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 Qwai-Zia Pennix. I am a member of the recent Elon University Graduate Class of 2021. I studied Human Services with a minor in criminal justice which lead me to participate in various criminal justice reform programs, juvenile justice work, and community organizing. This has ignited a burning passion to help those affected by the criminal justice system. After completing an internship with Benevolence Farm while still being a student, I felt this was the perfect beginning to my journey into this work. I hope to push forward creating a more just and equitable world for those affected by these systems. I’m looking forward to working with Benevolence to make that happen!

My name is Jennifer Wardlaw-Stephens and aside from graduating from Temple University in Philadelphia with a degree in Psychology and concentrations in Sociology and African American Studies, I have Life experience of ongoing healing from early childhood trauma. I also have traveled as a nomad to countries like Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and all throughout the US. This has fueled my passion to always learn from other walks of life and to be an advocate for mental health and human rights. I am beyond excited to grow and learn in my role as the Director of Reentry Wellness and Culture. I seek to support our residents in achieving self-sufficiency, healing, and unlocking their unique voice. In my spare time, I am enjoying nature, playing with flowers, dancing, studying astrology, or on an adventure somewhere with my husband and our adopted greyhound named Ankh. Please let me know how I can be of service to you here at Benevolence Farm!

My name is Payton Byrnes and I started with the Benevolence Farm team in September 2021 after graduating from Elon University. I heard about Benevolence during my time at Elon and was always impressed by the work they were doing and the dedication and passion of their team, I couldn't have been more excited to join them. Now I work alongside the enterprise staff and residents to help make the body care business the best it can be. I am really proud of this enterprise, not only because of the products we sell, but because of the group of people that came together to work on something we all care a whole lot about. If you would like to know more about my role here at the farm, you can always reach me at payton@benevolencefarm.org

My name is Uchenna (Faith) Nwoke and I joined the Benevolence Farm team in April 2022. My background is filled with a variety of agriculture projects and grassroots community organizing. I'm also a trained Massage Therapist and Community Herbalist! I am so excited to be part of the enterprise team here at Benevolence because I'm able to match my farming experience with my passion for creating wellness products from herbal preparations- all while working alongside fantastic team members every day. If you would like to reach me - please send a message to faith@benevolencefarm.org.

My name is Brett Rapkin-Citrenbaum (she/her/hers) and I am so excited to join the Benevolence Farm team! I moved to Alamance County in the summer of 2020 after graduating from Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland where I studied political science and international relations, with a focus on international food policy. Since moving here I have worked in two Title I schools in Durham to teach environmental and nutrition education, as well as at the Saxapahaw General Store! When I'm not on the farm you can find me playing in nature, watching basketball, hanging out with my beta fish, doing a sudoku, or cooking up a delicious meal! Together, I know we can empower each other to make the world a better place. If you would like to know more about my role on the farm feel free to email me at brett@benevolencefarm.org

My name is Katie Anderson. I am the Second Chance Alamance Project Manager at Benevolence Farm. My journey at Benevolence Farm began as a resident, at which time I pursued my North Carolina certification as a peer support specialist, which became a stepping stone in my pursuit to help others overcome their past through offering resources for re-entry programming. As I continued through my journey Benevolence Farm offered exceptional support services that gave me the opportunity to focus on my emotional growth and my personal career goals. In my current role at Benevolence Farm, I support and advocate for women in Alamance County who have been impacted by the North Carolina justice system.

My name is Cassie Hanson. I started working with Benevolence Farm's team in January 2022. Although I have both a Bachelor's Degree of Music and Master's Degree of Music in classical clarinet performance, my passion for community healing, equity, and connection has led me to be a part of this incredible organization. My roles at Benevolence Farm are quite varied week-to-week, which really suits my personality! I love being able to support the amazing residents and staff here and I'm so grateful to be part of an open-minded, loving community where we all learn so much from one another. When I'm not on the farm, I love to watch cult-classic movies, volunteer and meditate at my Won Buddhist temple, and snuggle with my two kitties, Kiki and Birdie. I'd love to chat with you; just email me at hello@benevolencefarm.org!

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. My job is to support our awesome residents and help them as they heal. I am very cute, very energetic, and very very protective.

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