Our Staff
Tamara Weber
Jennifer Olson
Mindi Feltner
Founder and Executive Director
Tamara is a business professional with over 25 years of experience developing and executing business growth strategies. She left a successful career at Hallmark to launch Pete's Garden after learning about the global food waste problem and the gaps in Kansas City's approach to solving this growing environme
Founder and Executive Director
Tamara is a business professional with over 25 years of experience developing and executing business growth strategies. She left a successful career at Hallmark to launch Pete's Garden after learning about the global food waste problem and the gaps in Kansas City's approach to solving this growing environmental and social concern. Prior to Hallmark, Tamara worked as a strategy consultant with the Boston Consulting Group in their Chicago office. She has an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and an economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania. each individual or family we serve.
Mindi Feltner
Jennifer Olson
Mindi Feltner
Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships
Mindi brings many years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement to her role at Pete's Garden. With a strong history of building meaningful relationships and leading initiatives that drive growth, she is passionate about using her skills to he
Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships
Mindi brings many years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement to her role at Pete's Garden. With a strong history of building meaningful relationships and leading initiatives that drive growth, she is passionate about using her skills to help others and strengthen the Kansas City community.
Guided by her passion for helping others, Mindi is dedicated to expanding resources for those facing food insecurity and strengthening the fabric of the community. Her work is driven by both professional expertise and a personal commitment to serving others.
Joe Nicol
Jennifer Olson
Jennifer Olson
Food Recovery
Program Manager
Joe grew up in Kansas City, and is deeply passionate about getting healthy food into the hands of hungry people. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science, History, and Environmental Studies, he began a career as a sustainable farmer. Farming lands in both KC and Alaska
Food Recovery
Program Manager
Joe grew up in Kansas City, and is deeply passionate about getting healthy food into the hands of hungry people. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science, History, and Environmental Studies, he began a career as a sustainable farmer. Farming lands in both KC and Alaska for several years, he designed and built organic systems which grew nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and animals while also regenerating soil health. At Pete's Garden, Joe ensures smooth daily operations for our food recovery program and he is working to expand operations by building partnerships with restaurants, caterers, food service managers, and other potential food donors across KC.
Jennifer Olson
Jennifer Olson
Jennifer Olson
Volunteer Coordinator
Having supported Pete’s Garden from its inception, Jennifer brings passion for wasting little-to-no food and for family mealtime; both are integral in her daily home life as a wife and mother of three. Jennifer’s background includes teaching high school English, providing communication and public information for two
Volunteer Coordinator
Having supported Pete’s Garden from its inception, Jennifer brings passion for wasting little-to-no food and for family mealtime; both are integral in her daily home life as a wife and mother of three. Jennifer’s background includes teaching high school English, providing communication and public information for two child advocacy organizations, and coaching and working with young people. She loves working with our volunteers to support families in need.
Aimee Sesler
Craig Colbert
Craig Colbert
Communications Specialist
Aimee began as a Food Recovery volunteer but soon wanted to learn more about Pete's Garden. She joined our staff, helping to manage volunteers in our kitchen and has expanded her scope to include communications and social media. As a mom to three grown children, Aimee has a deep appreciation for our Family Mealtime mission.
Craig Colbert
Craig Colbert
Craig Colbert
Food Recovery Operations Specialist
Craig has served the Kansas City community for over 12 years in operating roles at several area nonprofits including Harvesters, KC Can Compost, and Habitat for Humanity. He is the face of Pete's Garden with our food donors, working to establish and maintain effective and efficient food recovery programs so that no good food gets wasted.
Cody Noyes
Craig Colbert
Cody Noyes
Food Recovery Operations Specialist
With over a decade in the catering and food business, Cody understands the need for safe and convenient food donation in Kansas City. Cody ensures our kitchen operates safely and efficiently and engages with food donors to recover surplus food. In his spare time, Cody runs his own microgreens business, Third Floor Roots.
