STAFF
The Durham Public Schools Hub Farm is run by a small team of dedicated individuals.
Meet our team:
Geoff Seelen, Program Manager
As Program Manager, Geoff leads the Hub Farm’s talented team of educators as they facilitate field trips, build curriculum, host events & workshops, and steward the Hub Farm’s growing spaces, animals, hiking trails, and physical assets. Before coming to the Hub Farm, he worked as a middle school teacher for Durham Public Schools, was a part-owner and operator of a small vegetable farm, and spent time in the world of fine-dining. He has always been passionate about project management, system-building, and mentorship. When he is not at work, you will find him fishing, hiking, and spending time with his family. He holds degrees in music from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and McGill University. You can contact Geoff at geoffrey_seelen@dpsnc.net
Justin walker, Hub Farm Educator
Justin, who has always found the natural world to be a source of wonder, excitement, and calm, brings a variety of professional experience to the Hub Farm. He is an outdoor enthusiast and youth advocate who is dedicated to being a supportive guide for all students in the city of Durham. As a former chef, Justin loves to grow, cook, and eat his fruits and vegetables! He is a recent Master of Social Work graduate from North Carolina State University, and, prior to the Hub Farm, he was a Restorative Practices Coordinator for Durham Public Schools. He has experience as a landscaper, a caretaker for adults with disabilities, and he has worked with families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Southern California. Additionally, he has spent time as an outdoor education instructor for youth ages K-8 along the Front Range of Southern Colorado. When he is not at the Hub Farm, Justin is often in his garden, listening to music, making delicious meals for family and friends, camping, climbing mountains, and fishing along the coasts of the Carolinas. His ultimate goal is to work alongside community members, building and fostering meaningful relationships in supportive learning environments designed to improve the standard of youth education, leaving a positive impact along the way. You can contact Justin at justin_walker@dpsnc.net
Ashley Boyette, Hub Farm Educator
A lifelong educator and learner, Ashley is at her happiest when she’s sun-tired and covered in dirt. She brings a background in informal education and environmental field work to the Hub Farm, and is thrilled to both lead and learn alongside students of all ages while exploring the natural world. Ashley has dedicated nearly her entire adult life to working with children, and believes deeply in the resiliency, creativity, and insight of our youth. She loves to encourage kids to embrace their innate curiosity and firmly believes that there’s no such thing as too many questions. She’ll happily talk endlessly about native plant species, the history of bananas, human relationships to the environment, and the overarching mythology of the X-Files series. Ashley received her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Bryn Mawr College and has since worked in education at the Museum of Life and Science and Marbles Kids Museum, as well as the conservation department at the NC Botanical Garden. When she’s not at the Hub Farm, you can find Ashley gardening, practicing aerial silks, rock climbing, and going on adventures with her dog, River. You can contact Ashley at ashley_boyette@dpsnc.net.