FOUNDER, DIRECTOR & LEAD GARDENER

John Curtis is the founder, director and lead gardener at The Giving Gardens. He believes that many of the problems that face modern humanity could be solved by reconnecting people with their landscapes. For more than 25 years, John and his partner, KMC, operated Barefoot Gardens CSA,  a small farm-based business where they grew vegetables, herbs, flowers and berries and fostered a sense of community among their members.  John also served on the board and as president of Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a statewide nonprofit that develops policy and advocates for local food initiatives throughout Illinois.

AMERICORPS PEACE CORPS FELLOW

Whitney grew up on a farm in McDonough County which inspired her to study environmental sustainability, gardening, and landscape design as an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois. After graduating, she joined the team to give back to her local community and learn more about how gardening can make the world a better place. She helps lead other team members in addition to physical garden work, internal capacity building, volunteer coordination, and event planning. Whitney loves being part of the team because she found a sense of community and she believes her AmeriCorps service truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & FINANCE

Nicole is an experienced nonprofit program director with a deep passion for plants, home gardening, and foraging wild edibles. She joined The Giving Gardens team to drive infrastructure and capacity building, support expansion efforts, and expand her own gardening expertise on a larger scale. A firm believer in the organization’s mission and vision, Nicole is dedicated to providing the community with fresh, healthy nutritional options. Beyond her professional role, she delights in tending the gardens and contributing to both their growth and that of the organization—finding true joy in wandering through a blooming garden bursting with vibrant colors and life.

AMERICORPS VISTA MEMBER

Tyler began volunteering with The Giving Gardens in 2025 and joined the team as a full-time AmeriCorps VISTA member through the IIRA in March 2026. Passionate about nature and community service, he views gardening as an opportunity to strengthen connections between people and the environment while promoting biodiversity and food access. Tyler is especially committed to serving marginalized and underserved communities and hopes to continue building programs that foster inclusion, belonging, and equitable access to resources. Being a part of The Giving Gardens allows him to combine his love of nature with meaningful service to the community.

Board President

Ann Miller Titus is a fiber artist living in Quincy, IL. She was introduced to the concept of public access gardens for all through her acquaintance with founder John Curtis and worked with Giving Garden staff and volunteers in 2023 and 2024 to establish a Mission, Vision and Values statement for the organization. The process was one of anticipation and hope. Ann has served on the Board of two other non-profit organizations, offering her organizational and leadership skills and is currently the President of the Giving Gardens Board. Ann believes strongly in the important role that non-profit organizations play in their communities and is honored to be a part of The Giving Gardens.

Board Treasurer

Jeanne has lots of great memories of working in the family garden, from planting, weeding, and harvesting with her dad, to processing those harvests with her mom for fall and winter storage (--the corn involved the whole family!), and then enjoying that delicious fresh and stored food year-round. She recognizes now how fortunate she was to have had all of that, and supports The Giving Gardens as a way to help more people and new generations get those experiences and enjoy great food. A retired librarian, Jeanne brings her attention to detail, organizational skills, and a great love of time spent outdoors to The Giving Gardens’ Board of Directors.

Board Secretary

Addie serves as Board Secretary for The Giving Gardens and brings her experience in design, communication, and community storytelling to the board. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn more about gardening while supporting a mission that reflects generosity, connection, and care for one another. Addie believes that communities are stronger when people come together to share what they have, grow what they can, and help make fresh, nourishing food more accessible to everyone.

Board Member

Jim DiTulio supports the values and mission of The Giving Gardens through his work as an active volunteer and board member. After retiring from Western Illinois University in 2018, as a college mental health counselor and administrator, he spent five years as an active musician. Through The Giving Gardens, Jim has rediscovered the joy of being outdoors, connecting with the earth, and working alongside others to share the harvest.

Board Member

Bio coming soon.