Staff

My name is Kristen Powers (she/ella/y'all) and I am proud to serve as Benevolence Farm's Executive Director. After working in the criminal legal reform movement here in North Carolina, I am excited to lead an innovative organization that blends direct services, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and advocacy. And all on a 13-acre farm in Alamance County! If you have questions about our work, you can reach me directly at kp [at] benevolencefarm.org

My name is Emunah (Mona) Evans and I am the Community Advocacy Director at Benevolence Farm. As the founder of Bonding Families, I use my position to work alongside and support other formerly incarcerated women, especially mothers, as they navigate their reentry experience. I also advocate for more resources that better serve the needs of people affected by incarceration.

I'm Eden Gustavsen. I began my relationship with Benevolence Farm in 2018 as a resident. After leaving the Farm, I remained in Alamance County and continued to be involved by volunteering. Currently, I am a staff member at the Farm, offering reentry support. I am thrilled to be part of an organization that truly transforms lives. Reach out at eden@benevolencefarm.org to hear more about my story.

I'm Kaya Henry. I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps people stand back up after being knocked down. As a former resident, I experienced BF's life-changing support, and now as the Farm Manager, I’m passionate about paying it forward and empowering others. I fully believe in their mission and am excited to contribute to this essential cause.

My name is Cara Nance (she/her), proud dog mom of Schatze St. John, and I’m honored to serve Benevolence Farm as the Reentry Wellness Coordinator. I served almost 20 years in the public education sector with the last half in Student Services, both at the school level and central office. As a Gallup certified strengths coach, I have successfully guided small business leadership teams, schools, and various non-profits and their organizations to achieve a deeper level of understanding and grace, both with themselves and each other through strengths development, professionally and personally. I’m excited to bring strengths development to Benevolence Farm and support every person to identify what path they want to take moving forward and how to get there from a place of strengths awareness and application.

My name is Rosie, but my mommas call me Nosey Rosie Lee because my nose leads the way. I joined the Farm Family as the resident Farm Dog in March 2020. In 2023, I was adopted by a BF alumna where I am very happy loving on my momma. I occasionally visit BF residents to bring a smile to their face.

It is my honor to succeed the Original Benevolence Farm Dog, Lady. I follow in her pawprints.

Cleopatra, affectionally known as Cleo, is the Queen of the Farm. When Benevolence Farm redesigned our logo in 2021, her plume of head feathers served as inspiration. The women of Benevolence Farm refer to themselves and one another as Queens, so it's only fitting our mascot wears a crown of her own.

Cleo passed away in early 2024 but she will always be our guiding crown.