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We are so grateful for Tara Monaco, who spent the summer tending to The Neighborhood Academy’s community garden.

As a student in the Master Gardener Program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Tara’s efforts in beautifying the space benefited both her class and her own gardening skills!

Tara worked with Kristin Rubin’s science students to plant marigolds in class. “The students watched the seeds germinate in peat moss right there in the classroom, and when they were ready, I planted them outside,” said Tara. “I love working in the community, and this project gave me pure joy. My two-year-old grandson joined me a few times to help water the plants!”

Tara is a native Pittsburgher and lives in Edgewood. She spent 15 years with UPMC Health Plan during which time she had the opportunity to explore several areas of philanthropic interest. That led her to a career at Northwestern Mutual which is a significant donor to The Neighborhood Academy. Tara has historically volunteered with charities that focus on food insecurity, and we are grateful that she has found The Neighborhood Academy!

“Volunteering with The Neighborhood Academy is inspirational,” she said. “Schools like The Neighborhood Academy can change the world. There should be one in every community. The students are our future, and that’s what really matters.”