Our Staff

​Daraka Saunders, has directed non-profit programs, youth programming and family events in Mercer County since 2008. Since 2013, Mrs. Saunders has served as CEO of Mobile Minds of NJ Inc. 501c3, an educational nonprofit that she founded in 2011 to combat summer brain drain for local children in her community. Mrs. Saunders, who has always been passionate about education, created Princeton Makers & Innovators Saturday STEAM Program and the S.E.A.L. Academy (Standard of Excellence, Academics and Leadership), a summer academic enrichment program that incorporates STEAM/STEM with next Gen Science standards.
Prior to her work in community development, Mrs. Saunders worked for Verizon in their large business unit, and also served as a volunteer education advocate for the career and educational advancement of her fellow employees. She has partnered with several school districts, local colleges, universities and corporations to enhance the programs offered by MMNJ. Mrs. Saunders holds an AS degree in Business Management from Mercer County College. 

The Barn at Gravity Hill Farms, Maria Nicolo

The Barn at Gravity Hill Farms is a separate location on the farm dedicated to farm based education serving local schools and community based organizations. Their non-profit mission is to offer space and programming for issues connecting food, nature and sustainability and community.