Karrie Gonzalez started as the 4-H and Horticulture Assistant for North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Pender County Center on April 6, 2026. Karrie is in a new position with Extension that covers 2 program areas. She gets to work with 4-H youth and volunteers, Extension Master Gardener volunteers, homeowners and farmers. We’re so excited to have her join our growing team and program! Karrie comes to us from Sampson County, NC and is originally from Durham, NC. She lives with her husband of 20 years, Paul, and their farm of dogs, cats, cows, poultry, and of course pot-bellied pigs. Paul works as the Livestock Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Sampson County. Karrie has 2 sisters who are teachers in Granville, NC. Karrie has a bachelor of science degree in animal science with a minor in poultry science. She really enjoys crafting and bird watching. In her free time, you might catch her putting together legos or puzzles. Previously, Karrie worked for Hobbton Elementary School in Newton Grove as a math teacher. She also worked at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Market News Reporter and Supervisor. If you would like to send Karrie a welcome message, her new email address is karrie_gonzalez@ncsu.edu or stop by and introduce yourself to her the next time you are in the Extension office at 801 S Walker St in Burgaw.