Meet our amazing team
We love teaching STEM to students at Lone Oaks Farm.

Penny Russell
4-H & Youth Development Center Director
Penny Russell is a seasoned educator who has a love of working with students, being outdoors, and teaching with hands-on activities. She came to Lone Oaks Farm to lead the STEM Education Program after working many years as an educator in the public-school system. She had also spent the last sixteen summers working with youth of all ages at a summer camp/retreat center. After serving for 2 years as the STEM Director, she moved into her current role as the director of the 4-H & Youth Development Center at Lone Oaks Farm. She brings with her a strong background in making learning fun for children while promoting an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Catherine Wilbanks
STEM Program Coordinator
Catherine moved from teaching elementary school to joining the STEM team as the STEM Program Coordinator. She also brings 6 years of summer programming experience. She has a passion for the outdoors and helping students to have amazing outdoor learning experiences. Catherine enjoys riding horses, being in nature, and traveling with her husband and 2 daughters.

Linda Joyner
Environmental Education
Linda spent 22 years teaching STEM & Science in the public school system using hands-on immersive teaching strategies. With her love of the outdoors and environmental science background, she enjoys connecting youth with outdoor experiences related to the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources.

Kara Marcum
Volunteer
Kara has been a part of the STEM program at Lone Oaks Farm since 2019 and serves as the on-site volunteer. With a contagious spirit and smile, Kara enjoys greeting teachers and students as they arrive at Lone Oaks Farm.

Ella Willis
Program Assistant
Starting as an intern at Lone Oaks Farm during her senior year, Ella enjoyed helping with STEM education so much that she decided to come on board the staff. She helps to coordinate STEM education at the Farm while also attending college as a physics major.