The southern boone learning gardeN (SBLG) board of directors
Our community-based Board of Directors are all volunteers, and are responsible for the overall mission, vision, & long-term sustainability of the Southern Boone Learning Garden. We simply could not do what we do without the wonderful dedication & commitment of this key group. Board Members typically serve 2-year terms, and help SBLG through fundraising (campaigns, events, membership, grants, etc.) & community outreach (volunteer recruitment, community/SBLG events, community partnerships, & more). The SBLG Board meets quarterly, 6:30PM via Zoom for everyone’s convenience. If you are interested in serving on the SBLG Board, please contact Hope Sickmeier at hsickmeier@sbschools.us
We are always looking for new Board Members! Do you love the Learning Garden? Do you want to help secure the future of garden-based education in Southern Boone County? Do you want to be a part of one of the premier School Garden programs in the Midwest? Then you may be just who we need!
Hope Sickmeier, Board Chair
I am a veteran teacher and have been with Southern Boone schools since 2002. Making Ashland my home was a great decision! I have been teaching garden education since 2017 and making that change from the regular classroom has rejuvenated me as a teacher. I have been a lifelong gardener, feeding my family and preserving food was fun and necessary. I can now take my love and knowledge of gardening and share it with all our students. Teaching them how to plant, care for, harvest, prepare and preserve food is what we do and I have the best job.
Paula Vandelicht, RD, LD: Member
Paula is a dietician and food/nutrition educator with over 15 years of experience as a registered dietitian with a bachelor's degree in dietetics from the University of Missouri Columbia. She also is a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). Her past work experiences include hospitals and doctors' clinics. Paula has also worked closely with school gardens in both Columbia and Southern Boone School districts, providing cooking demonstrations, education, and hands on assistance in the garden. Paula has served as a long-time and valued volunteer with the Learning Garden's Middle School Cooking Club. Paula has lived in Ashland for 10 years but her husband grew up in the Southern Boone community. She enjoys crafts, cooking, reading and family time. She is passionate about nutrition and eager to teach children and the community about what local gardens have to offer.
Donna Zumwalt: Retiring Secretary / Treasurer
I have lived in the Hartsburg area for over 40 years, although I had family here long before we moved from the state of California. I graduated from Southern Boone and married my husband Dennis who was born and raised on a farm in Hartsburg. Our daughter, Erin went through the Southern Boone School system then attended and graduated from Columbia College. We currently have a granddaughter in the Primary school and a grandson that will be attending school a few years from now.
The excitement that my granddaughter shares when she has a “Learning Garden Day”, piqued my interest in the program and as I have learned more about it, the more motivated I am to be a part of what I feel is a very important and worthwhile curriculum especially for younger students. Being active and participating in the community where you live and work is important to me.
Having been employed at Central Bank of Boone County, here at the South County Branch for over 35 years has given me a strong background in finance and business. I’ve taken part in a variety of community organizations including the Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to helping the SBLG continue to be a valuable community asset.
Victoria Ballew: Secretary
Victoria Ballew and her family have lived in Ashland for over 20 years. As a previous educator in Southern Boone, she is an advocate for the hands-on learning provided by the Learning Garden. Currently, Victoria works for WestEd, a non-profit research, development and service agency, where she specializes in transforming underperforming districts and states through the implementation of principles aligned with Universal Design for Learning, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, evidence-based interventions, fiscal competencies and allocations, inclusive practices, collaborative cultures, along with equity-based decision-making. In her over 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Ballew has been both a regular and special education teacher, federal programs director, adjunct professor, and director of special services in rural and urban school districts. Her career in education has been one of community and district collaboration for the success of all students.
Lyra Noce: Treasurer
My name is Lyra Noce and am the Instructional Aide in the Southern Boone Learning Garden. I am a proud graduate of the Southern Boone County School District and a lifelong Boone Countian. I attended the University of Missouri and hold a Bachelor’s of Art in Regional and Cultural Geography. I have a passion for horticulture, native plants, and small scale agriculture. I am married with two sons who attend Southern Boone Middle School. I love learning new things every day and helping others do the same. I am thrilled to be in the Southern Boone Learning Garden helping our children make educational connections with hands-on learning in an outdoor immersive environment.
Chris Felmlee: Vice Chair
Faith Calvin: Member
My name is Faith Calvin and my husband, Brandon and I are proud Southern Boone Graduates. We have 2 children in the district, and 1 who will be in school next year! I am the current Food Service Director for the school district with Opaa! Food Management. I absolutely love the partnership that the learning garden provides to the school through the cafeterias! You can tell that this program is really something special. It's so unique and brings a different view of where things come from for our students. I am always amazed at how many different vegetables the students will eat after we tell them that they came from the learning garden!
I will continue to be a supporter of the Learning Garden for YEARS to come because this hands on type of learning is something that I believe in. Its invaluable learning that seems like so much fun just playing in the dirt!
Katelyn Conway: Member
My name is Katelyn Conway and my husband, Ryan and I moved to Ashland in March 2022. I’m originally from Jerseyville, IL and moved to Columbia to attend the University of Missouri to study Business Management. I’ve worked for Central Bank of Boone County almost 10 years and am AVP, Human Resources. I am fortunate to oversee our Community Involvement efforts at the bank and have a passion for volunteering within the community. My husband and I attend as many Mizzou events as possible, specifically women’s softball and basketball. We love staying busy and spending time outdoors with our two dogs. We live incredibly close to the garden, and I look forward to walking up the street to see what’s growing and making an impact on the students in the community. I grew up gardening in the backyard and look forward to having another right up the road.