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.
Farm Management Team
Alan Jaros
Director
Alan is the Director of the Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center, leading the expansion of the educational facility since 2016. …
Brooke Larm
Education Specialist
Brooke grew up in Northern Michigan playing along the banks of the AuSable River, immersed in adventure and discovery provided the by changing seasons of the outdoor environment…
Erin Watson
Guest Experience Specialist
Erin has been a volunteer in the Bloomfield Hills Schools community since 2011 and first experienced Bowers Farm as a parent chaperone … it’s held a special place in her heart …
Kate Bell
Farm Manager
Kate has been part of the Bowers School Farm community for several years, first as a visitor, then as a volunteer, then as part of the Instructional Staff….
Tina Baugh
Operations
Laurie Simonelli
Paulina Hakopian
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Teacher
Jessica has been a team member since spring of 2015. Jessica began an Educational Farm Guide for field trips and community tours. With a background in Animal Science from Michigan State University, teaching about agriculture and engaging people in the process…
Jessica Lynn
Programs & Systems
Event Coordinator
Camp Coordinator
Learning Expedition Leader
Leigh Rowe
Early Childhood Leader
Resident Farmer
Kate Debs
Carlie Thueme
Production Garden Coordinator
Operation Team:
Brian Mingus
Haley Kaluzny
Colvin ‘Cal’ Taylor
Souri Gaillard
Jackie Doran
Program Support Specialist
Chef Educator
Megan Isabell
Michelle Golembieski
Farm Educational Team:
Amy Cardin
Patty Watson
Lydia Virzi
Christie McGraw
Nicki Sanom
Tracy Niyo
Community Guide Team:
Sara Covatta
Lauren Denby
Charlotte Rapids
Lisa Mazzola
Rajaa Sheena
Guest Service Associates:
Noelle Simonelli
Greg Altman
Amy Garza
Michelle Guzzo
Nadene Jensen
Lisa Kraiza
Bella McClary
Charlotte Siddall
Nicholas Simonelli
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.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statements
