Maria Kelly
FOUNDER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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I planted the seed of AMOR Healing Kitchen after a 14 year career in teaching high school in Charleston County. My love for plant-based food, local farms, working with teenagers, and supporting people in a time of need is the foundation of AMOR. I had been with my mom during her journey of a Colon cancer diagnosis and she was the one that instilled in me a love of cooking and healthy food. Growing up, no matter how busy everyone was, we always sat down together at the dinner table. I learned at an early age, that food connects us and heals us. I would often cook for my mom and take her food when she wasn't feeling well and I felt that was a little bit of comfort and strength that I could offer her during that time. Being a teacher for 14 years showed me that the youth have so much to offer in shaping the future of our community if you offer them the tools to guide them. When I learned of an organization in California that works with teens and serves people with health challenges, I just had this deep feeling of connection and that something similar could work in Charleston. We have an abundance of local, organic farms and I believe getting back to the earth for our food will cure us of many of our chronic diseases. AMOR is bringing that to the table, made with love.
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Justin Booher
CULINARY DIRECTOR
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While studying sustainability and design at Arizona State University, Justin fell into the food and beverage industry. This shift in turn guided his studies towards food and farm relations as well as natural foods and food education systems design. A thirst for knowledge and curiosity in all aspects food, and its effects on the body and community, have lead to a wealth of experience in various food styles and cultures. These experiences included volunteering at kitchens and farms in Croatia, Italy, Switzerland, and Spain, all which deepened his desire to promote natural food choices as a central part of a healthy life. After recently moving back to his home state of South Carolina and becoming a manager at Edmund's Oast, Justin found AMOR! He is very excited to be a part of something so special where he can use all his talents and knowledge. He is an integral part of our program and inspires our team in the kitchen. Justin creates all of our recipes utilizing as much local, in season ingredients as possible.
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Board of Directors
Katy Firth
PRESIDENT | CLIENT MANAGER
Katy is a Charleston transplant by way of New York, Tennessee, Maryland, North Carolina & a brief stint in chilly Massachusetts. Now that she has found her home, she can be found taking advantage of all Charleston has to offer. From spending time on the same beaches where she vacationed as a child, to managing a wonderful yoga studio, to exploring the many parks, restaurants and book clubs, she loves her town and the beautiful people she has met along the way. Katy was thrilled to get involved with AMOR when the idea was presented to her. She has been directly affected by cancer, as many people have been, and had hoped to find an avenue to support patients and caregivers. Her sister, Jennie, does outstanding fundraising for cancer research, so being a part of AMOR will give her the opportunity to follow in her footsteps in a different, but still significant way.
Judith Peterson
SECRETARY
Born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in a small town in Chatham, New Jersey, outside New York City, I enjoyed an almost idyllic childhood as the oldest of 8 children, 3 of whom were adopted. Following graduation from Connecticut College with an AB in English Literature and Central Connecticut University with an MS in English Literature, I taught school in Waterford Connecticut. We then moved to California where I taught English as Second Language before landing in Charleston in 1977 where we have lived and raised three children. I resumed my career as an educator with Charleston County School District in 1984 and have served 33 years as a teacher, district administrator, and school-based administrator.
It is my commitment to education and to helping others that draws me to AMOR Healing Kitchen, for I believe that both the recipients of the healthy, plant-based meals and the young people who work together to prepare and deliver the meals will grow in their connection to others and to new understandings about the power of healthy eating and living. I look forward to forging teams of young people and watching them grow in confidence, in understanding of others, and in service to those in need.
My family and I love the Charleston coast and spend time together boating, kayaking, and fishing. Walking and travel are also favorite activities for us, and now through AMOR I can continue to pursue and strengthen a healthy lifestyle and share it with others.
It is my commitment to education and to helping others that draws me to AMOR Healing Kitchen, for I believe that both the recipients of the healthy, plant-based meals and the young people who work together to prepare and deliver the meals will grow in their connection to others and to new understandings about the power of healthy eating and living. I look forward to forging teams of young people and watching them grow in confidence, in understanding of others, and in service to those in need.
My family and I love the Charleston coast and spend time together boating, kayaking, and fishing. Walking and travel are also favorite activities for us, and now through AMOR I can continue to pursue and strengthen a healthy lifestyle and share it with others.
