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welcome to mission:Windowsill
Mission: Windowsill is Heroic Gardens’ therapeutic horticulture program, designed to engage Veterans and their families through guided, hands-on experiences with plants.
Programs are offered both in - person throughout the Philadelphia region and virtually creating opportunities to participate from anywhere.
Programs are free and open to Veterans and their families. Registration is required.
Virtual Participation
Virtual Participation
Virtual Participation
Participate from home through guided sessions, mailed program kits, and a connected virtual community.
In-Person Programs
Virtual Participation
Virtual Participation
Attend structured sessions held at the VA, Vet Centers and other partner locations.
I thank God for the day that I sought this group out. This group has become a ray of sunshine in my life. Thanks to all of you for the part you play in making this group a success. Be blessed!!!
Army Veteran
Meet the team!
Peg Schofield, MA, HTR
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
Peg Schofield is an educator and AHTA Registered Horticultural Therapist working in the Philadelphia area. She is an Adjunct Professor and Program Director of the Horticultural Therapy Certificate Program at Temple University. Peg has served as President of the Mid-Atlantic Horticultural Therapy Network, and as the Director of Horticulture at Cathedral Village Retirement Community.
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
US Navy Veteran, John Pilat is a proud father of 5 who has been with Heroic Gardens for many years. His own garden is a reflection of his belief in the healing impact plants can have in a person's life. John not only runs operations for this program, but is also a participant because you can never have enough plants! Make sure you ask him about his tattoos.
Brittain McNeel
John Pilat, Navy, Certified Forest Bather
Brittain McNeel
Brittain is a Florida born, Brooklyn based Horticultural Therapist certified by the New York Botanical Garden. She has always found solace in the natural world, and witnessed the healing power of plants firsthand while training at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Brittain is a granddaughter of a veteran and looks forward to helping expan
Brittain is a Florida born, Brooklyn based Horticultural Therapist certified by the New York Botanical Garden. She has always found solace in the natural world, and witnessed the healing power of plants firsthand while training at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital. Brittain is a granddaughter of a veteran and looks forward to helping expand access to Horticultural Therapy among the veteran community.
Baylee Carr, HTR
Tony Melle, Air Force
Brittain McNeel
Baylee Carr is an AHTA-registered horticultural therapist serving Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Research from Rutgers University and has experience in native plants, food crops, landscaping, and floral design. Baylee brings curiosity, practical knowledge, and a lifelong love of nature to every program.
Tony Melle, Air Force
Tony Melle, Air Force
Tony Melle, Air Force
Tony is a Veteran, union carpenter, and skilled operations professional. He builds Heroic Gardens’ ADA-compliant raised beds, indoor planters, and items for the Virtual Garden, combining craftsmanship and practical expertise to make gardening more accessible. Put simply, there is nothing Tony can’t build.
Tiffica Benza
Tony Melle, Air Force
Tony Melle, Air Force
Tiffica is Heroic Gardens’ Farm Manager, leading the sunflower farm with strong organizational skills and a collaborative approach. She creates inclusive volunteer experiences that foster meaningful community connections. Tiffica also teaches free fabric workshops at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill Branch, where she inspi
Tiffica is Heroic Gardens’ Farm Manager, leading the sunflower farm with strong organizational skills and a collaborative approach. She creates inclusive volunteer experiences that foster meaningful community connections. Tiffica also teaches free fabric workshops at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill Branch, where she inspires creativity and shares practical skills such as mending pre-loved clothing.