Partnering with Abi
RECOVERY
Since the car accident in 2012, Abi spent most of her time with her mom and her caring nurses in Pennsylvania. They provided her with as much love and support as one could do with continual visits from friends and family, although she was limited to movement and talking many people continued to be touched by her and her story.
UGANDA
In January, 2012 Abi set off on her journey to study Micro Economics and Sustainable Agriculture through a program funded by Berea College in Uganda. It was in Uganda that she realized the need for many people around the globe to have access to simple agricultural designs that could improve the production and the livelihood of many small-scale farmers.
BEREA COLLEGE
Throughout her life Abi believed the best education came through experience and struggled with the setbacks of traditional schooling. However, she had a rare opportunity to attend Berea College, a free-tuition school emphasizing labor and community leadership. In the Fall, 2010 she was officially enrolled and pursued her studies in Technology, Agriculture, and Sustainability. She lead the non-traditional students by being the first to develop a space where non-traditional students could create community and have access to much-needed resources.
HOME LIFE
Before Abi enrolled in school at Berea College, she purchased a yurt and designed a foundation ten miles from Berea. Having a yurt, and being able to live simply was very important to her. Abi found a lot of solitude in her home and would often encourage friends and students to visit in order to share in the peace and quiet of country life.
FARMING
In 2008, Abi set out with her friend Shannon Kyler Gennardo, to build her farming experience by visiting several farms across the United States through the World Wide Organic Farm Network. It was through this experience that Abi discovered her love for farming and improving local food systems.
Abi continued working on farms throughout her life, including farms in Vashon, WA, Boone, NC, Berea, KY, and Denver, CO.
AMERICORPS
In January 2006, Abi enrolled in AmeriCorps NCCC based in Denver, CO. It was here that she was able to dive into community projects and travel across the country, including:
-Tohali Elementary School – Navajo Nation, NM
- Habitat for Humanity – Dallas, TX
- Hurricane Katrina/Rita Clean-Up – LA & MS
- Computer Refurbishing – Denver, CO
- Boys and Girls Club/Salvation Army – Beaumont, TX