About Bowers School Farm
Welcome to YOUR local farm! Owned and operated by Bloomfield Hills Schools (BHS) since 1967, the Bowers School Farm has been a place for schools and our community to gather and celebrate agriculture. Now, more than ever, food, farming, and the outdoors are essential to healthy living and harmony with the world around us. With over 93 acres of forest, fields, gardens, and barns, there is always something new to explore.
As a non-profit organization, our public funding through the BHS general fund supports teaching and learning activities for the K-12 schools. Additional activities are made possible by the generosity of our visitors and funded through user fees, memberships, donor support, and the sales of our farm-fresh products. Recreation, family, and special events are core to our mission as we build a sense of belonging and “place” for all who enter our gates.
We welcome every visitor to discover and wonder in the world around them by partnering with our community to provide fun and enriching experiences.
Meet Our Interesting Staff:
Alan Jaros
Brooke Larm
Erin Watson
Kate Bell
Jackie Doran
Jessica Lynn
Education Specialist
Director
Growing up in northern Michigan, it was only natural to lead the learning experiences in and with the natural world and local food systems.
His work is emphasized by building strategy and leading teams to connect people to food and agriculture through outdoor learning environments.
Farm Manager
Guest Experience Specialist
Kate has been part of the Bowers School Farm community for several years, as a visitor, a volunteer, then part the staff. She has a passion for outdoor experiences and brings project management skills.
As a parent in the community, her passion includes community engagement while fostering fun and meaningful experiences around healthy food systems.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Teacher
Program Support Specialist
With a degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University, teaching about agriculture and engaging people in the process of how food is grown and raised. She is also advises the FFA
Being with Bowers Farm since 2003, she enjoys that there is always something new to learn and values teaching the importance of nature, food and animals.
Programs & Systems
Production Garden Coordinator
Laurie Simonelli
Kate Debs
Lou Kavanaugh
Paulina Hakopian
Camp Coordinator & Equine Programs
Event Coordinator
Learning Expedition Leader
Early Childhood Leader
Paul Watkins
Kathy Durak
Resident Farmer
Kitchen Manager/Chef
Guest Service Associates:
Noelle Simonelli
Greg Altman
Michelle Guzzo
Lisa Kraiza
Bella McClary
Charlotte Siddall
Nicholas Simonelli
Nate Bell
John Cobb
Gail Corcoran
Addison Redding
Camryn Redding
Amalia Socha
Farm Educational Team:
Amy Cardin
Patty Watson
Lydia Virzi
Christie McGraw
Nicki Sanom
Tracy Niyo
Megan Krause
Operation Team:
Brian Mingus
Haley Kaluzny
Tina Baugh
Community Guide Team:
Sara Covatta
Charlotte Rapids
Lisa Mazzola
Rajaa Sheena
Leigh Rowe
Megan Isabell
Building for the Future
Bowers School Farm provides a unique platform within our community to provide engagement, fun, and opportunities that are “outside the box.”
Animal Welfare & Care
The Bowers Farm Operating Procedures are evaluated annually to reflect the most current science and best management practices within veterinary and animal industries.
We have a big role in developing an understanding of agriculture, which is a task that isn’t taken lightly. This includes the importance of animal welfare in our food system and how animal agriculture connects to our daily lives.
Globally, 54% of people live in a city, a number that continues to rise. For many students, a field trip to Bowers School Farm is the only exposure to agriculture they may experience. The Farm provides a unique and safe environment where learners can ask questions and engage in dialogue surrounding modern food production with practitioners, experts and educators.