Work Team
HOPE SICKMEIER: GARDEN EDUCATOR
My name is Hope Sickmeier and I am the Learning Garden educator at Southern Boone County Primary/Elementary. This is my 22nd year in this district and my 7th year as the garden educator. I absolutely love being in the garden and my goal is to foster that feeling in my students!
I have a Bachelor of Science in education from Southwest Baptist University and a Master of Science degree in elementary administration from William Woods University. Ashland has become my home and I’m so happy to be a part of this wonderful community! I have two amazing sons and four fantastic grandkids! I love to do walk-races in my free time and to date, I’ve completed 25 races. I love being an Eagle and look forward to the best school year yet!
Ms. Lyra!
LYRA NOCE
Born and raised in Southern Boone County, Lyra Noce returns to her roots as an Americorps Healthy Food Program Garden Educator. She is a graduate of Southern Boone Schools and the University of Missouri - Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. Her life long love for gardening, small scale food production and preservation, and a desire to teach our youth a strong foundation in practical life skills made this position in the Learning Garden a perfect fit. She also hopes to engage and teach young chefs and food enthusiasts through the Learning Garden’s Middle School Cooking Club, imparting skills learned through over a decade of food service and restaurant management.
Lyra has two sons who attend Southern Boone Elementary. She resides with her husband, mother, and children on the land where she grew up. Hobbies include gardening, reading, and raising goats and chickens.
Amy collette - accounting manager (independent contractor)
As Accounting Manager, Amy Collette focuses on the financial data for the Garden. She received her BSBA degree in accounting, obtained her CPA license, and has over 20 years of experience serving accounting & bookkeeping clients. The financial skills are what she currently brings to the Garden, but she developed a passion for the Garden’s mission several years ago as a parent volunteer helping with programs & activities. A developing home-gardener herself, Amy believes strongly in the mission & vision of bringing outdoor, hands-on learning to students & helping them to develop healthier habits for life.
Sharing my happy place with a former student!