In My Father’s Kitchen :: Our Team

Snack of the Day

Our Team

John Tumino

Executive Director

John Tumino is the Executive Director for In My Father’s Kitchen. John is from Syracuse, NY and is a graduate of Fowler High School. His background is as a restaurant owner and chef. He has been married to his beautiful wife Leigh-Ann since 1996 and Co-Founded IMFK with her in 2011. John’s favorite pastime is socializing with people.

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.

Eliesha Marie Ballard-Pepple

Care Manager / In MY Fathers Kitchen (Street Outreach)

Eliesha Pepple grew up in the Liverpool and Syracuse areas and since she can remember has had a passion for helping others.  She has five amazing children that she is very proud of and 6 beautiful grandbabies.  Eliesha has been married to her husband for 4 years.  They enjoy going on adventures around NYS like hiking, nature walks, Jets games, and pizza critiquing to name a few. Eliesha is very happy to be a part of the amazing team at IMFK and looks forward to growing, learning, and contributing to the mission of IMFK.

Care Manager

Care Manager / Hire Ground - Street Outreach

Care Manager

Together we are building hope and changing lives.