Diane Mora
Craig Colbert
Cody Noyes
Kids Feeding Kids
Education and Program Director
Diane holds multiple degrees in Culinary Arts, Business, and Education, as well as professional honors of distinction as a chef and as a high school English teacher. Her leadership of Kids Feeding Kids enables her to impact communities with authentic Project Based Learning that focuses on
Kids Feeding Kids
Education and Program Director
Diane holds multiple degrees in Culinary Arts, Business, and Education, as well as professional honors of distinction as a chef and as a high school English teacher. Her leadership of Kids Feeding Kids enables her to impact communities with authentic Project Based Learning that focuses on diverting edible, nutritious food from landfill and reducing harmful atmospheric emissions. She provides students with opportunities to gain knowledge that may spark a life-long interest in responsible, sustainable culinary practices for professional or personal kitchens.
Easton Hrabe
Easton Hrabe
Easton Hrabe
Kids Feeding Kids
Logistics Coordinator
In his role as Logistics Coordinator, Easton supports Kids Feeding Kids program operations and school partnerships—helping ensure that students and educators have the resources they need to turn culinary classrooms into engines of social impact.
Easton is currently pursuing a degree in Political Scien
Kids Feeding Kids
Logistics Coordinator
In his role as Logistics Coordinator, Easton supports Kids Feeding Kids program operations and school partnerships—helping ensure that students and educators have the resources they need to turn culinary classrooms into engines of social impact.
Easton is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Education at the University of Kansas, where he is preparing for a career in education policy and public service. He has served as a three-time Kansas FCCLA State Officer and a National FCCLA Officer.
Theresa Love
Easton Hrabe
Easton Hrabe
Kids Feeding Kids
Project Manager
With 30 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development across elementary, middle, and high schools for Wichita Public Schools, Blue Valley School District, and Shawnee Mission School District. In her role as project manager, Theresa ensures teachers have what they need to successfully complete their Kids Feeding Kids classroom projects.
Our Board of Directors
Jodi Schade, President
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Ali Tuttle, Vice-President
Senior Brand Marketing Leader, T-Mobile
Jodi has 20+ years of marketing experience. She currently leads T-Mobile for Business Brand Marketing Messaging, Partnerships and Programs. She has served on the Goodwill MoKan board and the United Way Women's Leadership Council Advisory Board (now Women United). She is a volunteer and board advis
Senior Brand Marketing Leader, T-Mobile
Jodi has 20+ years of marketing experience. She currently leads T-Mobile for Business Brand Marketing Messaging, Partnerships and Programs. She has served on the Goodwill MoKan board and the United Way Women's Leadership Council Advisory Board (now Women United). She is a volunteer and board advisor to the Pure Pitch Rally, a KC start-up incubator, and alumni of the Executive Ascent, a Kansas City leadership organization.
Ali Tuttle, Vice-President
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Ali Tuttle, Vice-President
Director of Marketing & Sales Operations, Optimatics
Prinicpal, Ali Tuttle Coaching & Strategy
With a focus on optimizing performance & planning (in individuals, businesses, and water utilities), Ali is an Operations & Coaching professional with over two decades of successfully leading and developing teams, creating connection and community
Director of Marketing & Sales Operations, Optimatics
Prinicpal, Ali Tuttle Coaching & Strategy
With a focus on optimizing performance & planning (in individuals, businesses, and water utilities), Ali is an Operations & Coaching professional with over two decades of successfully leading and developing teams, creating connection and community, and influencing the strategic direction and financial performance of rapid-growth software solution companies.
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Financial consultant; former nonprofit Executive Director
With a background in accounting and educational nonprofit leadership for over forty years, Kathy currently serves as a daily money manager for individuals, small businesses, and nonprofit clients. Kathy also serves on the board of directors for the Kansas City Academy, and is an active co-member of the Loretto Community.
Christa Cavanaugh, Secretary
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Kathy Baldwin-Heitman, Treasurer
Client Relations Manager, Harvest Productions
With a background in both culinary and event planning and fundraising, Christa supports many Kansas City nonprofits by creating impactful and memorable experiences for sponsors and constituents.
