Our (Amazing) Team
Catherine Hormats, Gratitude-in-Chief
What I appreciate about America right now is how freaking resilient we are! That we never stop trying and never give up on the experiment called the United States of America. That centuries-old companies like Eastman Kodak retool overnight photographic devices to pharmaceutical drugs. That’s pretty cool!
My passion project is writing old-fashioned, snail mail thank you letters. I write about 10 a week. I may fill them with stickers or scents or photos or other mementos of gratitude for the recipient.
Ambassador Robert Hormats,
Advisor to 5 U.S. Presidents; Patriot-in-Chief
I’m grateful that America provided me the opportunity to play a fulfilling role in our government. It’s allowed me to participate in the vigor of the democratic process.
My hobbies include telling my wife, Catherine, to slow the heck down and stop to smell the roses. I’m also big on canoeing, hiking, book clubs, and oil painting.
Michael Riecke, Media Coach & Broadcast Journalism Wonk
What I appreciate about America right now is its imperfections. Like its people, the country is a work in progress. Time, energy, and thoughtful reflection will help it grow, help it heal, help it learn, and help it become a better version of itself.
I love helping people find their passion for storytelling. While I teach storytelling and journalism by day, in my spare time, I dabble as an actor on stage. Telling stories through performance has its own rewards!
Maria De Lemos, Social Media Wiz; Organizer-in-Chief
I appreciate the diversity throughout the country and how it's become a melting pot over the years. This has offered so many opportunities for learning from people that have totally different perspectives and backgrounds from me.
Lately my hobby has become exploring different trails and parks in the NJ area. There are SO many hidden treasures in nature and so many moments of grounding through these difficult times that we can still experience. That and having a nice picnic with a good book doesn't hurt!
Jack Geddes, Video Production Exemplar
What I appreciate about America right now is our passion. That passion is fighting for something you believe in, building a business from the ground up, or pursuing a dream.
I love telling other people's stories through video and creating short films.
Dr. Yuri Nakasato, MD, MBA, Healing Coach & Sinatra Singer
I appreciate that America is resilient and optimistic despite the current uncertainties. America is still a land of opportunities and there are so many good altruistic souls out there.
I love singing, doing photography, writing, walking with my teen daughter, having good conversations, dancing, and helping people.
Jamie Varon, Web Designer & #IGuru
What I love about America is that there are plenty of us who love the melting pot here, that appreciate the infusion of cultures. There is no one culture in America and that’s because we are diverse, and that is a point of pride. I also love that in America, if you drive across the country, you go through the desert, into the mountains, into places that are so deeply saturated with history and art and beauty.
When I’m not designing websites, I’m reading novels. My passion is writing, observing the human condition, and condensing it into words so that we all feel less alone—and more connected.
With Tremendous Gratitude to:
The Divine, who continually gives and guides
Alexa Taylor Forsyth & Alexa Taylor Design
Ina Garten - Barefoot Contessa
Dominique Sachse
Kat Gates
Tris Bonarius-Gates
Elissa Weinzimmer
Melisine Alegre
Melissa Kelly-McCabe
Marybeth Longo