Growing Hope Board of Directors

Ellen Bunting, Immediate Past President.  Ellen is a Sr Business Analyst with MCIT at the University of Michigan Health Systems. She is formerly of Superior Township and still maintains gardens and century old Black Walnuts on one of the original historic farms platted in Michigan. She served on the Superior Land Conservancy Board, and also supports the Southeastern Michigan Land Conservancy efforts to preserve open space. She helped Estabrook Elementary school in Ypsilanti start a fledgling school garden in 2005, and now competes with the deer, rabbits and ground hogs to grow what she can at home in Dexter – mostly herbs and flowers. She is a member of Slow Food Huron Valley Convivium and enjoys the camaraderie of a long meal with friends and local foods. She receives no annual compensation 

Christopher Michalak, President. Christopher Michalak is an owner of Capstone Tax & Financial, based in Saline. He recieved his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University in Flint. After working for General Motors, he left the engineering world to join his father at Capstone. Since then, he has settled into the area and become involved in organizations that keep him very busy. He is now a full service financial advisor and Enrolled Agent with the IRS, and spends his free time competing in triathlons and running races. Christopher is excited about being involved with Growing Hope and helping to improve the conditions for families in Washtenaw County. While food is a passion for him, he realizes that his best efforts are better spent helping others fulfill their goals and dreams in the growing community and otherwise. He recieves no annual compensation from Growing Hope.

Jess Martyn, Secretary. Jess Martyn learned from a young age that meeting the simplest need of the community around you can produce more positive results than you could ever imagine. From the age of two, Jess watched her parents serve many populations in need across Europe and that exposure encouraged  her to begin her own volunteer journey in junior high. She has served communities in Nepal, Amsterdam, and New Orleans. Currently Jess works for DTE Biomass Energy, Inc. as a Sales & Market Analyst.  She holds a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership & Administration from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI.  Jess is a firm believer in buying local and helping all populations gain access to healthy food. She receives no annual compensation.

Michael Edison, Treasurer. Michael Edison is a business development associate with DTE Energy Resources, an Ann Arbor based subsidiary of DTE Energy.  Michael received an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and then spent five years working as an environmental consultant in Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH.  Michael returned to Ann Arbor in 2005 and entered the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, a dual master's degree program at the Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources and Environment.  While focusing his studies on sustainable energy systems and finance, the Erb Institute afforded Michael the opportunity to be exposed to the full breadth of challenges and opportunities we face in establishing a sustainable global society, locally grown food supplies not being the least among them. Michael was immediately drawn to the mission, purpose and energy of Growing Hope and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it (and hopes to materially improve his personal gardening skills along the way).  Michael lives in Scio Township, MI with his wife and three kids.  

(Directors)

Mark Barbieri, Director.  Mark is a chemical engineer working in research and development for Intertape Polymer Group, which manufactures pressure sensitive tapes, such as duct tapes, masking tapes and electrical tapes.  He has lived in in Metro Detroit all his life and earned dual undergraduate engineering degrees at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Mark has returned to his alma mater to pursue a Masters in Business Administration at the Ross School of Business with emphases in Corporate Strategy and General Management.  His experiences with his friends, family and wife have instilled a strong desire for community which was truly emphasized after experiencing the closeness of community living at Northwood Family Housing in Ann Arbor. He receives no annual compensation.

Hillary Bisnett, Director. Ms. Bisnett is the Healthy Food in Health Care Program Director for the Ecology Center, an environmental non-profit working for a safe environment where people live, work and play. She has formalized commitments from more than forty hospitals across the state to source local, sustainable foods and founded the Michigan Healthy Food Work Group, an advisory committee to the Michigan Hospital Association. Prior to joining the Ecology Center in April 2009, Hillary was contracted as Interim Manger of Community Relations at Metro Health Hospital providing outreach and education to hospital and health center communities, including management of hospital’s farmers market and healthy food in health care program in Grand Rapids, MI. She also consulted on various projects for green building education, storm water management, and integrated pest management. Her previous board experience includes serving as the secretary for the Greater Grand Rapids Food System Council. Hillary grew up on a family farm in southwest Michigan and obtained a professional Certificate in Organic Gardening from Washtenaw Community College. She also holds a BS in Sustainable Business from Aquinas College and is currently pursuing a degree in ulinary arts. Hillary is a passionate container gardener and a budding cyclist. She receives no annual compensation.  

