Bethany Payne (left) and Carey Smith (right) have been a part of the garden since its revitalization in 2019. Carey manages volunteers and oversees the garden while wearing a lot of other hats, including grant-writing, pr/social media, collaborations, programming, and other administrative duties. A natural teacher and compassionate leader, Carey’s hard work has truly transformed the garden for the better! Bethany manages the website and volunteers, and helps out in the garden as much as she can, only taking time off for the birth of two children. You’ll find Bethany running around the garden with a camera and usually followed by at least one kid!

In her spare time, Bethany enjoys reading, crafting, spending time outside with her chickens, or going on family hikes with her husband and four children. Carey is a wife and mom to two children, and is a lover of trees and prairies, poetry and writing, board games, and good conversations

Alana Reynolds has been the garden’s Education Coordinator since 2022, leading children in Eat A Rainbow! and Kids Fare Garden Club. In 2026, she will also oversee our new programming, Grow With the New Me, a partnership with Individual Advocacy Group which gives intellectually-challenged individuals, often with behavioral challenges as well, an opportunity to garden and learn new skills. 

Alana manages the Butler Elementary School Community Garden and their class programming, and is a part of Grow Springfield and Slow Food Springfield, among many other interests!  In her spare time, she likes to travel and attend live performances by musical artists who inspire her.