Meet The Eldergrow Team!
Behind the scenes, Eldergrow has a core team who make all the magic happen from garden installations to the development of the original curriculum. Meet our key players and see why they love working at Eldergrow!
Eldergrow has a large team of Expert Educators across the country supporting our communities by teaching and engaging residents with our therapeutic gardening curriculum and activities. Our Educators are not only gardening enthusiasts, but love working with our elders and get back as much as they give.
Team
Audrey Schena
COO
“The Eldergrow community is incredibly passionate about their mission, which brings me so much joy and inspiration to work with them. I’m excited to bring my finance and leadership experience to this wonderful company, and collaborate to bring nature to even more communities and seniors nationwide!”
Rebecca Brogan
Program Director
“Caring for and working with residents through Eldergrow programming and gardening is probably one of the greatest responsibilities and honors I’ve experienced. I have become very connected with my resident gardeners and have enjoyed watching them bloom as they learn and grow through our lessons and activities.”
Tonya Allen
Account Director
“As a licensed senior living expert with 17 years of experience, I’m excited to join the mission of Eldergrow and a team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to using the power of plants and gardening to help the senior adult population improve their mental and physical health in senior living.”
Tracey Harvey
Sales Director
“I could not be more thrilled to bring my skill set to shine light on the importance of environmental wellness and work with such talented, passionate and devoted team members at Eldergrow. Talk about programming with purpose! I have made a career broadcasting programs with purpose and nothing is more rewarding than connecting people to meaningful products, services and programs that enhance lives while creating magic moments for ALL ages, especially active agers.”
Jody Riley
Senior Manager, Client Success
“Being part of the Eldergrow team gives me the opportunity to share my love of gardening and nature. It is so rewarding to see the positive impact of our therapeutic gardens on the lives of the seniors living in our communities.”
Courtney Main
Account Executive
“I love working for Eldergrow because it combines two of my favorite things- working with seniors AND nature! As a Certified Activity Director, I have a passion for increasing our Residents’ quality of life and Eldergrow makes that passion possible! I always wanted to be one of those people that loved what they did for a living instead of just having a job and now I can proudly say I AM one of those people!”
Allison Whittaker
Account Executive
“Ever since a young age I’ve been extremely passionate about seniors and determined to make a difference in their lives. I spent 12 years working in senior living communities and saw the importance of residents having access to nature. That is the reason why I joined the Eldergrow Family. I love being part of a team that has the same beliefs as me and love ending each day knowing that I am making a positive impact on the residents we serve.”
Heather Neel
Account Executive
“Working for Eldergrow has given me the chance to continue serving the senior population in a unique and rewarding way. Bringing joy through gardens filled with color, life and hope is the best part of my job and I am excited to grow the Eldergrow mission to as many communities and residents as possible!”
Dara Hogaboom
Program Manager
“I love connecting with all residents and staff members through the power of therapeutic horticulture in our Idaho communities. Nothing ‘fills my watering can’ more than a kind heart telling us she had the best afternoon of her life after some planting and good ol’ digging around in the serotonin-releasing dirt. As a journalist/writer, it is very fulfilling to utilize my own skills to ‘grow’ and teach in communities across the state. But, I also learn a new skill, fun fact, or even gardening pun every day with this amazing Eldergrow team.”
Jesse Sterge
Video Specialist
“I have a background in Journalism, Video Production, and prior to joining Eldergrow, I worked in Plant Nurseries. In 2022, I completed my Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. I am excited to utilize my degree to enhance the accessibility of nature and natural lands. “
Kizzie Funkhouser
Strategist
“I get no greater thrill than to see the eyes of a resident light up when placing a beautiful plant in their hands. Using nature as a catalyst for connection, we are allowed a few moments of learning, laughter and smiles as residents engage is an opportunity to enjoy beauty, sensory stimulation & reminiscing.”
Nicole Khudyakov
Sales and Marketing
“There’s something intrinsically motivating about getting to be a part of Eldergrow. Through our shared passion for wellness, we’re able to bring people together, create positive experiences, and change lives one garden at a time. Besides the rewarding work we do, I’ve learned so much from this dedicated team and am excited to continue contributing to our magic!”
Dylan Huynh
Office Assistant
“I love working at Eldergrow as being an outdoors person, it brings nature indoors for people from all walks of life to enjoy. Being an up-and-coming organization, I am able to connect with everyone on the team and learn from people nationwide.”
Jeremy Fransene
Inventory Specialist
“As someone that appreciates a connection to nature and the outdoors, I love that Eldergow brings nature indoors to a community of people that don’t often get to experience it. Eldergrow provides our communities with connection, engagement, and a means of expression through science and art. I’m happy that I can support our residents and educators to make this happen.”
Meet Our Educators!
Eldergrow’s Featured Educator
Angie Martin
Educator in Pennsylvania
“One of the things I most enjoy about being an Eldergrow Educator is when I am able to spark a special memory in a resident of a parent or grandparent through our gardening program. The joy expressed on their face as they recall the memory is so rewarding!”
Past Featured Educators
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