The PA Farm to School Community Mentor Program supports local leaders across Pennsylvania in expanding and strengthening farm to school efforts by connecting educators, food service staff, farmers, families, and other community members. From August 2025 to June 2026, five Community Mentors will lead local gatherings, share resources, and co-create action plans to grow regional farm to school programs. Through training, peer learning, and collaboration, the program aims to build lasting partnerships and vibrant local food systems. Check out who will be leading these initiatives!
Leah M Booker is the Director of Wonderspring New Market West in Philadelphia, where she leads an early learning center committed to health, equity, and community impact in a high-need, food-insecure neighborhood. With a strong focus on nature-based learning, healthy eating, and family engagement, Leah has partnered with organizations like the National Black Child Development Institute and First Up to introduce young children to fruits, vegetables, and outdoor experiences. A passionate and outspoken leader, she is dedicated to creating opportunities that expand access, build community resilience, and uplift children and families beyond expectations.
Kathleen Enterline is a Floating Food Service Manager for the Chambersburg Area School District in Franklin County, PA, where she brings a decade of experience in garden-based education, farm to school programming, and local food systems advocacy. With a Master’s in Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Science and Policy from Tufts University, Kathleen has worked nationally with the Wallace Center to support farm to school stakeholders and is now focused on advancing equitable access to fresh, local food for the district’s 10,000 students—over half of whom qualify for free and reduced lunch.
Mallory McClure is the Garden Club Director and Community Garden Manager with Central PA Youth Ministries, working across Perry, Juniata, and Snyder Counties to expand access to fresh food and garden-based education. Since founding a kids garden club in 2019, she has grown the program with the support of 20+ volunteers, established a community garden in Millerstown, and now partners with multiple school districts to develop outdoor classrooms and integrate garden lessons into the curriculum. Mallory also collaborates with Penn State Health and local food pantries to address food insecurity and improve nutrition education throughout her community.
Nicholas Milone is the Food Service Director for Gettysburg Area School District in Adams County, PA, where he leads farm to school initiatives that include classroom cooking demos, local food sampling events, and PA Preferred Days. A trained culinarian with a passion for quality food and community connection, he leads the school district’s Wellness Committee and actively collaborates with the Adams County Food Policy Council and the PA Children’s Health and Nutrition Task Force. Nicholas is dedicated to strengthening local food systems and promoting wellness through hands-on learning and meaningful partnerships.
Kari Thompson is a Keystone STARS Quality Coach and operator of her family’s farm—Thompson Farms Volant—in Lawrence County, PA. She supports early care and education programs across Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 3, which includes Butler, Beaver, Lawrence, and Armstrong counties. An active leader in Keystone Kids Go, CACFP Conversations, the Butler County Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, Liberty Grange, and the Western PA Sheep & Wool Growers Board, Kari is passionate about integrating agricultural education into early childhood programs through innovative, community-driven initiatives that strengthen the connections between farms, schools, and families.
We’re thrilled to welcome this incredible group of Community Mentors to the PA Farm to School Network. Their passion, experience, and commitment to community-led change will be key in helping farm to school efforts flourish across the state. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish together with their communities!