WHY HEAL THE PLANET?
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to educate and empower children about the power of our daily choices and the huge impact these choices have on the health and wellbeing of both ourselves and our planet. We create innovative education, partnerships, and community programming aimed at inspiring a generation of leaders empowered to Heal the Planet.
OUR VISION
A more conscious and loving planet, where collectively we make choices that are in alignment with the health and wellbeing of our planet, and all its inhabitants.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe each of us has our own unique entelechy that will grow into that person’s highest potential and greatest gift for humanity and our planet. By utilizing our resources to raise humanity’s level of consciousness we co-create a planet where all will thrive. As the well-known author, mountaineer, and environmentalist Robert Swan said, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” We believe in educating and empowering individuals and organizations to take ownership of our planet and their contribution to it.
We believe that our daily choices directly impact the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our planet.
We believe that every penny we spend directly co-creates the kind of planet we have.
We believe it’s important to safeguard our planet, for our children and future generations.
We believe the health of the planet is each individual’s personal responsibility.
We believe inside of everyone is a seed, waiting to be nourished, that can grow into that person’s greatest gift to humanity.
We believe that love is just as (or more) important than a cell phone.
We believe in being informed and making self-honoring choices, for the greater good.
We believe in using our resources to raise the level of consciousness for all humanity.
We believe that we are all connected more than we realize.
We believe in the power of one and that all change starts with me.
We believe in taking action.
WE BELIEVE IN SMALL ACTS THAT CREATE HUGE IMPACT
Take the plastic straw for example. Have you ever stopped to wonder how many plastic straws get used and thrown away each day in the US alone? Over 500 million! Every year that’s more than 46,400 school buses worth of plastic that are used once, or not at all, and then thrown away. We believe it’s the small, simple daily choices, like whether you choose to use a plastic straw or not, that will collectively have the greatest impact on the health and sustainability of our planet.
Every purchase is a ripple, a quiet vote cast for the planet you want to see. With every penny you spend, you have the power to shape our planet’s future, to nudge the tide towards a healthier planet. We invite you to become part of the paradigm shift. Visit our Heal The Planet Shop today and let's create a positive ripple effect together, a wave of change that starts with every choice, every click, every purchase.
Your impact of purchasing from our Heal The Planet Shop doesn't stop there, because every single penny of profit from our Shop goes directly towards our crucial programs. Every eco-friendly treasure you discover becomes a vital contribution to Heal The Planet's mission. CLICK HERE to shop.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Executive Director
NOELIA SUAREZ
Noelia Suarez developed an early interest in altruist activities. Before joining Heal The Planet, she was involved in the real estate business as an agent and investor. Despite the different opportunities in the industry, she always found herself called to humanitarian efforts.
Since her twenties, she felt the urge to create a positive change for the planet and became the mentor of a very young girl for several years. Understanding the drawbacks that many kids go through, she chose to continue her work by supporting the Koinonia School in Nicaragua, aiding them in achieving their basic needs. Noelia is committed to influencing the planet by contributing to different charity organizations such as His House, Point Hope, and Make a Wish, all dedicated to empowering and improving kid’s lives. She volunteered for the Humane Society and, along with her therapy dog Snoopy, was part of the Paws in the Court program to support kids in the Children’s Court Division of Miami.
Her love for people, nature, and animals motivated her to volunteer for numerous non-profits, including Inspire Transformation, where she traveled to South Africa to support a local Nkomazi community. She also participated in the efforts of The Gratitude Project, raising over $400,000 to build two care centers and, with the support of a local partner, helping over 900 patients in the local area and Mozambique monthly.
While studying Visual Art at Miami International University of Art and Design, she advocated for Techo, an organization dedicated to alleviating poverty in developing countries. By the end of 2012, she coordinated the visual art student class and its faculties to participate with Techo for the Art Basel 2012.
Noelia tirelessly pursues alternatives to enhance our planet for the betterment of all. From sustainability to health, she inspires others to elevate their lives and those of others. Joining Heal The Planet was a natural fit for her, as it aligns with her environmental ethos, and she believes that each of us can contribute to solutions. Leaving the planet better than she found it is her guiding principle.
Development
HANNA BRETHOWER
Hanna loves to be in nature and knows that connection with nature is vital to the wellness of all beings. Forever a student of life she has obtained her B.S.B.A in Marketing, CIDESCO Diplomate, and FL Real Estate License. She also completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training and continues to pursue and live the spiritual sciences of yoga and Ayurveda.
