Throughout the year, Green Thumbs takes on many placement students from colleges and universities, giving opportunities for students to learn hands-on skills in the garden, gain frontline experience working in schools and the community and to bring their own unique interests and skills to our organization! Read about Sarah, Iris and Kristina, 3 of Green Thumbs’ current placement students who each play a special role at Green Thumbs!
Kristina Apostolakis (left)
I am in my final semester of the Community Worker program at George Brown College. Over the past two semesters I have worked with Green Thumbs Growing Kids to complete my placement hours, I am so glad I was given this opportunity to engage with youth in this fun and educational setting. Working alongside Hilda during garden and in class programs has helped me understand the benefits of hands-on exploratory learning. A highlight for me during these two semesters was that I had the chance to develop and run programs, including learning about the journey of food from seed to table in the classroom and nutrition-based natural dye and vegetable stamp workshop during March Break camp. After Green Thumbs, I plan to continue my education in environmental sciences to build on my knowledge regarding how society values and connects with the land spaces we inhabit. Sarah Holland (centre)
Sarah Holland graduated from Early Childhood Education at George Brown College in 2012 and has returned to expand on her opportunities and knowledge by participating in George Brown’s Community Worker Program. While completing her first placement with Green Thumbs Growing Kids, Sarah has written an original song, for kids to learn about the organization and the benefits of urban agriculture and healthy food! Sarah’s programming involves her passion for music and movement, her great love of nature and the environment, and encourages a feel of empowerment in young people.
Iris Karuna (right)
Coming to Green Thumbs Growing Kids (GTGK) during the final semester of her Advanced Diploma in Child & Youth Care (George Brown College), Iris Karuna brings an innovative approach to her role as an intern.
Engaged with the practical application of Ecological Systems Theory, Iris is focused both on understanding the impact of community-based programming, and on the development of interventions that increase community connectedness. During her time with GTGK so far, Iris has observed, reflected upon, and begun to evaluate the structures and strategies currently in use at GTGK. As her placement continues, Iris will develop a series of horticulture-based lesson plans designed to help students in developing their socio-emotional skills.
Previous to studying Child & Youth Care (2018-2019), Iris worked as a children’s Arts Educator (2003-2017). At the same time, she has maintained her own visual art and writing practices, and continues to explore gardening, floral design, and Horticultural Therapy.
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