Welcome to Earth
"Keep my feet on the ground and my head in the clouds. I'm the arrow, you're my bow, shoot me forth and I will go"
- On the song "Time of Your Song (2006)" by Ivan Corraliza / Jimmy Douglass / Matthew Miller
My Thoughts
In the quiet corners of our farm, we housed baby ducks in a side-room, sheltered from the world's harshness. Each morning, a routine unfolded: a partner and I carried a tub up creaky stairs, tending to the delicate beings within. The straw-scented air bore witness to the sacrifices made for their well-being, as we composted, rinsed, and replenished their sanctuary with food and water.
Handling the ducklings was a lesson in fragility. Cradling these tiny lives, the texture of their feathers conveyed vulnerability. A wrong move could disrupt the delicate balance of life held in the palm of my hand. Yet, through measured steps and persistent care, these fragile beings transformed into resilient ducks, a testament to the quiet power of consistency.
Our daily ritual, once a chore, became a poignant reminder of growth and endurance. In their journey from vulnerability to strength, the ducks mirrored our own pursuit of resilience amid life's challenges. The smell of straw and the weight of the tub echoed the tangible costs of nurturing life, prompting reflection on the delicate balance we strike in fostering growth, be it in the quiet corners of a farm or the recesses of our own lives.
Earth Traits
Below are my Relationship Building Leadership themes from my Clifton Strengths
Earth is stable and provides a foundation for growth. Leaders focused on relationship building are grounded, providing stability and a clear foundation for the organization. They prioritize collaboration, communication, and the well-being of individuals.
Includer
As an Includer, I bring a unique perspective rooted in acceptance to any team or group setting. My talent is in making meaningful contributions by ensuring that everyone feels included.
Relator
At the core of my leadership style as a Relator is the ability to form profound and authentic connections with those around me. By leveraging these bonds, I am able to work closely alongside my colleagues and friends towards our shared goals.
My Projects:
AACORN Community
Board Member
Kalamazoo, MI
June 2014 - Aug 2022
Overview
AACORN, Inc. formerly known as “AACORN Farm, Inc” has since dropped the “Farm” out of its name and now is just AACORN. AACORN stands for “Adult Agricultural Community Options for Residential Needs”. AACORN is a non-profit that offers day programming services to adults with developmental diseases. The curriculum contains morning & afternoon skill-building sessions. Some participants stay for a half day, or a full day depending on their schedule and preferences. In the morning AACORN offers a more rigid structure with farm chores, a walk, and a creative activity such as cooking or soapmaking. In the afternoons the program structure is generally more relaxed and participants engage with the community or do gardening projects around the farm.
Brief Timeline
History of AACORN
2011
Bridging Horizons
AACORN Farm, Inc formed by Kalamazoo parents to create a program that provides appropriate housing, meaningful work, and therapeutic activities for adults with ASD in Southwest Michigan. Dr. Liz Farner, retired pediatrician & medical director at Lakeside School became program director of AACORN
2020
Securing a New Home
AACORN purchased 40 acres on a Subsequent property to Tillers Int’l. AACORN completed the construction of a program activity building & community kitchen.
2014 & 2015
Growing Together
AACORN opened the program 4 days a week on leased property at Lake Village Farm. AACORN expanded its curriculum, began community engagement, added participants and full-time staff
2021
Stability
AACORN expands its program to 5 days a week
Rationale:
In the summer of 2014 I joined AACORN as an intern and immediately saw the purpose of providing services to adults with developmental and neuro-divergent differences. I empathized heavily with adults that age out of school and have no daily meaningful activities to do as they get older. Once their parents get old a lot of times many choices are made for adults with disabilities, therefore it became my mission to help AACORN provide them options to expand their choices.