Bob Seymour
OPERTIONS MANAGER
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Bob was born way up north – in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degrees in Metallurgical Engineering. After graduating he immigrated to Central Texas, USA and began a career in the aluminum industry that lasted thirty years and took him all over the US and much of the world. After retirement in 1997, he migrated into consulting work and supported companies in USA, Brazil, Mexico, Norway, South Africa and Singapore to name a few. As leisure time activities Bob enjoys ham radio, cycling, kayaking, reading and gardening. His specialty with AMOR is to implement the concepts of Process Control in the planning, production and delivery of healthy meals.
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Jessica Bobbitt
BOARD MEMBER
Jessica is a North Carolina native who attended the College of Charleston. She has had a deep connection with the Charleston community since. For over 14 years Jessica has worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations through her job at Blackbaud. This work has involved implementation of software solutions, project management, business process analysis, fundraising best practice recommendations, and strategic planning. Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management from the College of Charleston. Jessica also holds a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Consulting and Marketing from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Outside of work hiking, baking, and going to hear live music occupy her time. Recently she has also found a knack for morel mushroom hunting which provides delight in the kitchen too! Jessica is passionate about AMOR and the good ideas this organization brings together. Providing healthy, nutritious meals to patients and their caregivers in a critical time of need is powerful by itself. Seeing teen chefs get excited to learn about cooking those meals while serving their community, embodies hope for me. The cherry on top is how AMOR works to source local ingredients.
Lawrence Laddaga
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Lawrence Laddaga, Attorney at Law, received his B.A. degree, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa from the University of South Carolina and his J.D. degree thereafter. Founder of Laddaga- Garrett, P.A., Attorneys and Counselors at Law in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1983, the firm limits its practice to Health Law and denial management and appeals. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Charleston’s School of Professional Studies where he teaches Health Law and Regulation. Past chair of the Health Law Section of the S.C. Bar, he is also a member of the American Health Lawyers Association, an advanced member of the Healthcare Financial Managers Association (HFMA) and holds their Fellow Designation with Certifications in Patient Accounts and Managed Care. He is a past President of the South Carolina Chapter of HFMA, a past Regional Executive, served two terms on the HFMA National Principles and Practices Board, and Chapter Advancement Team. Lawrence is a member of the Charleston Kiwanis Club and served as President during the 1988-1989 year. He served 12 years on the Montclair Property Owners Association Board of Directors, nine as President. An Eagle Scout, he has served as an Eagle Counselor since the mid 1990’s. Mr. Laddaga enjoys Argentine Tango, Yoga, and Weight Lifting.
Vickie Lynn Fielitz
BOARD MEMBER
Vickie Lynn Fielitz made her way to Charleston in 2020 after living abroad for six years in Madrid and Amsterdam. A southern girl at heart, she was born and raised in Arkansas and has spent most of her life living and working in Texas and Florida. She graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in Advertising/Public Relations and completed continuing education programs at the University of Chicago and Georgetown.
Vickie joined The Walt Disney Company on a college internship, earning her ears in the Magic Kingdom, learning invaluable lessons on delivering legendary service and creating meaningful connections with others. During her extensive professional career with Disney, she led marketing, sales and operations teams in Orlando, Chicago and onboard Disney Cruise Line to achieve exceptional results.
Vickie relocated to Amsterdam from Orlando with her husband in 2014. There, she founded Leadership Lab, Inc., an executive coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and teams improve performance. Her signature style is engaging, dynamic and lively with a strong dose of humor. She is passionate about living life with purpose and loves to help others find their passion and purpose. Vickie is an acclaimed Executive Coach and Leadership Development expert, offering insights on leadership, emotional intelligence and team building to companies around the world.
Vickie enjoys spending time with family and friends and never meets a stranger. She loves traveling, creative projects, yoga classes, cooking and appreciating great food and wine.
Vickie joined The Walt Disney Company on a college internship, earning her ears in the Magic Kingdom, learning invaluable lessons on delivering legendary service and creating meaningful connections with others. During her extensive professional career with Disney, she led marketing, sales and operations teams in Orlando, Chicago and onboard Disney Cruise Line to achieve exceptional results.
Vickie relocated to Amsterdam from Orlando with her husband in 2014. There, she founded Leadership Lab, Inc., an executive coaching and consulting firm dedicated to helping individuals and teams improve performance. Her signature style is engaging, dynamic and lively with a strong dose of humor. She is passionate about living life with purpose and loves to help others find their passion and purpose. Vickie is an acclaimed Executive Coach and Leadership Development expert, offering insights on leadership, emotional intelligence and team building to companies around the world.
Vickie enjoys spending time with family and friends and never meets a stranger. She loves traveling, creative projects, yoga classes, cooking and appreciating great food and wine.