Since 2005, I have provided educational programming in ecological agriculture and the arts. This includes curriculum development, coordination and facilitation for diverse learners in a wide-range of contexts. I have taught children, youth, post-secondary students, seniors, new farmers, artists, and the general public.
Topics
- Market Garden business planning
- Crop planning for small scale production
- Urban farming
- Organic vegetable production
- Growing and marketing culturally diverse crops
- Visual Arts
Organizations
- Ecological Farmers of Ontario
- University of Guelph
- Ryerson University
- Fleming College
- FoodShare Toronto
- Black Creek Community Farm
- The Greenbelt Foundation
- Young Peoples’ Theatre Toronto
- Saskatoon YWCA
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Victoria
I am a visual and hands-on learner, so I love facilitating engaging, experiential learning for others. As much as possible, I take a participatory approach to curriculum design because I want my teachings to be relevant, practical, and meaningful.
I really enjoy providing one-on-one mentorship and small group facilitation because I like connecting with others at an in-depth level.
“Amy has shown excellent leadership and teaching skills – engaging staff, volunteers, interns, and community groups in producing high quality organic vegetables for the community. Amy is a thoughtful and patient teacher, she takes time to support someone in mastering a task that is new to them.“
– Leticia Deawuo, Executive Director, Black Creek Community Farm
Vegetable Production Online Course
University of Guelph, Ontario
This online course is an elective for the University of Guelph’s OpenEd Learning Horticulture Certificate and Diploma program. (Course no. 3101018)
I co-developed and co-wrote 50% of the course content, including course objectives and learning outcomes, 12 units of content, resources, activities, and assignments.
Black Creek Garden
Resource Network
Black Creek Community Farm, Toronto, Ontario
The Black Creek Garden Resource Network (BCGRN) provided resources, education and on-site support for community gardens and gardeners in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighbourhood. The network also hosted a seniors’ gardening program aimed at reducing social isolation.
As BCGRN’s program developer, coordinator and facilitator, I collaborated with community residents and organizations to design gardening programs, and I facilitated all program activities.
My Impact
- 3000 organic seedlings to local residents
- 58 workshops and events
- 550 community program participants, including 330 seniors
- Partnerships with Toronto Public Health and Black Creek Community Health Center
- On-site support for 3 community gardens
World Crops
Gardens Network
The Greenbelt Foundation, Toronto, Ontario
The World Crops Gardens Network connected diverse growers across Toronto. Gardeners gathered to share knowledge and resources, and small scale commercial growers explored the feasibility of scaling up local tropical crops production.
As the program coordinator, I completed community consultations and developed needs-based programming and resources. I provided on-site garden support for 20 participating organizations throughout the growing season.
