Hub Staff
Lou
(she/her)
Development Director
Lou has been involved with the Hub as a garden intern, volunteer, and educator since 2016. After graduating with her B.S in Community Health from I.U, she took over the position of volunteer coordinator. She has worked in Bloomington as a farm hand, construction worker, painter, restaurant manager, wood worker, barista, rock climbing coach, and behavioral health specialist. In her spare time she enjoys pottery, listening to Jimmy Buffet, climbing, cooking, volleyball, lifitng, and foraging for wild edibles. She currently teaches culinary classes at both IvyTech and the Monroe County Public Library.
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Megan
(she/her)
President and CEO
Megan has been committed to making quality food more broadly accessible in Bloomington for ten years. She has an MPA from the O’Neill School and a PhD in Geography, also from Indiana University. Megan’s research focus and activism in the community have centered on building equitable, inclusive spaces within public food. Away from the Hub, Megan is either in her own garden and tending her fruit trees, sewing, or getting outdoors with the family and their dog Sprinkles.
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Kyla
(she/they)
Administrative Assistant
Kyla is from Evansville, IN, and moved to Bloomington in 2018. She studied psychology and gender studies at the University of Notre Dame and has worked in adult education, violence prevention education, and various non-profits. Outside of work, Kyla likes leading and participating in contra dances, playing games with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.
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Georgia
(she/her)
Youth Educator
Georgia has experience working with youth for over 16 years. Georgia says her love of gardening and working along side youth was inspired by, her grandmother. “My grandmother always invited me to help with the gardening. When I was young I assumed it was to get more done, as a grown up, I realize I probably created more work than I helped with. For grandma, it was more about spending unhurried time getting to know her straggly haired granddaughter, than getting the garden chores done.” How does Georgia define a successful day? “Hands in the soil, seeds planted with and in youth, seeing them both grow!”
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Zachary
(he/him)
Administrative Assistant
Zachary moved to Bloomington in 2010 to study at IU. After a change in direction he established roots in the community through volunteer work at a number of nonprofits working to address food and housing insecurities. Over his time in Bloomington, he has worked as a bartender, an event organizer and in administrative capacities for various nonprofit organizations. In his spare time he is a longtime quilter and natural dye maker.
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Emerson
(she/her)
Development Fellow
Emerson is excited to join the Hub as the Development Fellow as part of IU's O'Neill Leadership Program while pursuing a dual Master's of Public Affairs and Master's of Environmental Science with a concentration in Food and Farming Sustainability. Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, she graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor's in Environmental and Ecological Sciences and minor in Environmental Education. Passionate about all things food and farming, Emerson is excited to expand upon her work in food systems as part of the Development Team. Outside of work, she's a big fan of mornings in the kitchen, dancing, and long walks.
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Cole M.
(he/him)
Garden VISTA
Cole joins MHC as an AmeriCorps VISTA, working with the garden program after years spent in program coordination and operations. After a while in the corporate world, Cole wanted work that connects to people and community, which is what brought him to the Hub. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Cole has a BA from Ball State University and an MA from Oregon State University, both in English literature. When not in the garden, you'll probably find him running on the Monon Trail in Indianapolis, where he lives, reading a good book, or dreaming about future trips to national parks.
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Elli
(she/her)
Programs Coordinator
Elli moved to Bloomington in 2021 and graduated later that year with an associate degree in Culinary Arts from Ivy Tech Community College. She then transferred to Indiana University, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Environmental Sustainability with a concentration in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems. Elli has worked in the restaurant industry since 2013 and is passionate about all things food and cooking. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new recipes, spending time outdoors, and dabbling in ceramics.
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Kai
(they/them)
Garden Coordinator
Kai lives in the woods of rural Indiana with their two cats, the fireflies, and the stars. They love slow mornings, reading, creating, making connections, and a good cup of tea. When they aren't in the garden communing with the plants, they can be found curled up with a good book.
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Alivia
(she/her)
Advocacy Fellow
Alivia is passionate about community engagement and excited to work on advocacy initiatives for MHC! She is a MPA student at Indiana University, concentrating in Community and Economic Development as well as Policy Analysis. Alivia graduated from Centre College in Kentucky with a BA in International Studies with minors in Education and Studio Art. Before coming to Bloomington, she served as an AmeriCorps volunteer at Centre College as the Coordinator of Civic & Community Engagement and the Bonner Program. She loves ceramics and art, spending time outdoors, and making sourdough!
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Cole C.
(he/him)
Advocacy Fellow
Joining the team as an Advocacy Fellow, Cole is excited to promote advocacy initiatives and foster engagement with the community. He is a graduate student at IU getting his Masters in Environmental Science and Public Affairs. Cole graduated from Cleveland State University with a BS in Biology and Environmental Science. He likes spending time outdoors, tennis, and running in his free time.
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Board
Michelle Cole
Linda Grove-Paul, Vice Chair
David Lyman, Treasurer
Mitch Rice
Chuck Russo, Secretary
JR Stallsmith, Chair