As a daughter and granddaughter of both Veterans, as well as organic farmers and conservationists, I have always felt a deep connection not only to our military but also to nature.
Once I began to study the scientific impact working with plants could have on a person's own healing process, it was like I woke up.
Soon, I also became infor
As a daughter and granddaughter of both Veterans, as well as organic farmers and conservationists, I have always felt a deep connection not only to our military but also to nature.
Once I began to study the scientific impact working with plants could have on a person's own healing process, it was like I woke up.
Soon, I also became informed about the staggering numbers of Veterans who return from service with forms of PTSD, anxiety, depression and other invisible wounds of war.
At that moment, I was convinced that an organization like ours could play a role in helping with the personal healing process in the Veteran community. The rest of our story continues to be written based on the team's commitment and passion to ensuring we are caring for some of the most precious resources we have in the United States.
I'm a candidate for a certificate in Horticultural Therapy through Temple University's Tyler School of Art Division of Architectural & Environmental Design. I am also one of the 2020 recipients of The Linda Ciccantelli Memorial Scholarship presented by the Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network.
" My first gardening memory is as a 3 or 4 year-old, in our tiny back yard in Lancaster, PA, fascinated with 4 O'Clocks, those marvelous flowers which don't open till late afternoon.
Later, growing up in farm country there, I helped tend our veggie garden, and hung out on classmates' farms.
Now, garden life is about coaxing veggies and or
" My first gardening memory is as a 3 or 4 year-old, in our tiny back yard in Lancaster, PA, fascinated with 4 O'Clocks, those marvelous flowers which don't open till late afternoon.
Later, growing up in farm country there, I helped tend our veggie garden, and hung out on classmates' farms.
Now, garden life is about coaxing veggies and ornamentals to thrive despite shade - and deer."
By day, Dawn is a TV news producer for the ABC-owned station in Philadelphia, specializing in health & medical stories.
"Before you can tell a good story, you have to listen, inquire, analyze, and empathize."
Dawn has also always dabbled in textiles, color, and design, now as a quilt maker and quilt historian. Dawn is a former board member of American Quilt Study Group and she is a nationally certified appraiser, lecturer, participant in documentation projects, and authorship.
"It's much like forensic detective work. Through it, one appreciates community, the anonymous contributions of women, and how much textiles shaped America."
She is also daughter of a WWII submariner from the Pacific Theater.
Not everyone can say they played with McEnroe and well.....neither can Mark.
But being a father of 3 with a full-time career and an avid tennis player, Mark can say he works and plays as hard as McEnroe.
In his life, he has been lucky enough to work for some great companies such as Merck, Campbell Soup Company, Pfizer, and Astra Zeneca.
Not everyone can say they played with McEnroe and well.....neither can Mark.
But being a father of 3 with a full-time career and an avid tennis player, Mark can say he works and plays as hard as McEnroe.
In his life, he has been lucky enough to work for some great companies such as Merck, Campbell Soup Company, Pfizer, and Astra Zeneca. But the best gig he ever landed was at Pointroll, a rich media technology company, where he was lucky enough to learn the ropes of the role by an amazing woman (who later became his wife) Carolyn.
When not hard at work, he spends most of his time with his kids, playing tennis, practicing lacrosse with his son, watching horseback riding competitions and running with (usually behind) his wife.
He is also active in the community, as a volunteer Den Leader to the local cub scout pack and coaching soccer with Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association.
My first gardening memory is the never-ending daily chore of picking strawberries from our fields and whatever else was ripe from our gardens, all while growing up surrounded by the beautiful state of Maine.
My father always managed to create, and still does, the most beautiful yard and gardens. While I didn’t necessarily end up with hi
My first gardening memory is the never-ending daily chore of picking strawberries from our fields and whatever else was ripe from our gardens, all while growing up surrounded by the beautiful state of Maine.
My father always managed to create, and still does, the most beautiful yard and gardens. While I didn’t necessarily end up with his green thumb, I love working in our yard and I am a firm believer that a beautiful natural space around your home – or anywhere where you can enjoy it - makes life so much better.
