leads our Chicago Urban Initiative and coordinates our Harvest Shares Fund. Martha joined the Learning Center in 2005 and is based in our Chicago office.

Thea Maria Carlson, Program Coordinator, Urban Initiative (Chicago)

Thea works with Martha on our Chicago Urban Initiative. She joined the Chicago office in 2008.

Deb Crockett, Program Director, On-Farm Initiative and Urban Initiative (Roots & Wings)
Since 2004, Deb has directed our On-Farm Initiative and the Roots & Wings Youth Leadership and Gardening Program in Rockford. She is based in our main office.

Francine Ferrara, Associate Director for Resource Development

Francine oversees the resource development and communication departments, she joined our Chicgao office in 2008.

Parker Forsell, Program Director, Farmer Training Initiative (Farm Office)
Parker leads our farmer training initiative, with a focus on the CRAFT and Stateline Farm Beginnings® programs. He also coordinates compost and biodynamic prep-making activities at our farm. Parker joined the Learning Center in 2004 and is based in our main office.

James Howell, Program Facilitator, Urban Initiative (Roots & Wings)
James delivers youth programming for our Roots & Wings program in Rockford. He joined the Learning Center in 2006.

Tara Lamb, Administrative Assistant, General Services
Tara handles customer service and provides administrative support for the organization. She joined the staff in 2007 and is based in our main office.

Candie Rink, Bookkeeper/Office Manager

Candie manages our finances and administrative systems. She joined our staff in 2007 and is based in our main office.

Aaron Sarver, Development Assistant

Aaron joined the Learning Center in 2008. He is based in our Chicago office.

Tom Spaulding, Executive Director
Tom is our founding executive director. He focuses on strategic planning, building partnerships, and managing our staff team and facilities. He also keeps his hands in the dirt managing our livestock and doing tractor work at the farm. He is based in our main office.

Joanne Wiedemann-Wolf, Administrative Assistant, Farmer Training Initiative
Joanne provides administrative support for CRAFT and Stateline Farm Beginnings® programs. She joined the Learning Center in 2007 and is based in our main office.

On-Farm Initiative Educators
John Diversey

Dave Kostka

Randy Mermel
Mari Weikel

Soapmaker

Berta Jurado Landeros

Livestock Assistants

Andy Dal Santo

Mariana Egan

Ashley Flemming

Berta Jurado Landeros

Suzanne Larson

Rachel Patterson