Kara Peet

Growing up in Western NY, my path through life has kept me consistently engaged with nature and people and I am grateful for opportunities for them to be in direct relationship.

In 2000, I earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from SUNY-ESF and later completed a certificate in Sustainable Design at the Boston Architectural College. During my studies, I participated in a variety of initiatives that connected people with landscapes and empowered them to envision the future and health of their community spaces.

My work experiences have focused on collaboration, advocacy, education, administration, and positive customer service. In Rochester, NY, I fostered partnerships to implement the Memory Gardens, a public healing garden sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. For 10 years at the Boston Architectural College in Boston, MA, I taught design courses and coordinated programming for college students and youth, centered around community building and student support. My outreach efforts involving individuals who have been historically excluded from design were especially close to my heart.

After moving to Ithaca to be closer to extended family in 2013, I joined Cornell. For 8 years, I worked in the Department of Literatures in English and with the Graduate School to assist graduate students and faculty. In this position, I managed admissions, helped students navigate program requirements and funding opportunities, and advocated for students through to degree completion. I am proud of my commitment to diversity, individualized support, and efforts to make resources further accessible to students.

I excitedly joined the Cornell Small Farms Program team in 2022. As the Online Course Coordinator, I provide administrative support to instructors and students, encourage people to connect with land and nature through our courses, and continue efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion. My hope is that people find connection, reciprocity, and/or healing through their farming pursuits after participating in our offerings.

Outside of work, I am a student in a healing school where I practice, and invite others to practice, getting curious, broadening awareness, and identifying new possibilities around caring for ourselves, honoring the earth, and increasing meaningful connection. I also enjoy urban gardening, exploring new and familiar landscapes with my two kids and husband, and making things that are often inspired by the natural world.