meet Our Team
Todd Breitenstein
As the Founder and President of Our Grateful Garden, Todd created this non-profit to help the recovery community regenerate their lives and find purpose. As a member of the recovery community himself, he knows firsthand the healing power of nature.
When Todd was in high school he started a lawn care service, and after college started a rush delivery company. Shortly after that, he was working in financial planning and raising his young children. Most recently, he opened a garden retail center and offers garden consultations throughout the area all of which demonstrates his entrepreneurial spirit.
Todd wholeheartedly believes that honoring the earth and, as such, his higher power is what saved his life. Passing on this grace through teaching others the healing power of plants is his life’s purpose.
Jessica Mandelbaum
Jessica and Todd initially connected because of their shared passion for Permaculture. Over the past 17 years, Jessica has worked a variety of food-related jobs including farmer and chef, and she completed her Permaculture Design Certification in spring of 2022.
After their initial meeting, they realized addiction had impacted both of their lives. Jessica’s brother tragically passed in April of 2021.
Todd invited Jessica to help grow Our Grateful Garden as the Vice President. Her organization, creativity, attention-to-detail, and passion for the non-profit’s mission made her a perfect fit. Working for Our Grateful Garden is a wonderful opportunity for Jessica to advance her Permaculture knowledge while honoring her brother’s memory.