Meet Our Staff 

Farmer Bob Jones
Executive Director

Barb Jones
Co-Founder

Barb “Mom” Jones is the matriarch of a fifth generation farming family that founded The Chef’s Garden in Huron, OH, and The Culinary Vegetable Institute and Veggie U, in Milan, OH. As Co-Founder of Veggie U, she helped to develop the curriculum and create the organization that is literally transforming how children learn about sustainable agriculture, making wise food choices and developing healthy lifestyles.

Molly R. Thompson
Director of Development

Molly is a Mom on a Mission. As Director of Development for Veggie U, she is passionate about changing how we feed and educate children by creating nourishing, nurturing, and engaging learning environments. She has aided the formation of partnerships between Veggie U and like-minded companies such as Chipotle, Troy-Bilt, Whole Foods, Owens Corning, Owens Illinois, Block Communications, Toledo Farmers Market, and Health Care REIT, among others.

Molly holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BA in French from St. Lawrence University. She has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing and is also an internationally published author of I Am Diva: Every Woman’s Guide to Outrageous Living. Currently, Molly serves on the Advisory Committee of Owens Community College’s Urban Agriculture program in Northwest Ohio and is a Board Member of WeForest U.S. She is also a guest lecturer at The University of Toledo. Previously, Molly held a City Council-appointed position on the Children’s Needs Task Force in Huntington Beach, California. Molly is a member of Slow Food and Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI).

Vicki Jenkins
Marketing Coordinator

Vicki was hired recently to increase the visibility and recognition of the Veggie U program, both locally and around the country. Veggie U has already benefitted from this new exposure and our name recognition continues to grow in media, funding and education circles. With a BS in Journalism from Bowling Green State University, Vicki has over 20 years of marketing experience including non-profit, business to business and consumer marketing. She is the past president of the board of directors of the local YMCA-- committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities-- closely aligned with the Veggie U mission. With a special interest in nutrition and health, Vicki's background, experience and enthusiasm  will be a strong asset to the Veggie U program.

Lynne Eirons
Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Lynne comes from a long line of educators and knows that teachers have the ability to reach children in a special way. Lynne has seen students beg to try more veggies during Veggie U in their classrooms. She looks forward to working with even more teachers and students to spread the word that it’s fun to eat healthy. Lynne holds a BS in Applied Science in Engineering Technology from Miami University. She’s spent 25 years planning events, coordinating volunteers and marketing to the community. She’s also been a preschool activity planner for 10 years and loves to find fun activities for kids to do. Lynne is on the Board of Firelands Positive People, a scholarship program for high school students who have overcome adversity.

Kelly McCabe
Assistant Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Kelly is the newest addition to the Veggie U staff. She was hired on a part time basis to assist in the education area due to the increased demands for the Veggie U program nationwide. Kelly has a strong background in computer technology including several certifications, and is also skilled in customer service and support. She will be instrumental in the growth of the program and guiding the Veggie U staff in all matters related to technology needs.

Carol Groo
Office Coordinator

Carol has an office management background, including nine years as bookkeeper and office administrator for a law firm in San Francisco. She also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and contributes to creative initiatives and promotional materials for Veggie U.

Shannon O’Neill
Celebrity Spokesperson

The team at Veggie U is excited to work with Shannon O’Neill as a spokesperson. Shannon was the 1st Runner Up for Miss Ohio 2010 and is an advocate for youth health and fitness. Shannon learned about the Veggie U program while volunteering at the elementary school in her hometown of Lima, OH. Shannon had chosen Veggie U as her official platform for the Miss Ohio competition, and plans to carry the cause forward with her to the Miss America pageant one day. Shannon is a vocal entertainer, emcee and keynote speaker for many functions and will donate all proceeds of her music CD to Veggie U. "I am honored and thrilled to have partnered with this initiative, and take great pride in promoting the Veggie U program," said Miss O’Neill.