We are proud to welcome four new members to our Tollgate staff!
Allison Aigner is a new educational program leader. Allison is a recent 2018 Michigan State University graduate and is so excited to be working for her favorite school! Her major at MSU was Environmental Studies and Sustainability, with a minor in Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems. Agriculture and farming have been a part of Allison’s life for as long as she can remember. She started riding horses when she was 8 years old and now is a horse trainer and competes with her own horses in cowboy mounted shooting. Allison was also an active participant in her local 4-H club, showing her horse for several years and becoming a youth leader. She has worked on two different organic vegetable farms, one being our very own MSU Student Organic Farm during her undergraduate studies. Being an educator at MSU Tollgate Farm will give Allison the perfect opportunity to combine all of her passions – agriculture, outdoors, healthy living, and inspiring kids to get involved in their community food systems!
Jennifer Dunlap is an early childhood instructional guide. Jennifer Cherry Dunlap received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2003. She majored in Mathematics and minored in Science and Technology. Jennifer took time away from teaching to be a stay-at-home mother to her three children, ages 10,7, and 4. Jennifer most recently has had the privilege of being a substitute teacher at the school her children attend. She also volunteers at the school whenever possible. Currently, Jennifer is at the beginning of her journey towards a Master of Environmental Education degree. As part of that education program, she attends conferences, seminars, and courses related to nature-based education. In her free time, she enjoys raising butterflies and sunflowers with her children. She truly, deeply believes in the nature-based method of teaching and spends as much time as possible in nature promoting this with her own children. She encourages them to play outside, rain or shine, building and exploring nature and all it has to offer. Jennifer is excited to do the same with your child.
Sara Mund is our day camp coordinator. Sara is a Florida native and a graduate of Flagler College with a degree in Elementary/Exceptional Education and a Minor in Environmental Science. After graduation she worked as a Kindergarten and Special Education teacher and now is excited to begin this new exciting adventure here at Tollgate! During her free time she enjoys running, nature hikes, cooking, traveling, and pretty much anything outdoors!
Deanna Wagner is an agricultural laborer. She originally started her agricultural career at The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village and is happy to continue her journey, grow and learn with MSU Tollgate Farm.
We hope you get a chance to see these new faces around the farm!