Board & Staff

“After retiring from the healthcare insurance industry field, I decided to join the Greenhouse Project volunteer corp when I saw the great work that was being accomplished by the group – bringing the community together through healthy eating education, yoga and strength training classes, community gardening and plant based education for the youths in our area. I was first introduced to The Greenhouse Project volunteers at a volunteer appreciation event. I was struck by all these great souls who, although they have volunteered for numerous events, may never have met. Yet, there they all were standing around talking like they’ve known one another forever. A kindred soul vibe permeated the day and I wanted to be part of that.

I was proud to have taken the next step to become a member of the Board of Directors – and now am honored to be leading this volunteer board. I look forward to playing an even larger role in continuing to volunteer for this worthy cause as it is an essential part of growing our community spirit, not to mention our own continued personal growth.”    

“I have been a volunteer and supporter of The Greenhouse Project since it’s very humble beginning at Laurie’s Community Garden. Initially I got involved to help my best friend, Jane. I am not a gardener and admittedly do not do well with plants, but I do enjoy helping to harvest what is planted! Watching this non-profit grow into such a well-rounded program that has a far reach has been a pleasure.

I have stayed involved  (they do still keep me away from the plants 🙂  and have helped at many fundraisers over the years. I love what the Greenhouse Project does for our community. I have participated in yoga and some exercise classes. I was there when a little boy got his own bicycle from the Community Bike Recycle program – I can still see the smile on his face! When I was asked to serve on the Board, and to subsequently serve as Treasurer, it was always a very easy “yes” for me. I’m honored and proud to be a part of The Greenhouse Project!”

“It was during the pandemic when things were trying to get back to some normalcy that I started volunteering. I had taken yoga at the Greenhouse in the past and loved the calm, serene atmosphere. After volunteering a few times and meeting many of the other volunteers, I decided that volunteering was something I could put my skills to work while meeting new people. I was asked on multiple occasions if I would join the Board and finally agreed to serve our community with this additional step –  and I am now happy to serve on the executive committee. The added bonus is that I am learning many things along the way about plants, vegetables, and even some art lessons.“    

As a recent board member, I’m very excited to work with this group to strengthen relationships within our community and let people know how important it is to grow your own food, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and help grow your community by supporting local organizations. I discovered the Greenhouse Project through social media and noticed they were looking for volunteers to help clean up around the greenhouse in Nay Aug Park. I was introduced to an amazing staff and learned about the Greenhouse Project and their mission. 

The greenhouse is a special place for me. I find volunteering with like-minded people in the greenhouse and being educated on the growth process and benefits of herbs, vegetables, flowers and plants extremely beneficial to my health and mental state of mind. My horticulture skills improve every time I volunteer or attend a class. 

As a founding board member, I love and and proud to help guide the Greenhouse Project because we literally plant the seeds to grow plants – while at the same time sowing the seeds to bring people together through local collaborations. The Greenhouse Project is a uniter of natural resources to a healthier lifestyle, meeting people where they are at on their own individual journeys. Our specialty is creating connections through various inclusive and interactive experiences, which in turn lead to healthier, sustainable communities! 

“Being part of this non-profit has enabled me to engage with lots of plant loving people and make some good friends.  I believe in our mission statement and what we provide to the area in the way of classes and organic plants for your garden (which are not easy to find locally!).  A lot of people have come to rely on the services we provide and we get great feedback from the participants.  We are also a vital part of Nay Aug Park, providing ongoing events and a public space for area residents. Our community gardens are another great neighborhood space – I love hearing how having a space to garden and be part of a community garden has enriched peoples lives.  I love being on this board because I get to help make The Greenhouse Project better and better.  I love working with our Partner Organizations. Being on the board, even serving as a term as President, has really opened my eyes to how a non-profit functions, both internally and in the community, and the tough decisions that need to be made even in a pandemic.”    

Of Kreder, Brooks & Hailstone, Scranton PA. 

“As a lifelong environmentalist, I am a grateful and always-learning member of the board of The Greenhouse Project. With a passion for recycling and buying local, I find this little organization brings the best of these worlds together by highlighting the enormous and sometimes lost value of fresh local food and neighborhood gardens. Both of these things bring rich benefits to our local community, providing us great tasting food, personal well-being, and a reduction in our carbon footprint – all while supporting and caring for our neighbors. This is an important part of what the Greenhouse Project does – and why I chose to become a board member.”

“My journey with The Greenhouse Project started many years ago. I have known and been friends and coworkers of the Risse family for over 25 years. 18 years ago I began a position as the Recreation Specialist/Grants Manager/Special Events Coordinator for the City of Scranton in the Parks Department. I worked on and wrote most of the grants that installed new amenities within Nay Aug Park and helped to create 2 city parks during my tenure. One of those grants was to bring the former Cleland Greenhouse back to life, as it was a deteriorating, unusable space with the historic main building, and a greenhouse portion that no longer had a framework or glass to support growing or programming. I was successful in working with and having Walmart Corporation Community Giving Grant Program see the vision that the building could accomplish, and they awarded the park $100,000 to purchase and install the present McNulty Greenhouse. We built it as it stands today. 

“I volunteer as a board member because I really enjoy giving back to our community.  I believe in the programs that the Greenhouse Project offers, especially the community gardens which help families grow their own food.  I also think that the The Honeybee & Harvest Day Parade and is a magical event in Nay Aug Park and enjoy working there for the day.  We are growing a healthier community and I am always happy to do my part.”