I married a military guy. My husband, AJ, followed in the footsteps of his father, uncle and grandfather, all who served in the U.S. Military. AJ continues to serve the public, though no longer as active military but as a first responder. Probably as a result of this,
I feel a special connection to Heroic Gardens mission and the veteran’s who have done so much for us. Together with my family, I gain satisfaction from the project work with which I am involved with HG. As we wrap up one transformation, I can’t wait to start the next and see the joy in the eyes of those who will benefit from the work.
As a family, we are avid supporters of our local Boy Scouts troop in which our boys are both active, we volunteer with a local animal rescue and I serve as the Treasurer of our local High School’s Track & Field Booster’s club. For fun, our family loves to travel. We have visited close to 150 U.S. National Park sites to date with our two (now teenage sons) who are tiring of us rapidly. My photos from those trips always include some of the local flora for my “favorites” file.
As for my day job, I am the Chief Operating Officer at Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, a firm specializing in providing accounting services to nonprofit organizations. I started with YPTC in 2005 after spending several years in the hospitality and manufacturing industries.
When I found YPTC, I decided that working with nonprofits was where I belonged, and I hope to stay with the firm until I retire at an early age.
Thom Starke, a decorated US Army Officer and combat Veteran, is a graduate of Springfield College where he earned Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Chemistry. Thom was awarded a US Army ROTC Scholarship and is a Distinguished Military Graduate from the US Army ROTC Officer training program at the University of Massachusetts at Amhers
Thom Starke, a decorated US Army Officer and combat Veteran, is a graduate of Springfield College where he earned Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology/Chemistry. Thom was awarded a US Army ROTC Scholarship and is a Distinguished Military Graduate from the US Army ROTC Officer training program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Thom's Army service included many leadership positions in the United States and overseas including: Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Aide de Camp to the Assistant Division Commander of the famed Big Red One, the First Infantry Division and several Command and Primary Staff positions.
Thom is a native of Long Island, New York. In high school he was an accomplished scholar athlete as a wrestler and lacrosse player and was a Co - Captain on several championship teams. He has been a resident of the greater Philadelphia area for over twenty years where he was the Head Coach of a local high school wrestling team and lacrosse team.
Thom has extensive business experience in the corporate arena in Sales and Marketing and Service Management. He is currently the Operations Manager of 2 JDOG Junk Removal & Hauling Franchises. Thom is the father of two daughters, Michelle and Kaitlyn.
In addition to his business and military experience, Thom has been actively involved in his community and has dedicated himself to the care of veterans. He has served as a Commander at the local and District levels for the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and has been appointed to numerous positions as Chairman of local and State Veterans committees. Thom has also served as a member of the Veterans Advisory Board to United States Representative Michael Fitzpatrick and United States Representative Patrick Murphy. In 2006, Thom was selected as Veteran of the Year and was awarded the J. Robert Redfern Award by Pennsylvania District 16 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Heroic Gardens is the perfect fit for Thom and he is excited to continue to serve our Nation’s Veterans with the same professionalism and dedication he provided as an Army Officer in service to his country and his past service to veterans and his community.
I’m Philadelphia born and raised and currently work for the city. Through my professional carrier I encountered Heroic Gardens.
I didn’t have much experience with gardening until I met Collie but like fate she set me on a new path. In the time I’ve known her I’ve accomplished and learned so much.
I’ve removed large swathes of bamboo, ripp
I’m Philadelphia born and raised and currently work for the city. Through my professional carrier I encountered Heroic Gardens.
I didn’t have much experience with gardening until I met Collie but like fate she set me on a new path. In the time I’ve known her I’ve accomplished and learned so much.
I’ve removed large swathes of bamboo, ripped two trees out of the ground with my hands, and built a patio but the most important part of all of this has been giving back to the veteran community.
Being a veteran myself, I feel passionate about taking care of my fellow veterans and doing what I can to improve their quality of life.
After having participated in several projects and volunteer events I gladly accepted a position on the Board when offered. For me, this is the next step to take on more responsibilities and give back to the veteran community in new ways.
I’ve always been willing and able to adjust, adapt, and overcome any obstacle in front of me and I look forward to serving as a Board Member of Heroic Gardens.
What are my inspirations? My mom has been my inspiration when it comes to gardening (and so many other topics!). She could grow anything with her magical "green thumb" and proceeded to do just that, creating amazing spaces with vegetables and plants as far as the eye could see at home.
