Weatherford

Students working on 3D models at laptops during a CAD activity.
Visiting 5th graders design and create in a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program.

Welcome To
STARBASE Weatherford

The Stafford Air & Space Museum is the new home for Weatherford STARBASE, bringing this vital Department of Defense STEAM program to an exciting new location. Despite recent funding challenges, we remain committed to providing hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to fifth graders across western Oklahoma. Our partnership with the Stafford Air & Space Museum on historic Route 66 offers students access to world-class aerospace exhibits and family passes for Star students. We proudly continue serving schools throughout the region—launching Oklahoma's aerospace future from our new home.

Contact

Shannan Cloud, M. Ed.
Director,
STARBASE Weatherford
Located @ Stafford Air & Space Museum
3000 Logan Road
Weatherford, OK 73096

2026 Summer STEAM Camps

Registration Opens in March!

Check with your local participating school for details on our summer camp sessions. Advanced programs available for older students.

No cost to families. Permission slip required. Bring your sack lunch and drink everyday.

Weatherford DoD STARBASE staff introduction graphic featuring the program logo and the heading ‘Meet the Staff,’ with four staff photos labeled: Shannan Cloud – Director, Heather Rutherford – Deputy Director, Becki Hubin – Instructor, and Brenda Mason – Instructor.

Meet the Staff

SHANNAN CLOUD, Director

Shannan Cloud

Director

I’m Shannan Cloud, and I’m the Director here at STARBASE. I joined STARBASE after teaching fourth grade at Merritt Elementary, as well as teaching in Oklahoma City, Guatemala, and Bolivia. I studied Child Development at Oklahoma State University and hold two master’s degrees—one in Education and one in Theology. I am a former United Methodist minister before stepping into the world of STEAM education. My favorite part of STARBASE is helping students problem solve and think outside of the box. One of my favorite activities is teaching a rap I wrote about endothermic and exothermic reactions, where I get to perform as “Inspector Spunky.”

Outside of STARBASE, I enjoy writing Bible studies, attending church with my family, watching my daughter compete in rodeo, and cheering on my son in college. I’m originally from Weatherford and graduated from Weatherford High School in 1988. I’m also bilingual in Spanish. If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to travel anywhere instantly with the blink of an eye. My advice for future scientists and engineers: Learning is supposed to be challenging—and that’s a good thing! It’s how your brain grows. Embrace the process, enjoy discovering new things, and always remember that you can do hard things.

HEATHER RUTHERFORD, Deputy Director

Heather Rutherford

Deputy Director

Hi! I’m Heather Rutherford, and I’m the Deputy Director here at STARBASE and have been here since January ‘23. I joined STARBASE after teaching for Epic, as well as teaching at Merritt, Elk City, and serving as an adjunct for SWOSU. I studied Natural Science at SWOSU.

My favorite part of STARBASE is watching students who may struggle with traditional classroom work have those lightbulb moments. I love helping students discover that they can do hard things and watching their confidence grow as they succeed.

When I’m not at STARBASE, I love spending time with my family. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy baking all the different flavors of sourdough bread. If I could have any superpower, I’d choose never having to remember a password again—because they would just autofill in my brain! My advice for future scientists and engineers: Dream big

Becki Hubin, Program Instructor

Becki Hubin

Program Instructor

Hi! I’m Becki Hubin, and I’m one of the Program Instructors here at STARBASE. I joined STARBASE in July of 2025 after teaching 20 years at Weatherford Public Schools. My teaching experiences evolved into writing STEAM curriculum, serving as WPS 2nd-6th Grade STEAM Educator and developing STEAM camps.

I received my Elementary Education degree at Kansas State University. My favorite part of STARBASE is being encouraged to "just be me’ and letting my love for teaching pour out of me into our students. I love asking unsolved STEAM questions and encouraging "outside of the box" thinking. When I’m not at STARBASE, I love to craft.

A fun fact about me is that I am an entrepreneur. If I could have any superpower, it would be to "zip zap" around from state to state to see my family and friends any time I wanted. My advice for future scientists and engineers: reach beyond what you think is possible.

BRENDA MASON, Program Instructor

Brenda Mason

Program Instructor

Hi! Brenda Mason, and I’m one of the Program Instructors here at STARBASE and have been here since February ‘24. I joined STARBASE in 2023 after teaching Pre-K through 5th grade Special Education in Weatherford, Oklahoma. I studied Elementary Education at SWOSU in Weatherford, OK. I have certifications in Elementary Education, Early Childhood, and mild/moderate Special Education.

My favorite part of STARBASE is seeing the “wow” in the students’ eyes and helping them relate STEAM to real life scenarios. When I’m not at STARBASE, I love organizing things and reading. A fun fact about me is that I love to sing, especially at revivals and church functions. If I could have any superpower, I’d choose to have wisdom. My advice for future scientists and engineers: never quit trying and follow your passion.

Stafford Museum Logo

Local Connections in STEAM

Learning Takes Flight

STARBASE Weatherford students get to explore science and space firsthand with visits to the Stafford Air & Space Museum.

Testimonials

"The instructors did an excellent job. The students were well engaged the whole time. They loved their time at Starbase!"

Heather Lowrance

Erick

"We always love Starbase. My students look forward to it every year! You guys did a good job this year!"

Jamie Teel

Hammon

"Students are able to do things at Starbase we don’t have available at school."

Ryan Lauder

Leedey

"I love STARBASE and the way it reinforces the skills that I am teaching."

Gina Mertz

Merritt
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