This fall two of our finest employees will be moving on. Kay Jones has been our Volunteer Coordinator since 2016. Kay started as a volunteer herself, greeting visitors at the Garden on weekends and helping out at special events. When the opportunity to become Volunteer Coordinator came up she said “I’ll do it for a year and see how it goes.” Three years later, she is now the trusted first contact most of our volunteers have, someone who can orient them to who we are, what we do, and how they can help. Kay has especially bolstered our volunteer host/greeter volunteer program, streamlining the process and making sure hosts have everything they need to be prepared and comfortable while greeting visitors to the Garden. Kay has enjoyed her time in this role, but as of this October will be passing the baton on so she can dedicate more time to teaching Special Education courses at WVU and spending time with her family.
Stacy Clovis-Woofter started as an Educator at the Garden in 2017. She had visited often with her children, loved what we did, and wanted to get involved. She came to us with ideas, and during her time here she developed and implemented some wonderful new educational programming. Stacy spearheaded Camp SOAR: Stewardship, Outdoor Appreciation, and Readiness, a new camp for 5th through 8th graders that has been very successful. Another program led by Stacy was Natural Wellness for Girls, a free program for middle school-aged girls emphasizing making healthy lifestyle choices and spending time outdoors. In addition, Stacy helped coordinate our Arts in the Garden series, led several workshops, and assisted with school groups and summer camps. Stacy has been a huge asset to the education program at WVBG and it was a pleasure to work with her. She is now completing her Secondary Education degree at WVU in pursuit of a full-time school teacher position. Kay and Stacy will both be missed and we wish them the best.
by Erin Smaldone, Education Director
originally published in our Fall/Winter 2019 newsletter
Kay enjoying an event at the Garden.
Photo by Erin Smaldone.
Stacy and daughter Iona at Natural Wellness camp.
Photo by Vada Boback.