Gayla Brockman
Lauren Kneeland
Gayla Brockman
Retired; formerly CEO Michael Reese Health Trust
As CEO of the Michael Reese Health Trust, Gayla turned a quiet, private foundation into a public, caring institution dedicated to put everyday health within everyone’s reach. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Menorah Legacy Foundation in Kansas City. Gayla is a co-fou
Retired; formerly CEO Michael Reese Health Trust
As CEO of the Michael Reese Health Trust, Gayla turned a quiet, private foundation into a public, caring institution dedicated to put everyday health within everyone’s reach. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Menorah Legacy Foundation in Kansas City. Gayla is a co-founder of the Kansas City Beans & Greens Program, now called Double Up Food Bucks Kansas City, which makes fresh, locally grown food accessible and affordable to lowincome residents.
Jason Buchanan
Lauren Kneeland
Gayla Brockman
Attorney, McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan
Jason represents clients in construction litigation and other complex civil litigation. He is active in the community, having served as inaugural Board President for EPEC (Empowering the Parent to Empower the Child).
Tami Greenberg
Lauren Kneeland
Lauren Kneeland
CEO, Ronald McDonald House Kansas City
About 5,000 families with sick children are served each year by Ronald McDonald House Kansas City, and Pete’s Garden is an essential partner to help sustain RMH families with healthy meals. Tami has been in this role since 2015; she has participated in multiple leadership programs, volunteered in var
CEO, Ronald McDonald House Kansas City
About 5,000 families with sick children are served each year by Ronald McDonald House Kansas City, and Pete’s Garden is an essential partner to help sustain RMH families with healthy meals. Tami has been in this role since 2015; she has participated in multiple leadership programs, volunteered in various capacities (in hands-on as well as leadership roles), and been honored with various awards/distinctions. Tami and her wife have been together for 30 years and are the moms of two young adult sons.
Lauren Kneeland
Lauren Kneeland
Lauren Kneeland
Diploma+ Dual/Concurrent & Special Programs Coordinator, KCKS Public Schools
Managing Partner, The Skyline Rooftop Restaurant
Lauren brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership and is currently making her mark in the K-12 sector. Recently, Lauren has ventured into the restaurant industry, taking on the role of Managing Part
Diploma+ Dual/Concurrent & Special Programs Coordinator, KCKS Public Schools
Managing Partner, The Skyline Rooftop Restaurant
Lauren brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership and is currently making her mark in the K-12 sector. Recently, Lauren has ventured into the restaurant industry, taking on the role of Managing Partner at The Skyline Rooftop at The Combine. In this exciting position, she combines her leadership skills with her enthusiasm for hospitality, ensuring exceptional service and a memorable dining experience for all guests. With her diverse background and commitment to excellence, Lauren is poised to make a significant impact in both education and the culinary world.
Lon Lane
Yolanda Villegas
Yolanda Villegas
Founder, Inspired Occasions Catering
In addition to launching and operating his award-winning catering and event management firm, Lon has served as chairman of the International Caterers Association Educational Foundation. He received the Gillis Center Kansas City Spirit Award in 2012 and 2014.
Yolanda Villegas
Yolanda Villegas
Yolanda Villegas
Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Villegas Marketing
Yolanda is a highly accomplished marketing and brand strategist with success across a wide range of fields in strategic planning, brand development, digital marketing and project management. She’s worked for global brands like Hallmark Cards, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and GE.
Erin Wishon
Yolanda Villegas
Erin Wishon
Executive Chef, Aramark/Kansas City Chiefs
After graduating from both Northwest Missouri State and Johnson & Wales Universities, Erin became a chef in the Kansas City area. She has spent the last 20 years gaining experience in multiple venues including restaurants, hotels, convention centers, casinos, and stadiums. She is passionate abou
Executive Chef, Aramark/Kansas City Chiefs
After graduating from both Northwest Missouri State and Johnson & Wales Universities, Erin became a chef in the Kansas City area. She has spent the last 20 years gaining experience in multiple venues including restaurants, hotels, convention centers, casinos, and stadiums. She is passionate about connecting operators with Pete's Garden so their delicious food will go onto families' tables instead of into landfills.