News and Updates

Hello, I'm Ami.  My husband Ijme and I own Prospect Hill Farm and the Farm School education program.  I have a B.Sc. in Elementary Education and have been an educator for over 30 years.  Before settling back home in Michigan, I traveled and lived in Wyoming, Missouri, and Alaska.   I have worked with all ages - infants, preschoolers, school-aged kids, teens, and adults.  I have taught in schools, managed after-school and summer programs, and worked privately with families.  Before beginning this farm in 2017 with my husband Ijme, my connection to agriculture was always through my extended family.  Watching my grandpa's inspiring passion for both education and agriculture is what has shaped my own passions.  The Farm School program is the result of a life-long dream and I'm looking forward to sharing it with you! 

Ijme will say he isn't a "teacher".  He will say that, but he truly is a natural mentor and educator.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Fryslan and learning from generations of farmers, provided him with the rich history of experience and knowledge that he now brings to our family, farm and program.  He received his education in Dairy Farming and Animal Science in the Netherlands and he loves what he does.

His passion for farming is bigger than life and he is proud to share it with others.  

 Tom has been part of our Farm School community for the past nine years, first as a student and then as a dedicated volunteer. He has been involved since the very beginning—back when the farm was just a vacant piece of land—helping set the first fence post and growing alongside it ever since. Over the years, he has developed the skills to care for all of our animals and has become an integral part of our daily operations. It has been rewarding to see him grow from student to teacher and into a valued member of our team. 

Hello, my name is Faith Ste. Marie.

I have lived in Manchester nearly my whole life on my family’s small farm. I enjoy taking care of our cows, my own sheep and bottle lambs, and helping with our gardens. I love to sew clothes and make quilts, and have recently started painting barn quilts as a sideline business.

I have always loved being with children and finding Prospect Hill Farm School was an answer to my prayers for

an opportunity to work with children.

I am excited to be a part of this school and being able to help all the children that will come through to learn to

love making new discoveries about the world around them, whether that be on a farm or in the natural world.

Emily is not a current Farm School teacher, but we still appreciate and treasure the contributions she made to our program!

Hello!  I’m Emily Soloman. I'm a mom of two girls (3yrs. and 5yrs). My husband and I have been together for over ten years. Previously, I was a dental assistant. However, after having our first child, I knew in my heart I was meant to be a stay at home mom and homemaker. We just moved to the Grass Lake area in 2021. My newest passion is teaching my kiddos to keep a garden, especially a vegetable and fruit garden. My oldest, Evie, wants to be a farmer. It is my hope to learn what I can to help her experience the life and responsibilities of a farmer. In an answer to my prayers, Ami posted an ad about “Farm School” on Facebook. I immediately jumped on the opportunity to help anyway I could. This is how I came to know Ami. I am very excited for this opportunity and getting to be a part of such a fun and educational program. I’m looking forward to meeting you on the farm!

Hi, my name is Clara, a graduate of the local high school.  I have lived in Grass Lake my whole life. When I saw what amazing things Ami was doing I thought it would be a great place for me! I am a third generation farmer, an FFA member, and I also show cattle through at the Manchester Community Fair. My Grandparents have taught me everything I know about farming; from taking care of cattle, to raising a wonderful garden each year, or making sure I always know how to fix something if it was broken, they have paved a phenomenal path for me and have helped me every way they can with reaching my goals. My goal as a teacher/mentor is to help encourage kids to become active with agricultural activities, especially in school! 

Meet Julie Harris, Farm School's extremely valuable substitute teacher!  

Julie and her husband, Richard, are business owners and have been residents of Manchester and Clinton for nearly 30 years.  Their businesses include Sportbike Tracktime and Tire Service, (a motorcycle riding school, track event company, and race tire distributor) and Apex Manufacturing (a CNC prototype and design machine shop located in Clinton, Michigan).  

Julie is a mom of a Manchester High School graduate and is also Ami's sister.  Ami is thrilled and grateful that her sister is able to work alongside her at the farm - Julie has an incredible amount of compassion for others and a natural ability for working with the children.

Thank you, Julie for helping in so many ways!