info@inmyfatherskitchen.org
(315)308-1561

In My Father’s Kitchen :: Our Team

Snack of the Day

A homemade lunch opens a door to first contact where a conversation starts that leads to friendship.

Who are the homeless holding signs? They are people like me and you. People who are hurting and broken and just need to be seen.

Why are the homeless dressed so nice? Because, with your assistance, we are able to clothe them with brand new items.

Where do the homeless go at night? If they don’t go to the shelters, they stay in places not meant for human habitation such as in the woods, abandoned homes or under bridges.

What do I do if I see a homeless person in CNY? Call 211. They will dispatch an outreach team to check on that person.

Our Team

John Tumino

Executive Director

​Meet John Tumino — Executive Director of In My Father’s Kitchen! Born and raised in Syracuse and a proud Fowler High grad, John went from the heat of the kitchen as a chef and restaurant owner to serving hope on the streets. He and his amazing wife Leigh-Ann co-founded IMFK in 2011, and they’ve been a dynamic duo ever since. Married since 1996, John’s true passion (besides great food!) is connecting with people and sparking conversations that lead to change.

Leigh-Ann Tumino

Administrator

Leigh-Ann Tumino is the Administrator for In My Father’s Kitchen. She is originally from Denver, Colorado and came to Syracuse in 1991. She served as the Children’s/Youth Pastor at Abundant Life Christian Center in Syracuse, NY for 10 years. Her favorite pastime is to read books and write curriculum. Together with her husband they Co-founded IMFK in 2011 and reside in Syracuse, NY with their daughter Abigail.

Kathleen Schofield

Data Administrator/Accounts Payable

Kathleen (Kat) Schofield is a Data Administrator/Accounts Payable at In My Father’s Kitchen. Kat is originally from Syracuse but spent many years in Michigan as a horse trainer for disabled individuals. She returned to Syracuse in 2015 to care for her parents and has been on the IMFK team since 2017. Kat’s favorite pastime is to be outdoors with her son walking their several acres of wooded property.

Kevin Batsford

Supervisor/Van Driver

Kevin Batsford is a Supervisor/Van Driver for Hire Ground at In My Father’s Kitchen and is from Syracuse, NY. He spent 15 years homeless on the streets of Syracuse, addicted to drugs and alcohol. He broke free from that life in October of 2014 with the help of IMFK. He has been on the IMFK team since 2019. Kevin is married to Terry and his favorite pastime is watching football.

George Edwards

Care Manager / Street Outreach

George Edwards came to Syracuse from Philadelphia several years ago to assist his mother in transforming her home to be wheelchair accessible. He has remained in Syracuse since, working many jobs serving others in some way. He raised 3 children alongside his wife Phyllis of 22 years.  When not working, George serves his neighbors through yard work or just being available to help when needed.  He enjoys spending time with his dog Myra, riding motorcycles, and viewing classic cars. He loves spending time with his family, increasing his education, and having a sense of humor in serving the community for the greater good.

Saorise Murphy-Collins

Care Manager / Street Outreach

Saoirse Murphy-Collins was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2023, she returned to her hometown, eager to serve her community. With a deep passion for local history and the stories that shape it, Saoirse is dedicated to listening to and understanding the narratives of community members who might otherwise go unheard.
She lives with her sister and their two cats. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and conversing with everyone she meets. She’s on a mission to check off her bucket list goal of visiting all the National Parks in the United States.

Shelly Frank Dunham

Care Manager / In MY Fathers Kitchen (Street Outreach)

Shelly Dunham is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, New York. With over 30 years of experience in retail management, she made a meaningful career shift by returning to school to earn her degree in Human Services.
Shelly has been happily married to her husband, John, for 30 years. Together, they have raised three wonderful children: Tyler, Makayla and Mackenzie.
In her spare time, she enjoys giving back to her community through volunteer work, traveling and creating cherished memories with her family.

Care Manager

Care Manager / Hire Ground - Street Outreach

Care Manager

Together we are building hope and changing lives.

Donate Please