My dad has a passion for urban planning, commercial d
What are my inspirations? My mom has been my inspiration when it comes to gardening (and so many other topics!). She could grow anything with her magical "green thumb" and proceeded to do just that, creating amazing spaces with vegetables and plants as far as the eye could see at home.
My dad has a passion for urban planning, commercial development, and home design. As a veteran returning from his assignment in Korea during the Vietnam War, he developed urban spaces in Columbus, Ohio, leading the City's development department, paving the way for thousands of residents to enjoy these outdoor spaces. He also designed and built our childhood home, complimenting my mother's passion for meaningful outdoor spaces. My whole world view about serving our neighbors started with my dad's passion for internal and external design.I first learned about the struggles of our veterans when my uncle, who was an MP during the Vietnam War, would tell me snippets of stories about his experiences. His story, struggles, and life accomplishments, in the face of many health-related issues, were a big driver for my involvement in helping veterans, as he eventually paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country with his passing.
I learned that it is possible to do more with less while living in London with my family. It was always a pleasure to visit friends with much smaller gardens spaces than one has in the US and to see the innovation and love built into these small spaces. It changed my perspective on creating meaningful outdoor experiences with limited space and budget.
My top three favorite garden spaces are Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kew Gardens in Richmond, United Kingdom, and the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio, Texas.Gene is the head of digital marketing at Victory Capital, a global investment management firm in San Antonio, Texas.
Robert McManigal is a Washington D.C. attorney with Nixon Peabody LLP in the Government Investigations and White Collar group.
Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, Robert was a member of the armed forces and worked in the FBI as both a Special Agent and Intelligence Analyst. In the FBI, Robert participated in the prosecutions of several hi
Robert McManigal is a Washington D.C. attorney with Nixon Peabody LLP in the Government Investigations and White Collar group.
Prior to joining Nixon Peabody, Robert was a member of the armed forces and worked in the FBI as both a Special Agent and Intelligence Analyst. In the FBI, Robert participated in the prosecutions of several high profile public corruption and fraud cases.
Robert was born and raised in New Jersey. One of his inspirations for joining Heroic Gardens was in memory of his grandfather, a proud retired service member, who maintained an extensive garden in Robert’s hometown.
Robert has fond memories from his childhood of picking and then sharing the produce from his grandfather’s garden with his family and friends. Robert is honored to give back to his community through Heroic Gardens, an organization that would make his grandfather proud.
A husband and father of two, Robert enjoys spending time with his family. When he has a moment of free time he enjoys staying physically active, watching old mobster movies and shows, and listening to Bob Marley and The Wailers with his wife in their garden.
Paul Kawoczka is the Co-Founder and CEO of Enliven Planters.
Paul grew up in Yardley, PA. He attended Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem and went on to major in Landscape Architecture at Penn State University.
From a young age Paul was drawn to the natural world and loved the satisfaction of building something with his own hands.
His venture into
Paul Kawoczka is the Co-Founder and CEO of Enliven Planters.
Paul grew up in Yardley, PA. He attended Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem and went on to major in Landscape Architecture at Penn State University.
From a young age Paul was drawn to the natural world and loved the satisfaction of building something with his own hands.
His venture into Landscape Architecture combined these passions along with his artistic talents. He earned his degree from Penn State in 2011.
After graduation, Paul landed a job in project management at a high end residential landscape company in Annapolis, Maryland. There he gained valuable experience in the design and construction of world class private gardens and homes. Paul enjoyed all aspects of a design project, from conceptual drawings through final construction.
Later, he moved back to the Philadelphia area to join the landscape team at Terrain. There, he honed his skills in sales and absorbed the invigorating atmosphere that the Terrain brand has created around outdoor living. It was during this time that Paul found his true passion, bringing joy to people's lives through experiencing nature.
In 2014 Paul launched Enliven Planters with a college classmate.
Enliven Planters is a seasonal planter subscription service. Four times per year, they refill the planters and window boxes at people’s homes and businesses. Each year Enliven plants tens of thousands of arrangements in the Philadelphia area, bringing a little bit of joy to each home that they service.
Over the years Paul has learned a great deal about the nursery/garden industry, working through supply chains and tweaking the business to scale to where it is today. He is passionate about small business entrepreneurship, a topic his friends and family would agree he can get carried away by.
