STAFF
The Durham Public Schools Hub Farm is run by a small team of dedicated individuals. Meet our farm team on your next visit to the Hub!
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 him 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
Scarlett Guckian, SECU Public Fellows Intern
Scarlett has lived in Durham for most of her life and is now a junior studying Psychology and Management & Society at UNC – Chapel Hill (Class of ’27). She has joined the Hub Farm team this summer to assist with operations as part of the SECU Public Fellows Internship Program. The program helps to facilitate meaningful service-learning opportunities by matching talented students with local agencies and organizations, enabling them to give back to their community. Not only did she attend Durham Public Schools growing up, but she also had the privilege of visiting the Hub Farm as a middle school student where she vividly remembers learning how to plant garlic. As luck would have it, the Hub Farm continues to grow garlic, and she is thrilled to be a part of the harvest many years later! Scarlett is passionate about education and is currently the head coach of the Hollow Rock Swim Team for the summer season. During the school year, she tutors through Teach for America, volunteers with her service fraternity, and attends club triathlon practice. She just returned from a semester abroad in Barcelona and adores experiencing new places, even if it is just around the corner. When Scarlett is not in the garden, you can find her trying new food with friends, playing with her dogs, listening to music, or swimming.