photo of mark thornton

Kitchen and Operations Coordinator

I was drawn to New Roots based on their mission to create a sustainable and just learning environment for their students. I have worked for over 20 years in the food service industry and I continue to be excited to bring my skills to this institution. I enjoy getting to work with students and teaching them about the culinary arts and how it relates to sustainability. In our kitchen we get to create a wide range of food options, building well-balanced meals that accommodate a wide variety of diets and food choices. Our goal is that all students leave us having been exposed to new foods and new ideas about how food is connected to sustainability. We also learn about alternative ways to deal with their trash including recycling and composting. This is my 10th year at New Roots and I look forward to many more!