Greenhouse Committee

Vice President

Don Ciota

Don, a former resident of New Rochelle, has a BA in History from Iona College and an MS in Education from Fordham University. He served for 6 years in the US Army Reserves. Don was the president for many years of a company that manufactured and distributed specialty materials for the microelectronics industry. In addition to being a founding member of Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse, he is a Distinguished Past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Bronx-Westchester South Division. Currently, he is Chairman if the Commission for the Disabled in his hometown of Ridgefield, CT where is also serves as board secretary of the Ridgefield Boys’ and Girls’ Club. Don has 4 grown daughters; two sets of twins! He also has 3 grandchildren ages 17 and another set of twins age 15.

Secretary

Karen Hessel

Karen Hessel is an active New Rochelle volunteer. She created a photo book of New Rochelle called “The 10-10-10 Project: Photos of Life in New Rochelle” where dozens of volunteer photographers submitted thousands of photos. Profits from the book went to the Thomas Paine Cottage, New Rochelle & Huguenot Historical Society, where Karen is a former President. Karen wrote "Learn & Grow" a children's book about Amy's Greenhouse of Barnard School, which was sold in the 9-11 Museum store. Karen was one of the founding members of the Lincoln Park Community Garden and has been an active PTA member in the New Rochelle School District for 15 years. Karen and her daughter, Annie, were active for 7 years at the Humane Society of Westchester at New Rochelle and taught a monthly class to families on how to volunteer. Karen and her husband John have created and continue to maintain an interactive map and website (101010nr.com) that tracks the multi-family developments of New Rochelle. Karen, a Manager, Marketing Data/Demographics at a retail REIT, resides in southern New Rochelle with her husband and adult children.

Treasurer

Sara Haiyan Lee

My name is Sara Lee, and I currently serve as the Vice President of the Asian American Women Empowerment Association. I am driven by the mission to unite forces, empower women, and serve the community.

This commitment to empowerment carries over into my professional life as a small business owner and licensed insurance agent. My work focuses on educating others, building trust, and providing meaningful financial solutions that offer long-term security while helping families build a stable future. Whether through community advocacy or financial planning, my goal remains the same: to provide individuals with the tools they need to thrive.

Previously, I served as a General Cashier Supervisor for a large corporation, where I managed the financial operations of five-star hotels and commercial office rentals. This role allowed me to gain deep expertise in fiscal management.

As the Treasurer for the Children’s Green House, I combine this extensive corporate background with a heart for service. I am honored to apply these skills to ensure the organization remains fiscally sound and transparent, helping to provide a bright and secure future for our community.