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 a student of the Farm School for 7 years.  

He has been here to witness and help with everything since the farm was just a vacant piece of land.  He helped put our first fence post in, has learned how to take care of every animal, and is now interested in assisting with some of our Farm   School classes and events. 

The student is turning into the teacher and a very valuable part of our team!

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 recent graduate of the local high school and am currently studying automotive mechanics through 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!