Solution-centric, she seeks methods to make eco-friendly decisions easier, close product life cycle circles, and reduce her product consumption. She naturally enjoys connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations who value well-being, Nature, living life authentically, and exploring ways to help our communities and the Earth. Heal The Planet’s mission aligned with her values and she welcomed the opportunity to utilize her life experiences in the Development role.
Communications Manager
MARIAH GROOMS
With a strong foundation in business through her Bachelor's in Business Administration and Entrepreneur Management, Mariah pivoted her career to pursue her passion for holistic wellness. Her dedication to inspiring individuals to embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle has led her to become a Certified Health Coach, Certified Living Foods Chef, and Wellness Counselor.
Leveraging her expertise, Mariah educates and guides clients toward a plant-based, whole-foods lifestyle, emphasizing the ancestral wisdom and healing power of food. Committed to environmental stewardship, she actively seeks to raise awareness about the environmental and health benefits of sustainable living, offering practical solutions to combat climate change.
As the owner of Blended Sol, a health service company, Mariah provides a range of wellness services, including wellness counseling, juice detoxing, meal delivery, and private chef services. With over ten years of experience teaching health and wellness, she currently lectures throughout the California State University system. In her free time, Mariah can be found traveling, hiking, on her yoga mat, or whipping up some decadent food.
Mariah’s motto for life is simple: Full Joy.
SEED Program Educator
JOANNA JOY
Joanna is a plant-based Mother of two, currently studying Holistic Nutrition. She’s also the author of “Consuming with a conscience and raising conscious kids.” Along with her children, she created one of the first “Plant-based kids” activity books.
Joanna’s connection with Heal The Planet was perfectly aligned, as her goals and dreams for the future matched the organization’s values and beliefs. She is passionate about living a holistic lifestyle, which nourishes mind, body and soul. Joanna believes that teaching children to do the same is our hope for a happier, healthier and sustainable future.
Following her soul’s mission, she is committed to spreading Love and Light, by inspiring others to be more conscious of their choices for themselves, others and the planet.
“We demonstrate self love by nourishing our bodies with foods that love us back.. simple whole plant based foods”
Wellness Director
AYENZA MATTHEWS
A Major in Psychology, a Master’s in Business Administration, and Several Certifications in Athletics allowed Ayenza to establish global business relationships. She represented her native country of Panama in sports until 2021 and now represents Team USA. Ayenza studied at the University of Champions and the High Altitude Centre in Iten- Kenya, the City of Champions. She was selected as one of the Hispanic Women of Distinction for 2022 and was awarded Congressional Recognition by the US Congress for outstanding and invaluable service to the community.
Ayenza has been doing volunteer work and helping the community since the 1980s. Her first volunteering job was for the Department of Defense as a teacher’s aide. During the Panama invasion, she worked at the refugee camps. Her involvement in sports came from the American Cancer Society’s research on a cure for cancer. Since then, sports have been her passion, and she has become the Ambassador for Running with the Panama Runners Association. Her life story has been featured in ESPN-Run.
She created the Nasieku With Love Program, which brings help to the most vulnerable throughout Africa. She has been an Ambassador for Special Olympics Panama and is currently part of the Psychology Team for Apadadi – the Panamanian Sports Association of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities. Ayenza represents Panama in running and throwing competitions.
Passionate about helping those reach their maximum potential, Ayenza encourages everyone to dream big and follow their dreams.
Ayenza’s motto is “Never Give Up.“
Park Guide & Landscape Specialist
NADA VERGILI
Nada was born and raised in Florence, Italy, and loves practicing the art of “living to the fullest” and enjoying simple pleasures, a way of life that is often part of the Italian culture.
After almost twenty years as an entrepreneur running a successful travel business and guiding tours of Italy, Nada found herself run down and burnt out. She felt the need to return to a more natural, slower-paced, simpler way of living, so she followed her passion for plants and nature, which lead her to Heal the Planet.
Nada is a holistic gardener and draws inspiration from therapy gardens, sustainable landscaping, permaculture, and Masanobu Fukuoka’s natural farming methods. She inspires people to bring Nature into their daily lives, practicing mindfulness walks, and feeling more balanced through a deeper understanding of the world around us. Nada believes that through our five senses, we can connect with plants on a higher level, getting rid of stress and finding a renewed sense of peace and serenity.
