2023's Impact Report

Kim Aman is a former public-school teacher, and Founder/Director of Grow Garden Grow, where she holds the title of Farmer Kim, integrating curriculum in schoolyards across North Texas. Additionally, she works with Grow North Texas, NTx School Garden Network, supporting the local food system. Her farming roots run deep from her Grandfather who grew crops in the rich soil of central Ohio. He taught her about the earth, soil, plants, animals and the beauty of a bite from a vine ripe tomato. She knows that she is fortunate to be doing what she loves and looks forward to every day that she can spend digging in the soil.

Leigh Ann Mewhirter has always loved the great outdoors. She spent summers in Iowa learning to check the crops with her grandpa and pulling weeds in the garden with her grandma. Teaching is her passion and becoming a garden educator has brought the joy of working with kids to the outside classroom. She appreciates the smiles and excitement that show up when the kids walk into the garden, eager to learn and have fun.

Ray Brantley came to gardening later in life which in some ways has helped to create an even greater passion and interest in gardening and horticultural endeavors. He began his journey volunteering as a gardener at his former elementary school in Dallas ISD several years ago and after helping the school establish their outdoors gardens, he made an effort to broaden his knowledge and experience. From that initial opportunity, over the years Ray has helped install raised beds for pre-k and elementary schools in Ft. Worth, Mansfield, Haltom City, and Castleberry ISD. Ray is a Tarrant County Master Gardener. In addition to serving at local area schools, Ray holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies and 2 Masters Degrees in Pastoral Care from

The Criswell College in Dallas, and has completed 3 years of study toward a PhD in Preaching at Southwestern Baptist theological Seminary.

Renee Porter is thrilled to be part of growing the school garden movement in

North Texas. With her background in teaching science and a strong passion

for outdoor learning, she looks forward to engaging with students and sharing

her knowledge about the garden. Her enthusiasm for education and her desire

to collaborate with young minds make her an excellent fit for guiding students

in both discovering and contributing to the garden's wonders.

Karen Hess grew up in Dallas gardening with her mom and visiting her grandparents’ farm in Kansas. She studied Environmental Science in college, worked with school gardens in Memphis, and studied agriculture in Germany prior to moving home to Dallas a few years ago. Now, Karen is thrilled to be back in school gardens to teach kids about where their food comes from and how to build a healthy body and mind. 

Kristi Kendall is a lifelong educator, who has a big heart for the learning process and helping kids grow. Farmer Kristi adds this passion to supporting the school garden movement in our region. She brings her love of children and learning sprinkled in to all of her lessons. Her own children are environmentally minded and love the marvels of the planet. Farmer Kristi finds joy in learning new things and sharing this learning with others. Ask her about Monarch Migration. She is an expert!