Our Team
Susie Stillwell
Susie Stillwell
Susie Stillwell
Susie Stillwell is an experienced educator with over 15 years of leadership in children’s education. As a certified Texas Master Naturalist, she brings a deep understanding of environmental education and a passion for connecting people to the natural world. Susie was formerly a public elementary school teacher and served as a Peace Corps
Susie Stillwell is an experienced educator with over 15 years of leadership in children’s education. As a certified Texas Master Naturalist, she brings a deep understanding of environmental education and a passion for connecting people to the natural world. Susie was formerly a public elementary school teacher and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Samoa, where she worked as an English Literacy Specialist.
She currently serves as President of The Learning Gardens, a nonprofit based in Athens, Texas. Susie also works with STEMscapes Collab and Play Spaces, consulting and collaborating on the development of outdoor learning and play environments. She helps design educational spaces that integrate gardens, nature-based learning, and hands-on experiences while aligning opportunities with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
Through The Learning Gardens, STEMscapes, and her work as a Texas Master Naturalist, Susie is dedicated to creating meaningful outdoor learning experiences that encourage curiosity, stewardship, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Austin Walsh
Susie Stillwell
Susie Stillwell
Austin Walsh is a farmer and dedicated land steward at the Learning Gardens. His journey began with years spent living on the road, visiting and immersing himself in farms and intentional communities across the country. During this time, Austin developed a deep respect for the natural world and honed his skills under the guidance of exper
Austin Walsh is a farmer and dedicated land steward at the Learning Gardens. His journey began with years spent living on the road, visiting and immersing himself in farms and intentional communities across the country. During this time, Austin developed a deep respect for the natural world and honed his skills under the guidance of experienced farmers and land stewards.
In 2021, he arrived on the land that would soon become the Learning Gardens. Guided by nature and rooted in permaculture principles, Austin has played a key role in shaping the farm’s structure and vision. In addition to his daily work cultivating the land, he serves as Secretary of the Learning Gardens Board of Directors. Austin is grateful to be living his dream—creating a space where community can gather, learn, and strengthen our collective connection to the natural world.
Jessica Lewis
Susie Stillwell
Jessica Lewis
Jessica Lewis is a teacher, musician, and nature lover who is passionate about helping children connect with themselves and the world around them. With over 16 years of experience guiding others through movement, breath, and mindfulness, Jessica brings a calming and creative energy to the Learning Gardens.
In our Tuesday Forest Class, she
Jessica Lewis is a teacher, musician, and nature lover who is passionate about helping children connect with themselves and the world around them. With over 16 years of experience guiding others through movement, breath, and mindfulness, Jessica brings a calming and creative energy to the Learning Gardens.
In our Tuesday Forest Class, she will weave in music, mindfulness, and bushcraft activities to help students build confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to nature.
Board of Directors
John Walsh
John Walsh serves on the Board of Directors for Learning Gardens. A seasoned real estate attorney and urban planning expert, John has been a member of the State Bar of Texas since 1978 and is affiliated with the Counselors of Real Estate. He has extensive leadership experience with the Urban Land Institute, including roles as Trustee, District Council Chair, and Governance Committee Chair.
John has contributed to multiple municipal boards and committees in Texas, including planning and zoning commissions and public works advisory groups in University Park, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch. He has also served on chambers of commerce boards and held adjunct professor roles in business law at Brookhaven College and the University of Texas at Arlington.
Robin Swindle
Robin Swindle is a dedicated Texas Master Naturalist with a deep passion for all things nature. Her interests encompass gardening, birding, nature journaling, mycology, and studying aquatic macroinvertebrates. Robin's commitment to the environment extends to her role on the board of the Learning Gardens, where she actively promotes environmental education and sustainable practices.
Dawna Duke
Dawna Duke is a visionary educational leader and board member with 15 years of experience in change management, system enhancement, and school operations. She specializes in strategic workforce planning and talent management, creatively leveraging human capital to build programs focused on student success. An expert in grant management, Dawna has a proven ability to secure unique funding streams to support school improvement initiatives. As a data-driven and mission-focused servant leader, she consistently implements solutions that foster positive outcomes for students, schools, and communities.
Garrett Shovan
Garrett’s journey into the fascinating world of mushrooms began as the manager of a commercial mushroom farm. There, he learned that mushrooms are more than just a crop—they are connectors within our entire ecosystem.
He is the creator of The Curious Cultivator, where he hosts events and workshops focused on growing your own food. By blending his professional farming experience with a passion for permaculture and regenerative gardening, Garrett teaches others how to integrate mycology into their own backyards and everyday lives.
Garrett also brings a background in graphic design, adding a creative lens to the way he shares knowledge and builds community.
He believes that understanding fungal networks is key to improving soil health and is passionate about sharing both the practical “how-to” and the deeper “why” behind the systems that support what we grow.
We’re excited for all the ways Garrett will contribute to Learning Gardens.
Juniper
Juniper serves as our Youth Board Representative, bringing a warm and welcoming spirit to The Learning Gardens. She shows leadership in our youth programs by greeting both new and returning friends with kindness, helping create a friendly and inclusive environment for all.