Nada is the recipient of the University of Florida’s 2021 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Award, a state-wide program focused on sustainable and conservation-minded landscaping practices to protect Florida’s environment, wildlife, and natural resources.
SEED Program Educator
Eleisha Watkins
Eleisha is a dedicated educator with a passion for health and wellness. For the past decade she has devoted herself to inspiring young minds in the classroom, sharing her love of learning with students of all ages. Eleisha grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature, developing a deep appreciation for the great outdoors and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
When she is not teaching, Eleisha can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, whipping up delicious and nutritious dishes that nourish both body and soul. A fitness enthusiast, she believes in the power of movement and exercise to transform lives. Eleisha's commitment to health and wellness extends far beyond her own life, as she strives to share her knowledge with others, empowering them to make informed choices and live their best lives.
Eleisha aims to make a positive impact on her community and inspire others to embrace the beauty of healthy living and cherish the wonders of the world around us.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Founder and Chair
KEN FISHER
Kenneth Fisher, founder, and chair of Heal The Planet is a born entrepreneur. At 17, he purchased his first business, a Carvel-type ice cream store. Ken always had a love for real estate since he was a young boy and at 19, purchased his first four residential properties. His interest in business continued to soar, expanding across multiple industries including retail and telecommunications. His two telecommunications companies were twice featured in INC Magazine’s list of Top 500 Fastest Growing Companies.
As a result of his successes, Ken made a conscious choice to give back. He became what he refers to as a philanthropreneur, supporting the fundraising efforts of many charities over the past 30 years that include City of Hope, Joint Distribution Committee, Kids in Distress, JAFCO, HANDY, and Jack & Jill Children’s Center to name a few. Ken also sits on the boards of several non-profits including the national board of GALS INC (GalsInc.org), which is committed to preparing a generation of young women to become well-educated and motivated leaders who contribute instrumentally to society locally and globally. Yet Ken felt there was more he could do.
As a successful businessman, Ken understands the power of commerce. How we spend our money and what we choose to consume have a direct effect on our planet. Making conscious choices on what we do or buy today has a direct impact on the planet’s sustainability, the health and well-being of all its inhabitants, and what we will leave for future generations. Ken is an unstoppable force who lives this vision every day. He is a two-time Ironman, having competed in New Zealand and Brazil. He is committed to pursuing personal growth and living an eco-conscious lifestyle. Still, he knew he could do more.
That’s when the magic happened. Ken enrolled in a two-year Master’s Program in Spiritual Psychology, founded and taught by Dr. H. Ronald Hulnick and Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, world-renowned pioneers and innovators in this field, at the University of Santa Monica. After 25 years in the making, Ken finally realized his dream and launched Heal The Planet, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving life on the planet through educating, inspiring, and empowering the next generation of children.
Like Aristotle and many other philosophers, Ken believes in the concept of entelechy. It is the idea that everything in the universe has an innate ‘possibility’ held within, like a seed, and that potential needs only a supportive environment to be fully expressed. Ken’s entelechy is to leverage his natural enthusiasm, business acumen, and love of people to enhance and uplift the quality of life for others. The joy that comes from supporting others has become the fuel that gets Ken out of bed every morning with a smile and a desire to Heal The Planet.
“There is no greater feeling than to utilize my life experience and innate gifts to inspire others and co-create a more loving, compassionate, and sustainable planet.”
Executive Board Secretary
CHARLES BRUTTEN
Charles Brutten is a lawyer who is passionate about his work, family and other pursuits. Charles enjoys traveling abroad and always has a list of future destinations that he would like to explore. He also enjoys domestic travel, hiking, kayaking, going to concerts and shows, and spending time with his family and friends. One of the global causes that is most important to him is providing wells for fresh water so that more people have access to an ample supply of clean water. He believes that nobody should be relegated to spending the majority of each day of their lives trying to obtain a sufficient quantity of water in order to live to see the next day.
He believes that there is so much potential on the planet if the technologies and information known to and possessed by the first world are shared. He looks forward to maintaining the direction in which Heal the Planet has been led by its founder and providing his support in advancing its scope and reach.
