Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Verdi.
Ayana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2016, I founded Verdi EcoSchool as a not for profit to provide hands-on educational experiences for children in the historic Eau Gallie Arts District in Melbourne, Florida. Created, originally, to offer enrichment options for homeschool families, the Verdi EcoSchool quickly grew to become the first K-8 urban farm school in the southeastern United States. As part of the educational program, the classroom extended to unique settings: exploring the waters of the local Indian River Lagoon, learning about restorative agriculture on a community garden and creating replicas of ancient First Nations tools in ceramics classes at the Foosaner Art Museum and Education Center.
I recently received the honor of being chosen as a Drexel Fund Fellow! The Drexel Fund is a nonprofit venture philanthropy fund that invests in innovative school models to create powerful educational experiences for children with the greatest need. Each year the Drexel Fund selects a small group of motivated school founders to carry on this work to benefit children in our communities.
With the Drexel Fund’s support, I am working with our school community to extend EcoSchool’s K-8 program to a new high school model which incorporates hands-on, immersive learning through practical, real-world internships. The high school will continue to build on the foundations of the urban farm K-8 that emphasizes understanding ecology, community partnerships, and individualized learning. In addition, the high school will feature partnerships with universities and other institutions working to create sustainable agriculture and protect the environment.
My educational and professional journey has included studies in both the United States and New Zealand as I pursued a degree in Veterinary Medicine while operating a canine wellness spa in New York City. Inspired by the nature-based school my son attended while our family lived and studied in New Zealand, I am committed to cultivating a community-based and environmentally aware educational options for children.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nonprofit work is hard work and it can sometimes be difficult to not become completely consumed by a passion to serve and/or help others. I have struggled with finding balance: a balance between work and family and balance within myself.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
The Verdi EcoSchool is a not for profit, urban farm school in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne, Florida and the first school of its kind in the southeastern United States. Our unique project and place-based educational philosophy earned us the prestigious Drexel Fellowship which recognizes schools of innovation and promise nationwide.
Founded as a 501c3, not for profit in 2016, EcoSchool is leading a movement of transformative change on the Space Coast. Nestled on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon, the Verdi EcoSchool uses the community as its campus creating an engaging and immersive learning environment for children where real-life learning and hands-on experiences shape tomorrow’s innovators. Students develop an awareness of their unique place and learn that school doesn’t just happen at a desk, in a classroom or within four walls.
Meaningful partnerships with prominent organizations like the Brevard Cultural Alliance, Florida Tech, the Brevard Zoo and the Florida Historical Society have amplified our impact while extending our roots deep into the community. The vision of the Verdi EcoSchool is to cultivate an experience which improves our understanding of how healthy communities grow while showing our children that change within their universe is not out of reach.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My EcoSchool Family is comprised of a group of incredible people who are willing to give so much of themselves to make this school community possible. There would be no school without them!
My husband, John, is my greatest supporter, advocate, and cheerleader. He is an insightful partner and a reliable resource for advice and brutally honest feedback!
My children, Giovanni and Annabella, remind me every day why this journey is so important and motivate me to do more and be more.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1851 Highland Avenue
- Website: verdiecoschool.org
- Phone: 321-298-2501
- Email: info@verdiecoschool.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoschoolspacecoast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheVerdiEcoSchool/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ecoschoolegad?lang=en
Image Credit:
Photographer Alexa DeLisle
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