Executive Team
Adriana Piltz
Founder and CEO, born in Czechoslovakia and a mother of three, Adriana has been a COO and a President for fast paced NYC brokerage firms. Turning her attention to Nicky, her now 21 year-old son with IDD, she left Wall Street in 2018 to leveraged her experience and contacts to launch a new generation of services for IDD adults… Nicky’s Gardens of Hope.
"My Child With Special Needs Is Now A Young Adult, And This Is My Biggest Fear"
Chris Niccolls
Chief Operating Officer, working at the world’s largest Investment Banks, Legal, and Insurance companies, Chris has managed service delivery, created new departments, re-engineered and improved how corporations work. At NGOH Chris works with other team members to develop disruptive innovations, providing residents and their families with higher standards of living.
Thomas VanAntwerp
As Chief Sustainability Officer, Thomas assesses and directs opportunities related to the sustainability of Nicky’s Gardens of Hope and its complementary business lines. He defines strategies that align with the mission to create Intellectually Disabled and Autistic adult housing, programs, and funding. He has 25 years of experience managing teams and complex projects. He is a USMC veteran and graduate of Michigan State University.
Dr. Cliff Robertson Jr.
Cliff is our Director of Business Development. He is a compelling keynote speaker, author, and counselor with a passion for helping the disadvantaged. He founded The Warriors Refuge, a Veterans Homeless Shelter and Resource Center in West Columbia, TX, that provides Counseling for PTSD & Chemical Dependency. He is US Navy veteran and holds degrees from the University of Texas (Communications), Lamar University (Masters of Family Therapy) and the Calvary Christian College & Seminary (Masters and Doctorate in Theology).
Greg McDonald
As Construction Manager and Owners Representative, Greg strategizes and coordinates building planning for NGOH. He has 30 years' experience as a general contractor doing: design & build, interior and exterior high-end renovation, ground-up construction for national chain restaurants, commercial office construction, and multi-family residential projects in New York. Greg has an adult son with autism which allows him to envision the build-out of our community.
Board of Directors
Steve Kelley
President and CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital (ERH) since September 2003. He has a diverse background in the computer, research, and healthcare industries. Under Mr. Kelley’s leadership, ERH has been recognized with 4 national awards from HRSA for patient safety and medication safety, has been recognized by the National Rural Health Association as one of the top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the country for Quality, and has been a leader in New York State in the areas of quality measurement and rural health. Many other significant awards have followed.
Leah Moehlig
Ms. Moehlig Is both a Chartered Financial Analyst and an FSA Credential Holder. She focuses on sustainable investment opportunities and the integration of ESG factors into investment theses. She is an expert in ESG Equity Research Analysis, serving this role at Citi Bank, Calvert Research & Management, and GE Asset Management. She is an active volunteer at Gigi’s Playhouse NYC and is a member of the iMentor Alumni Council. She is a graduate of Michigan State University, and is completing her Master’s Degree in Sustainable Studies at Harvard University.
Jon Merriman
As Head of Capital Markets of B. Riley, Jon develops financial solutions for public & private clients. With over 25 years of I-Bank experience, Jon brings to NGOH a deep understanding of healthcare, technology, & consumer sectors, and his extensive institutional and personal networks. Jon served on numerous private & public company boards. He is a frequent guest or contributor on: Bloomberg TV, CNBC’s “Fast Money”, The Wall Street Journal, and Barron’s, and contributes to numerous charities and non-profits.
Patrick O'Brien
Mr. O'Brien has over 50 years of experience in international travel and hospitality management, across North & South America, the Caribbean, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Pat is the Lead Independent Director of Cinedigm Corporation (CIDM:NASDAQ), an independent distributor of streaming content. Member of the Board of Trust of ICPW Nevada Liquidation, and currently a private investor. Previously Chairman of the Board and CEO of Livevol, Inc., a leader in equity and index options technology. Mr. O'Brien also formed Granville Wolcott Advisors, serving as its Managing Director & Principal consulting on due diligence, and asset management.
Fred Waring III
Mr. Waring has an extensive background in land-acquisition research, construction projects, and commercial and residential property sales. Since 1990 Fred has held his New York Real Estate license, managing a portfolio of commercial and luxury properties, and Manhattan apartments.
In 2002, he started the Fred Waring Foundation to support orphans and street children in Cambodia. Fred’s mission is to build centers that incorporate housing, vocational training, manufacturing, farming and recreation for young adults no longer eligible for the shelter an orphanage may offer. Fred plans to continue his charitable work in Cambodia and hopes to expand into other regions.
Fred spent 14 years in the music business, touring the country as a drummer for various performers. He is the grandson of Fred Waring, Big Band leader, Congressional Gold Medal recipient and inventor of the Waring blender.
Advisory Board
Michael Clulee
Michael is one of the original supporters of Nicky's Gardens of Hope. Having sold his first energy company at 30, he speaks softly and carries a lot of business expertise. His quiet professionalism provides a trusted conduit between capital markets, family offices, and businesses who need positive outcomes that navigate complex transactions. He is the founder of Toll Bridge Company, which fills the role of buy-side intermediary, and has offices in New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, and San Diego.
Sandy Margetis
Corporate Development Officer, Sandy’s career began in the US Air Force (USAF), leading the deployment & operations of aeromedical evacuation teams during Operation Enduring Freedom (‘01 – ‘02), retiring after 26 years as the Deputy Commander of the 146th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a reservist she leveraged her medical background working 28 years at Abbott Laboratories, in leadership positions at corporate headquarters. Sandy is committed to using her health care experience to improve the lives of the less fortunate, consulting in care design & business development with Nicky’s Gardens of Hope.
George Raab
Formerly the Chief Financial Officer for Guggenheim Partners brokerage business, and the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer of Bear Stearns’ Investment Bank, George has also served as the Chief Financial Officer of New York City’s Department of Education, where he managed their $20 billion budget. In addition to George’s extensive background in driving profitability and identifying operational and financial risk, George is also the father of five children, including a son with autism, and is active in Catholic Charities.
Sandra Ditore
Sandra Ditore is Regional Director of Membership for the East Region at Family Office Exchange (FOX). In her role, Ms. Ditore is responsible for identifying prospective family and advisor members, assessing their needs and priorities, and ensuring they have a deep understanding of the benefits of FOX membership. In addition to new member acquisitions, Sandra is responsible for identifying and securing sponsorship for FOX forums and educational workshops.
Sandra has more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing. Before joining FOX in 2002, Sandra was a Senior Account Manager for a Chicago-based healthcare communications firm, where she developed marketing strategies for global pharmaceutical brands. Prior to this, she held research and marketing positions at several Wall Street investment banking firms, including Drexel Burnham Lambert, Dean Witter Reynolds, and Dillon Read & Co.