He is thrilled to offer his expertise and energy to the evolving Heroic Gardens’ initiatives. Paul’s sister is a Major in the US Army and one of his role models. Her success and ceaseless devotion to her military career (a male dominated one at that) has been a daily inspiration for him, especially during the trials of business ownership. He hopes his involvement in Heroic Gardens can bring even a sliver of joy to the lives of the men and women who have served our country selflessly.
Paul lives in New Hope, PA with his wife, Kiera, daughter, Tommie, and their dog, Riggins. In his free time Paul enjoys spending time with his family, trail running, cooking, home improvement projects, and listening to podcasts.
He is honored to be a member of this budding organization.
Paul S. Peters III, Esquire is the owner
of The Peters Firm, PLLC.
He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Bankruptcy & Debtor’s Rights, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Employment Law, Estate Planning, and Business Law.
The Peters Firm, PLLC has locations in Elkins Park, Philadelphia, and Norristown.
Paul grew up in the Lawndal
Paul S. Peters III, Esquire is the owner
of The Peters Firm, PLLC.
He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Bankruptcy & Debtor’s Rights, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Employment Law, Estate Planning, and Business Law.
The Peters Firm, PLLC has locations in Elkins Park, Philadelphia, and Norristown.
Paul grew up in the Lawndale section of Northeast Philadelphia. He attended school in the Philadelphia Public School system and was educated at Crossan Elementary, Wilson Middle, and Northeast High.
After graduating from Northeast High School, he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Albright College in 1998, and his law degree from
Widener University School of Law in 2001.
Immediately following law school, Paul opened his own law practice in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. There, he served clients in and around Philadelphia in areas of law including criminal defense, bankruptcy,
family law, and personal injury.
After 13 successful years of practice, Paul decided to take a sabbatical from the law to teach and coach. Paul spent 5 years teaching business and law classes, coaching track and cross country, and serving as the Human Resources Director and General Counsel at Nazareth Academy High School in Philadelphia.
Paul continues to serve as an adjunct professor in the Schools of Criminal Justice and Business Administration at Holy Family University. Paul has taught courses in Introduction to Criminal Justice, Ethics in Criminal Justice (Undergraduate and Graduate), Race & Crime, Juvenile Justice Courses, Criminal Law, Court Procedures and Policies, Labor Law, Legal Issues in Sports, and Business Law.
While Paul found his work as a teacher and coach to be incredibly rewarding, he missed practicing the law and helping clients. In March of 2018, Paul returned to the legal profession. Paul prides himself as an attorney who is highly skilled in the areas in which he practices, and one who assists his clients with care and without judgment, and with a desire to help them navigate some of
life’s most difficult circumstances.
It is the compassion, patience, and understanding Paul shows his clients that be believes distinguishes
him from other attorneys.
Paul has been a dedicated and avid runner for most of his life. He was a four-year varsity runner on Northeast High School’s Cross Country and Track Teams, where he experienced great success and learned to love and embrace the sport of running.
He continued his running career at Albright College participating in the college’s cross country and track teams. After college and law school, Paul developed an interest in running marathons and ultra-marathons.
His first marathon was the Pittsburgh Marathon, and he went on to run the Philadelphia Marathon multiple times, the Boston Marathon twice, and marathons in Miami, Baltimore, New Jersey, Vermont, and Washington D.C. Paul has also competed in 50- mile, 100- mile, 24- hour, and 12- hour races. The highlight of Paul’s running career was the 200-mile Ragnar Relay that he did with 5 friends in 2011.
Most recently, Paul did a 12-Hour treadmill run on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 2018, to
raise money for scholarships at
Manor College in Jenkintown, PA.
Paul has played guitar since middle school and plays duets with his daughter on the violin at her music school once or twice a year.
Paul is an avid reader and is always
reading one book and listening to one
book at the same time all year.
Paul lives in Elkins Park with his wife Heather and daughter Hsin-Hua. Paul and his wife met the first weekend of college and have been together for 24 years. Heather is the VP of Human Resources for Allan Myers, a heavy civil construction company based in Worcester, PA. Their daughter Hsin-Hua is 11 years old and in the 5th grade at Germantown Friends School.The family also has 4 cats,
and 6 backyard chickens.
Heroic Gardens
P. O. Box 5857 Philadelphia, PA 19128-5857
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