TerraCorps Youth Education Coordinator Spotlight: Kira Kueppenbender

Kira Kueppenbender (she/her) is one of our TerraCorps members for the 2024/25 year! Kira is our Youth Education Coordinator (YEC) and Kira serves with our Garden Educators throughout all of our schools. Kira has been with us since September serving at Russell  Elementary School all year, and the other schools on a rotating schedule. Find out more about Kira below!

What’s been your proudest moment as a garden educator?

When a student that was previously very disengaged during garden time got super excited about observing worms, and being able to use this interest as a way to engage them in future lessons.

How has working with youth changed your perspective on education or the environment?

It has been a long time since I have worked with elementary aged kids, and I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy it. However, I have found their enthusiasm to discover new things to be so energizing for myself.

What’s a common misconception about gardening that you enjoy debunking with your students?

When we get ready to bury a pumpkin, as a way to learn about decomposition, many students predict that when we dig the pumpkin up at the end of the year, it will have grown bigger. Helping students distinguish between growing and decomposing has been an unexpected and interesting endeavor.

Who is Kira outside of CitySprouts?

If you could live in any fictional universe, where would it be?

The world of Kiki’s Delivery Service

What’s your favorite place to explore in Boston/Cambridge?

Mt Auburn Cemetery, because it offers such great views of the area.

If you could have any mythical creature as a pet, which one would it be?

A phoenix 

Kira’s Favorites

Favorite movie? - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Favorite season? - Spring

Favorite board game or video game? - Wingspan