Executive Board Treasurer
AVI WEINTRAUB
Avi Weintraub is the manager and owner of various real estate-related ventures under the Weintraub Companies’ umbrella.
He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Building Construction from the University of Florida where he also studied architectural design. He is a Certified General Contractor and real estate broker. Mr. Weintraub has successfully taken and built on that knowledge to create a multi-faceted full-service company engaged in real estate development, construction and residential property acquisitions, holdings and management.
Mr. Weintraub has been active in the South Florida business community for more than 25 years and his experience encompasses commercial and residential development as well as the construction of scores of projects with over 2,000,000 square feet throughout South Florida, including office complexes, retail centers, schools, warehouses, apartments, condominiums and attached/detached single family homes. His latest projects are a 120,000 square foot office condominium in Aventura, Florida and a 69 unit residential condominium in downtown Miami, Florida.
His companies have received many accolades from various municipalities for design and construction as well as achieving the INC 500 list of Fastest Growing Companies in 2007 and 2008 for Weintraub Construction Company.
Mr. Weintraub is highly involved with, and has volunteered on the boards of several charitable organizations, including the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, State of Israel Bonds as well as a member and board member of the Young Entrepreneur’s Organization.
He is an avid boater and skier and currently resides in Aventura with his wife Maria and their two son’s Sami and Daniel.
Executive Board Member
RON BILBAO
Ron Bilbao is a passionate public affairs professional and skilled political operator who has spent nearly two decades making a difference working at the intersection of tech and politics at all levels of government. Throughout his career, Ron has served as a trusted advisor to CEOs and C-level executives, to mayors and state legislators, and to political candidates and campaigns, including U.S. presidential races.
To win for his clients, Ron combines smart media strategy, savvy public relations, and innovative campaign tactics, along with an established record of community building and stakeholder organizing. From leading the global public affairs efforts for a billion-dollar parking and logistics company to managing one of the largest state legislative campaigns in Florida history, Ron’s unique background has positioned him to navigate the diverse political challenges that businesses face today.
Ron has a track record of policy victories across the U.S. and Canada, working with officials in Central and South America, as well as in markets in Western Europe. His strategic leadership led to the passage of milestone legislation in several major North American cities, including the first ghost-kitchen legislation in the United States. In addition to his corporate work, Ron has worked for some of the nation’s largest, most reputable advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the National Education Association (NEA). His broad policy and legislative expertise encompass issues relating to transportation, mobility and logistics, healthcare, education, labor, civil rights, elections, and criminal justice. He is passionate about social justice and has served as a founder and board member of several nonprofits, including the Carolina Latino Center at UNC Chapel Hill, SAVE LGBT, and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
Ron’s efforts have been widely recognized: he was named one of Miami’s “Leaders of the Future” by Latino Leaders Magazine and one of the “30-under-30 Rising Stars” in Florida Politics. In 2022, he completed Harvard Kennedy School’s program for senior executives in government alongside elected leaders from across the globe. Colleagues and clients have praised Ron’s skills, compassion, and strategic vision, with one describing him as “a thoughtful strategist, cross-functional bridge-builder, and inspiring storyteller who puts people and purpose at the center of all that he does.”
Outside his work, Ron stays active and outdoors, regularly participating in endurance races, including marathons and Ironman events. He lives in Miami Beach with his wife Maria and Siberian husky Lola.
Executive Board Member
MARCELL BENEDETTI
Marcell Benedetti has lived in South Florida for 28 years. She was raised by a single father in Trapani, Sicily. She attended the University of Miami and is involved with many charities like Miami Rescue which helps abused women and children, Red Cross, and Hands on Broward.
She is very conscious of our environment and helped start Little Hands for the Planet with her son which sells environmentally safe products.
Marcell is a member of the Vestry at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and School that oversees the activities at both. She also sits on the St. Mark’s diversity and inclusion committee.
She is active in real estate and manages all legal aspects of her properties. She worked for MB Flagler for four years as a paralegal. She is married and has one son that has attended St. Mark's for 5 years. Her son is also an acolyte for St. Mark's Episcopal Church.
COUNCIL OF ADVISORS
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Amy Ellowitz
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Nicolas Gibb
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Alejandra Griggio
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Ginnie Hebb
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Elizabeth Lender
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Adriana Lozada
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Stephani Martins
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Sandy Stetter
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Leaha Widrowicz-Perl
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Angelika Zymelka
