Daniel’s Den Playground
Who we are…so far…
Find out a little bit about who has enlisted in the Daniel’s Den Playground “army”.

DENISE HALDEMAN is the inspiration for and general coordinator for Daniel’s Den Playground. The mother of three wonderful kids, she loves to sing and share her contagious enthusiasm for efforts that benefit all children. Denise simply says, “I want all kids to play together.”

LISA SEAMAN: is co-chair of the special needs committee and co-chair of the children’s committee for Mountville Elementary. Her husband, two children, and she live in Mountville and she works part-time as an occupational therapist at a local hospital helping adults regain their independence following an illness or injury. “We have a five-year-old daughter and two-year-old son,” Lisa says. “Our son has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and autism. He is not able to explore and enjoy a playground the same as most children his age, but could if there was one designed to meet his needs. I am involved with Daniel’s Den for him so that he can experience one of the best parts of being a child—play. I am also doing this for our daughter who loves to see her brother explore and learn new things. This program will allow them to play together, as well as with other children. I look forward to making wonderful memories and new friends at Daniel’s Den Playground.”

JODI CARPENTER: is putting her graphic arts gifts to work for DDP as the design and special features chairwoman, and is also co-chair of the fund-raising committee. Along with colleague Misty Young, she planned and orchestrated a terrific Harvest Festival that raised close to $4,000 for DDP.

JEN CREASON: is special needs committee co-chairperson. She is a full-time wife, mommy of two, and is a physical therapist working part-time for Schreiber Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. Jen says, “I chose to be involved in this awesome (Daniel’s Den Playground) project in order to use my talent and do my part to help build a place for all children to play.”

BRIAN FUNK: is the area director of Joni and Friends. Says Brian, “For years I have had a heart and passion to make a difference in the lives of people and families affected by disabilities. On Dec. 1, 2006, I became the new area director for Joni and Friends, Eastern Pennsylvania. My ‘job’ now allows me to fulfill my passion in life. I became involved in DDP because everyone has value and purpose and I wish to be involved in a playground designed for all children.”

BRYAN GERLACH: is the project treasurer. Bryan’s inspiration is that, “I want to be involved in providing this for the community.”

BETSY GONZALEZ: is a grant committee member. She has two daughters and is a neighbor of DDP founder, Denise Haldeman. Betsy says, “I think every community should have a playground where all children can play, particularly those with physical limitations. I would love to see Daniel have a place to play.”

BRAD GROFF: owns River Valley Landscapes and is the father of three daughters. He is an involved and enthusiastic parent and heads up the DDP children’s committee at Central Manor Elementary School. Children at the school have designed beautiful holiday cards to raise money for DDP.

DANIELLE GROSS is a Millersville University freshman, majoring in special education, who enjoys running and spending time with her friends. Danielle says, “I helped build Possibility Place (in Harrisburg) and I think Daniel’s Den is a wonderful idea. I love to help kids!”

AMY GRUBE is a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer.  For 10 years she was active in the Junior League of Lancaster and currently serves on volunteer committees for the Hempfield School District and Montessori Academy of Lancaster. Says Amy, “I chose to volunteer for Daniel's Den because it is such a great project and long overdue.  In the past I volunteered for Aaron's Acres, a program for special needs children, where my respect and admiration grew for these amazingly gifted children and their families. Daniel's Den is one way in which I can give something back to them.”

MARK HACKENBURG: is one of three principal owners of RGS Associates, land development consultants headquartered in Brownstown. Mark is lending his construction expertise and serving as a liaison with building firms. Mark states, “I have a passion for children and their needs. Our company typically looks for an opportunity to give back to the community through a service project each year, and this year our support is for Daniel’s Den.

KEN HUSSAR: is director of information. He is a married father of three grown children, retired Penn Manor elementary teacher, and has been doing stand-up comedy for over 40 years. He says, “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to serve a cause that will be a great blessing to and touch the lives of thousands.”

LYNN JONES-HOATS: is System of Care Coordinator for Special Kids Network, and takes the prize for traveling the greatest (Allentown area) distance to contribute her expertise and energy. She is the mother of three and is investigating the obtaining of grant funding for the playground.

LINDSAY MONTAGUE: is a Millersville student, majoring in special/elementary education, and is on our fund-raising committee. She is an outgoing person who, “Absolutely loves kids!” Lindsay says, “I love helping any way I can, particularly when it comes to helping kids.”

ANNA NIESLEY: is a service coordinator with Lancaster-Lebanon I.U. 13. She works with preschool aged children with special needs and served on a playground committee in the Boston area when her children were younger.

CATHI PALERMO: says, “I learned about this great project from my sister, Betsy.” Cathi is contributing her background in media and marketing to the effort.

KATIE ROMAGNDI: is another of our wonderful Millersville University special/elementary education students. Katie is the webmaster and creator of this site. She met project coordinator, Denise Haldeman, through a special education class and was hooked. Katie notes, “My favorite thing to do is help others and this is a terrific opportunity to do just that. I’m pleased to be a part of this wonderful project!”

MISTY YOUNG: is a talented graphic artist who is a fund-raiser coordinator and design and special features co-coordinator. Her tireless efforts helped make the Harvest Festival a success. Misty says, “I love Daniel’s Den Playground because it is a great cause. There is no place like it in Lancaster County, and we need a playground where all children can play!”

CHERYL BOULANGER: is Daniel’s Den’s secretary. She has three boys ages 9,7, and 5, and works at the Water Street Rescue Mission’s medical clinic. Cheryl is a wish granter and is involved with groups that touch and work to better life qualities for children—our future.

JILL KRING CARTER: is a professional writer who is assisting DDP by planning a golf exhibition and doing grant writing. She and her husband Steven have two girls Annalee and Miranda. Jill is overly-committed—all for good things--- and when asked why she became involved with DDP her instant response was, “How could I not?”

DEB FRANSSEN: is the mother of four sons, soon to be a grandmother, who has taken on the mammoth task of volunteer coordinator. She cheerfully tends to these duties in an efficient manner. Her friend Deb Peterman encouraged her to join the DDP team.

DUANE NEWSWANGER: is the tools coordinator who claims (probably true!) that he was drafted. Duane and his committee are charged with one of the most challenging jobs as we prepare for Build Week and are encouraged by all who have stepped forward to loan or donate tools. (Many more are still needed!)

KIM OLSON: is a landscape architect for RGS Associates in Brownstown. Originally from Missouri, Kim relocated to Lancaster three years ago. A key player on the volunteer committee, Kim notes, “Disability touches each of our lives in many different ways. Daniel’s Den will provide an opportunity for all children to interact with the equipment and each other on a level playing field.”

DEB PETERMAN: is an occupational therapist at S. June Smith Center, and serves on DDP’s volunteer committee. She met DDP founder Denise and son Daniel at a hippotherapy session after Thanksgiving, and she and Deb Franssen agreed to coordinate volunteers. Says Deb, “I was finishing a “Daniel” Bible study and it (DDP) seemed like a natural progression.”

DONNA SHERTZER: is on the DDP fundraising team. She is a person who is “committed to completion.” Donna relates, “Wow! What a great concept. I also volunteer for Make-a-Wish and thought that DDP is a great connection. There is nothing better than hearing and seeing children laugh.”

JEFF WEAVER: is doing exceptional work on the tools committee. He humbly describes his motivation for DDP involvement by simply stating, “I am a family-oriented guy.”

And, profiles like these continue to roll in and will be added to this space. Incidentally, we have space for your name and would be honored to add you to this roster. We expect that you will be as excited as we are! We urge you to call Denise Haldeman
(717.898-6108) to let her know how you wish to be involved.