Matthew Coffer, Director. Matt, a native of southeast Michigan, developed a green thumb on Earth Day 1996, when he planted his first tree. Matt works as a vehicle crash safety engineer and is currently pursuing his MBA from the University of Michigan, concentrating on operations and strategy. A gardening enthusiast, he can often be seen in the summer months eating tomatoes like apples. He receives no annual compensation. 

Michelle Shankwiler, Director. Michelle L. Shankwiler is a Lifetime resident of Ypsilanti, MI.  where her two children and "making the world a better place" are her main irons in the fire. Her various degrees and training revolve around the computer and art world for the most part though her lifetime experience has been much more impactful in her career choice. Michelle has been gardening and  involved with community gardens in one way or another her entire life and hopes that her involvement with Growing Hope will allow her to pass this joy onto others. She receives no annual compensation.

Mary LeDuc,  Director.  is a lifelong resident of Ann Arbor, MI and has served on a number of professional and community boards, including the Neutral Zone and  UMS Advisory Committee.  Self employed for 25+ years as a private consultant in real estate investment, she is a LEED AP , passionate  about  sustainability and is currently studying the field of behavioral economics.  

Joel Skene, Director. Joel Skene runs the Food Distribution program at the SOS Housing Crisis Center in Ypsilanti. He received his undergraduate in Sociology from Spring Arbor University, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria. Upon returning to the states, Joel settled in downtown Ypsilanti, in part because of the opportunities to fight for both economic and food justice. Joel is serving on the Human Resources Committee and working toward improving policies and procedures. He receives no annual compensation from Growing Hope.

Amanda Maria Edmonds, Executive Director, Ex-officio, Non-voting. With a background in environmental justice, environmental education, and social activism, Amanda Edmonds wears many hats as as community organizer, educator, mentor, and leader. She is the founder and executive director of Growing Hope. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, she has lived in Michigan for 13 years, and is an active member of the Ypsilanti community. Amanda travels extensively to visit other garden organizations and to swing dance, and has a part-time creative endeavor of making and selling her photographer, buttons, & jewelry called AMEPIX. She currently sits on the City of Ypsilanti Parks & Recreation Commission. She also served for six years on the board of directors of the American Community Gardening Association, was a founding leadership team member of Slow Food Huron Valley, and was formerly chair of the MSU-Extension Advisory Council in Washtenaw County. 

Growing Hope Advisory Board
•    Norm Bishara, U-Michigan Business School
•    Mary Campbell, Everyday Wines & Everyday Cook
•    Michael Dorsey, Dartmouth University
•    Kelly Janiga, William Davidson Institute
•    Nisha Kapadia, Sacramento Hunger Commission
•    Lolita Nunn, Key Bank
•    Geno Salomone, Judge 3rd Judicial District Court
•    Brian Swett
•    Todd Festerling, Pfizer
•    Stacey Washington, Attorney
•    Sacoby Wilson, University of South Carolina
•    Lisa Wozniak, League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
•    Ashley Zwick, U-Michigan Nonprofit & Public Management Center

Board of Directors Alumni

• E. Daniel Ayers
• Lisa Bashert
• Pauline Bigby
• Ruth Blackburn
• Katie Bolz
• Laura Butcher
• M. Jahi Chappell
• Lynne Chaimowitz
• Jessica Cook
• Kristen J. Cuhran
• Kristin Darga
• Patty Donahue
• Lisa Dorvinan
• Jessica Jane French
• Melvin E. Gaines
• Kelly Janiga
• Nisha Kapadia
• Karen Morrison
• Sandy Mullally
• David Palmer
• Robbin Pott Gonzalez
• Mark Roby
• Nicole Rom
• Kif Scheuer
• Sharon Sheldon
• Aubrey Thomason
• Jamie Weinstein
• Sacoby Wilson