Pamlico Rose Institute
The Team
Robert Sands, PhD
Executive Director
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
After retiring from the workforce and working through family challenges, I began to serve the community in various ways. I am active in my family church in Royal, outside of Aurora, NC. I reinstituted the Aurora Richland Township Chamber of Commerce. That role led me to reconnect with many past friends and make new ones. I continue to attend Community meetings always looking for avenues and resources that will lighten the burdens of the residents in a small rural Town that is in decline. The Wellness Garden has become a huge part of my quest to show the Community their need to steer themselves toward better choices of nutrition, "healthy eating, and active living".
Strategic Development Associate
Tia Arakelian
Hi my name is Tia Arakelian and I have recently graduated from the University of Oregon, majoring in Environmental studies and public policy. I previously worked with Pamlico Rose helping build and maintain the wellness gardens in North Carolina. Now I am the Strategic Development Associate working to help grow our mission. I also am an instructor in the online course, The Biocultural Garden, through our Pamlico Rose Academy nature-based wellness program.
Our PRI Wellness Members (East to West)
Wellness Gardens of Aurora, Aurora
Katelyn
​Hello there! My name is Katelyn and I just graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Environmental Science and promptly moved to North Carolina to begin my position at the Aurora Wellness Gardens. I am excited to join like minded individuals and see real change in this garden while applying my academic studies which were rooted in sustainable conservation and restoration ecology. I strongly resonate with the BPSE model and believe that the intersection between art, wellness and the outdoors is where real growth and personal change occurs, so it's exciting for me to join a program with these ideals as their foundation. I've previously interned at a nonprofit environmental afterschool garden in Oregon, as well as completing an industrial hygiene internship which revolved around public health.
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Sean
Hi my name is Sean and I am a PRI Wellness Corps Associate at the Aurora Wellness Garden. I am a recent Tulane University graduate with a dual degree in Public Health and Psychology. While at Tulane I was involved in many student wellness initiatives, particularly those advocating for mental health and nutrition. As a new member of the Aurora Wellness Garden team I hope to put these skills to use and help make the garden a place for people to come together and practice holistic wellness in the outdoors. I look forward to a year of building connections within the community and improving my green thumb!
Living Canvas Urban Garden,
Arts of the Pamlico, Turnage Theatre, Washington
Grace
After moving to North Carolina from New Hampshire a couple of years ago, I have had the pleasure of growing roots in this wonderful community. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology in 2023 and have since worked as a research assistant and residential counselor for troubled youth, experiences that have strengthened my desire to pursue an M.A. specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy while continuing service work nationally and internationally. As an artist passionate about painting, digital art, and muralism, I believe deeply in the power of creativity, as well as the healing and grounding benefits of intentionally reconnecting with nature and community, a philosophy that aligns closely with the mission of Pamlico Rose Institute. When I’m not working on a creative project at the theatre, tending the garden, or spending time with my animals, I love to travel and have explored Costa Rica, England, France, and China. I look forward to new journeys, finding ways to bring some of the world’s beauty back home, and seeing what beautiful things we cultivate next. With PRI, it has been a joy to help preserve and nurture The Living Canvas, our public art and wellness garden at the historic Turnage Theatre. I love helping transform these spaces into vibrant sanctuaries where art, nature, and community come together to help people thrive in the heart of Little Washington.
Briggs Community Garden, Durham
Mel
Native to Durham, NC, Mel is a master gardner and cat enthusiast. Native, fall perennial and trees are the focus, along with an art education in graphic design from NCCU. Mel already spent a lot of time at our desingnated Briggs site in the small fruit tree orchard volunteering, and now engages further with the community through furthering people's understanding of how to grow food and effectively feed themselves.
Peacehaven Farm
Whitsett
Brooke
A person's first time on a farm or growing food or flowers can be very different. My first time was a very healing and pivotal moment in my life. I was 34 years old and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. With each bed weeded and each seed sown became a time in my life I had not yet discovered needed healing. My time away from the farm was nothing short of a detour I felt should have not been taken. 6 years later to the day I set out on a journey to get back in the dirt. I packed up and moved to a new town in all hopes that a farm I had my eye on would be accepting of my madness. One month later that very farm was hiring through their Americorps program. I knew that I probably would have to work hard to make ends meet during the year with Americorps but was willing to do anything to be a part of such a worthy cause. At first I had no idea what Pamlico Rose's mission was exactly. After finding out I knew I had been guided to the very place that would not only allow for my healing but also allow me to engage in my favorite thing, which is serving others. I know this coming year will be everything I imagined and am very blessed to be given such a gift.
Hesed House of Hope
Lincolnton
Member coming soon
Moore County Montessori School
Southern Pines
Member coming soon
Pamlico Rose Institute Board of Directors
Darby Arakelian - Chair of the Board
Allison Greene, PhD - Secretary
LiTonya Wilson, (Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired) - Board Member
Robert Greene Sands, PhD, Board Member