Nick Stanich, Executive Director
Nick re-joined the Franklinton Farms staff in August 2024, after a 4.5 year period away from FF where his main foci were psycho-somatic health, eco-forward construction, foraging, and arboriculture. He historically led Franklinton Farms as an ED from its formalization as a 501(c)3 in 2013, and prior to that as an AmeriCorps VISTA from 2011-2013. Nick habitually fixes broken and sub-standard things, and he holds an unrelenting assertion that if we show up, it must be with integrity. He sees Franklinton Farms as an organizational platform that can advance participatory and material evolution of our civic landscape, and he interprets FF as a lifer project open to anyone who holds the patience, commitment, and compassion required of successful and inclusive community organizing. Nick’s holds a B.Sc. in Environment and Plant Biology from Ohio University, a M.Sc. in Soil Science from The Ohio State University, multiple certificates from leadership training programs at the United Way and Ohio State, a Home Improvement Contractor License from the City of Columbus, and a Municipal Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
Carmen Highhouse, Farm Manager
A first-generation farmer, Carmen began her agricultural journey in 2017, starting a microgreens business near her hometown in northwest Ohio. During that time, she also ran a small urban farm, where she connected with local growers at farmers markets, building a strong community. Carmen transitioned to working on a small-scale, rural organic produce and flower farm. It was here she gained invaluable experience in high tunnel production and floriculture.
Carmen moved to Columbus and joined Franklinton Farms as the Assistant Farm Manager. Over time, her dedication earned her the role of full-time Farm Manager. Carmen holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Policy and Analysis, with a specialization in Environmental Education and Interpretation. In addition, she has spent time in the nonprofit sector, designing educational garden programming through her college internships. Carmen is also a holder of the Master Urban Farmer Certification from the OSU Extension, further solidifying her commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement.
Larissa Coleman, Volunteer and Connections Coordinator
If it’s purple, then I probably planted it…
Purple broccoli, pink okra, orange cauliflower…I like growing things that are different and that you can’t find in the store. And I can always find room to tuck in some flowers here and there, especially if they attract pollinators. I am passionate about farming and I truly believe that gardens root us to the earth while reminding us how important it is to care for each other. Franklinton Farms embodies that reminder by connecting people to purpose and passion through food. If you volunteer here, you’ll probably be working with me. And I’m the voice behind the email newsletter. I’ve gardened in the deserts and the forests and across the street from the ocean. I’m happy to add Ohio to my garden list, and I am always willing to chat plants or food or sustainability. I look forward to growing with you!
Kyle Parnell
As an animator turned urban farmer and new Franklinton resident, Kyle is cultivating both crops and creativity in the community. With a background creating videos for artists like Juice WRLD, Lil Yachty, and Yeat, he’s now balancing his passion for animation with a growing love for farming and sustainability at Franklinton Farms.
Rachel General, Therapeutic Garden Educator
Rachel has been with the Farms since she began her work as an Americorp Vista during the summer of 2020. Rachel is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and received her Masters in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University. Rachel now utilizes her skills as a clinician and knowledge as a gardener in her role as a Therapeutic Garden Educator. Rachel facilitates groups with various members of our Franklinton community in the Patrick Kaufman Memorial Learning Garden. During educational programs, Rachel’s goal is to facilitate participants' connection with the Earth so they might connect with themselves and their community on a deeper level.
Jodie Kinney, Beautification and Historic Volunteer Coordinator
Jodie Kinney started out with the Farms 5.5 years ago as a volunteer. For 5 years she worked for the farm as the Volunteer Coordinator where she managed thousands of volunteers to support the farm, its neighbors and the neighborhood. Her responsibilities included supporting the farm staff, tending the farm's pollinators garden program, running the community garden program and the home victory garden program, and managing the UPick garden. Now Jodie designs and tends to the pollinator gardens at the farm. For over 35 years, Jodie has worked in the golf course design industry. She holds a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University, and is licensed to practice in the state of Ohio. She also has her Master Urban Farmer Certification from OSU Extension.
Liezl Dews, Grants & Finance Coordinator
Liezl started at the Farms as an AmeriCorp Vista in the summer of 2023 and formally joined the team after her service year. With bicontinental mountain roots, Liezl has settled in the midwest by way of South Central PA & the DMV. They have a lifelong love of food, cooking, and communal nourishment which developed into passion for a just, ecological food system while acquiring a B.S. in Policy Analysis from Ohio State.