Pamlico Rose Institute

The Team

Robert Sands, PhD

Executive Director

&
Program Director, PRI Wellness Corps

Robert R. Greene Sands, Ph.D., is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Pamlico Rose Institute for Sustainable Communities. An anthropologist by training, Dr. Sands brings over three decades of experience in cultural research, education, and nonprofit leadership to his work advancing wellness through nature-based programs. He led the development of PRI’s flagship initiative, transforming Rose Haven in Washington, NC, into a center of healing and a model for community-driven wellness gardens.

Dr. Sands’ innovative approach blends evidence-based health practices, creative expression, and service learning. He has designed and taught interdisciplinary courses, led AmeriCorps initiatives focused on food security and healthy living, and contributed to national dialogues on military and veteran wellness. As a writer, artist, and gardener, he believes that healing and resilience grow where people find purpose, community, and a connection to nature.

Our PRI AmeriCorps Wellness Team

Senior Strategic and Operational Consultant
Kelly Earp, PhD

Kelly M. Earp is a multi-disciplinary strategic leader, offering 25 years of experience in health, business, research, and innovation. She is the Founder/CEO of KayeM, Inc. and has earned recognition from college, university, and national level organizations, including two consecutive maternal and child health traineeship awards. She also holds a concurrent affiliation with Duke University School of Nursing, and has served on multiple boards.

Trained in public health, community and family health, and medical anthropology, Dr. Earp has applied her skills across multiple sectors, including academic, non-profit, government, and small business. She has worked with multiple government funders including USAID, NIH, and VA HSR&D. The connection between all her efforts is a desire to develop and/or lead teams in the execution of innovative, pragmatic, appropriate solutions to complex challenges.

Aurora Gardens Coordinator

Joy Dunn

Long a resident of Aurora and Beaufort County, Joy was our first resident we met when we started exploring the possibility of a wellness garden in Aurora. Over the last 18 months, she was a frequent visitor and became our biggest advocate in the community. Her almost 20 years of service to the Richland/Aurora Chamber of Commerce has been valuable to extend and provide deeper our outreach A firm believer in the many benefits that can be realized from a wellness garden, especially the opportunity for folks to become more involved in creating/sustaining a healthy living lifestyle. The next logical step in our friendship/partnership was for Joy to join our team and we haven't looked back since she became the garden coordinator for our Wellness Gardens of Aurora . Of course, we also get to spend quality time with Samantha, a win-win all the way around.

Our Members

Wellness Gardens of Aurora, Aurora -

Currently, we have two openings at Aurora

Briggs Community Garden, Durham - Mel Williams

Arts of the Pamlico, Turnage Theatre, Washington -Lisa Hodges

Lisa grew up with parents who lived through the Depression and taught her to make the most of what you have, passing down lessons in hard work, gardening, raising animals, making art, reading, doing your best, and building a family with love and grace. She first trained as a secondary science teacher before shifting into physical therapy, beginning a 42-year career in pediatric PT in 1983 that included work across multiple states, teaching courses, and supporting therapists and parents through coaching approaches. After retiring in September 2024, she launched into her next chapter by training as a Master Gardener through NCSU, earning her certification after coursework, an exam, and volunteer hours. She’s also a mosaic artist and recent Best in Mixed Media winner in a local juried Fine Arts Show. When the Beaufort County Arts Council and PRI invited her to help coordinate a community project blending wellness, gardening, and art, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring all her skills together.

Whitsett - Antionette Cuthbertson & Ashley Ventura Salmeron

Antionette was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the youngest of four siblings. She graduated early from James B. Dudley High School in 2023 and has since dedicated herself to serving her community. Through volunteer work with local organizations, Antionette has supported youth and neighborhood wellness by managing arts-based programs focused on painting, photography, and creative expression.

As a member of the PRI Wellness Corps, Antionette brings her passion for the arts, reading, animal care, and agriculture into her service. She hopes to use her talents to help others find joy and healing through creativity and connection to nature. Her commitment to community wellness and her compassionate approach make her a valued contributor to the Gardening to Wellness initiative.

Our team practices what we preach

Wherever or whomever we serve, we promote the notion that achieving and sustaining healthy lives depends on a holistic and integrated wellness approach engaging mind, body and soul. Our team models this in our service and personal lives. We are firm believers in healthy eating and sustainable and "natural" gardening. We are artisans and creators, animal lovers, teachers and advocates who appreciate the power of nature-based education. We are promotors of community-based approaches to wellness and in general public health. If not "us" who live in and around our gardens, then who?