Meet Sara Whittlesey, the lead School Site Coordinator at 100 Gardens. A native to Charlotte, Sara matriculated through the CMS system and is now giving back directly to her community. Sara makes learning exciting for her students by developing innovative ways to teach STEM concepts and life skills through the aquaponic framework. She also strives to create aquaponic gardens that are accessible to people of all abilities.
Sara has experience working in farming through the Waxhaw Boy and Girl Farm. Along with her experience on the production side of farming, Sara managed kitchens for more than a decade. Sara brings expertise in food safety, handling, restaurant connections, and agriculture to the 100 Gardens team.
Through the organization, Sara teaches at the Youth Developmental Center in Cabarrus, NC where juvenile detainees gain aquaponic and farming skills. When she is not teaching at the YDC, Sara provides technical aquaponic support for a host of school teachers and administrators along with creating and delivering aquaponic lesson plans that meet CMS learning goals. Sara cultivates an environment where students can succeed and focuses on getting at-risk youth an “early win”. Sara has an impressive knowledge of plants and gardening which she disseminates to teachers and students. She enjoys reading, gardening, and all things outdoors.