Whew! Time sure flies! It's hard to believe it's already almost February of 2017. Soon we'll be seeing spring flowers around here again. Meanwhile, maybe this pic will help us all think warm thoughts.
In a previous blog post, I gave you a peak at some of what we do here at Rural Resources. This time, I'd like to introduce you to the staff. The first person you're likely to meet when you call or stop by our office is Sharon Tanner.
Volunteer Coordinator/Office Assistant Sharon Tanner
Sharon Tanner has been with Rural Resources for more than 10
years as a volunteer and part-time employee, and is currently our volunteer
coordinator and office assistant through the Senior Community Service
Employment Program (SCSEP) of 1st Tennessee Human Resources Agency. Sharon is
an invaluable member of the Rural Resources team, infusing our organization
with her positive "can-do" attitude and using her diverse employment experience
and talents to further our mission. She says her time here has been a positive
experience in both learning new skills and for the many opportunities it's
given her to help our community.
Rhonda doesn't wait for folks to come to her. She goes to them.
Outreach Coordinator Rhonda Hensley
Rhonda doesn't wait for folks to come to her. She goes to them.
Outreach Coordinator Rhonda Hensley
Rhonda Hensley's love for people has driven Rural Resources' outreach efforts since 2005. She served as the Mobile Farmers' Market Manager and has pioneered the Children's Farmer's Market program and a partnership with Second Harvest to bring fresh produce to low income neighborhoods. She tirelessly seeks out those who can't get to soup kitchens or food drops because of transportation or health issues, to find ways to bring food to those who need it most. Rhonda received an associates degree in Education from Walters State Community College and attended East Tennessee State University. Prior to working for Rural REsources, Rhonda operated a restaurant and rural country store. Her passion for nutritional educatio is focused on public and low income housing, where she has been instrumental in leading and teaching folks to grow and prepare some of their own food.
Sally Causey might be a more familiar name to you.
Executive Director Sally Causey
Sally Causey, Rural Resources' executive director, has
piloted our organization since 1996. Sally brings a great deal of energy and a
wide variety of skills to the complex blend of public and private interests
that define the nonprofit world. She loves teaching children of all ages how to
milk Virginia the cow and takes an active role in field trips to the farm in
spite of her busy schedule. Sally holds a B.A. in Political Science from the
University of North Carolina and a MAEd. from Tusculum College. In addition to
raising two boys with her husband, she's a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts,
Elder in the Presbyterian Church, a 2004 Greene Co. Partnership Leadership
Class graduate, and a 2015 graduate of the University of Tennessee's Consortium
of Social Enterprise Effectiveness.
Anyone who is involved with the teen program will recognized Miss Debbie!
Farm and Food Teen Training Program Coordinator Debbie Strickland
Debbie Strickland is
the Farm and Food Teen Training program coordinator at Rural Resources, a post
she has held since 2008. She is loved for her tireless efforts to empower and
nurture disadvantaged youth and inspire them to reach their fullest potential.
She teaches nearly 50 teens gardening, animal husbandry, cooking, business, and
leadership skills annually. Prior to working with Rural Resources, she worked
for Just for Girls, Manatee County Girls Club in Florida where she helped to
develop class curricula. She has a college background in business administration
and management, and comes from a family farm in Indiana.
Working closely with Miss Debbie is Taylor Boles.
AmeriCorps/Appalachia CARES Member Serving as the Garden and Grazing Manager Taylor Boles
Taylor Boles is an AmeriCorps/Appalachia CARES member
serving as the garden and grazing manager. She works directly with youth in the
Farm and Food Teen Training program, developing curricula and teaching classes,
as well as planning and managing the teen garden and greenhouse. She is a
full-time student pursuing a degree in biology with a concentration in
environmental studies. Her passions include environmental justice and
education. She hopes to make a difference in the world one compost bin at a
time.
Teddy Dabbs has been keeping the farm running for years.
Farm Manager Teddy Dabbs
Since 2007, Farm Manager Teddy Dabbs' welcoming smile,
watchful eyes and capable hands have guided the farm through its seasonal
cycles. He cares for the livestock daily, as well as oversees gardens, repairs,
maintenance and supervises volunteers. His wealth of knowledge and experience
has earned the respect of all who work with him, as well as the affectionate
title of "Cow Whisperer." Teddy grew up on a Greene County farm and
enjoys his time working in Rural Resources' country setting.
This guy usually stays in the background, but he loves to teach the kids. He is seen here telling them about vermiculture.
Accounts Manager Paul Scala
Paul Scala is Rural Resources’ accounts manager and works
with the treasurer in the finance committee. Paul is a long-time organic grower and has been composting with worms for
much of that time, something he shares with visitors of all ages who come to Rural
Resources. Before becoming Accounts
Manager, Paul’s position was Educator, where he taught gardening to elementary
school children in after school programs. Previously, Paul worked in Accounts Payable for a local industry. He
holds a B.A. in sociology from Binghamton University.
And that leaves me. I first learned about Rural Resources while conducting interviews for the Greeneville Sun's ATHENA Award nominations as a freelancer in 2014.
AmeriCorps/Appalachia CARES Member Serving as the Communications Coordinator Lorelei Goff
Lorelei Goff came to Rural Resources in 2014, enthusiastically
volunteering her talents as a blogger and photographer, and working with Farm
Day Camp. She became a seasonal program assistant in the Farm and Food Teen
Training Program in 2016 and is currently serving as Rural Resources'
communications coordinator through
AmeriCorps/Appalachia CARES. Lorelei has a bachelor's degree with
concentrations in journalism and environmental studies. In addition to serving at Rural Resources, she works as a freelance
science and environmental writer, a staff writer and education editor at the Greeneville Sun and is a certified naturalist.
So that's all about us. How about telling us a little bit about yourself and how you became interested in Rural Resources? Please comment below!
