Lagom Landing is co-directed by Rock Castor and Laurel Nelson.
As young adults, both Rock and Laurel benefited from “gap years” of their own.
Rock (above, right) did not know what he wanted to do when he graduated from high school. So, he went to Papua New Guinea as a volunteer at age 18. There, he was exposed to simple pole construction, and within six months was writing home, “I’ve figured out what I want to do!”
Since then, Rock has run his own construction business in Western New York (over 35 years!). He supervises the construction component of Lagom Landing with a contagious enthusiasm for the joy that comes from working with his hands. Some of Rock’s other favorite parts of the program are making maple syrup and apple cider. Rock also loves to ski and to play tennis and ping-pong. He serves as the “fun committee” at Lagom Landing.
Before Laurel (above, left) became an ordained minister with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a calling that originally brought her to Western New York, she spent a year with the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Young Adult Volunteer program as a volunteer in Jerusalem.
The faith of Palestinian Christians inspired Laurel’s pursuit of ministry. Today she is the leader of Lagom Landing’s gardening, cooking, and personal development activities. Laurel has continued her interest in humanitarian and environmental issues, loves hiking and preparing for triathlons, and receives life from cooking and gardening. Laurel’s commitment to building community partnerships with Lagom’s “country neighbors” makes it possible for us to cater to the interests and needs of each student.
Support Staff and Board of Directors
Administrative Assistant, Terri Burkett – Hemlock, New York
Terri’s background is in printing and publicity and her passion is increasing opportunities for underprivileged youth, especially urban young people. In her role at Lagom Landing, she wears many hats including marketing, website maintenance, student recruitment, and bookkeeping. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, bread baking, reading, and learning new skills in sustainability as she homesteads with her husband and children.
Board President, Gretchen Roth – Geneseo, NY
Gretchen is a classroom assistant at Geneseo Central School and has a passion for young people. She has also served as Christian Educator at Geneseo Central Presbyterian Church. Gretchen’s extensive experience with youth and young adults, her past-life as a professional cook, and her ability to discover and develop gifts in people, make her an asset to the Board.
Board Secretary, Bob Insull – Brighton, NY
Dr. Bob is an NY State Licensed Psychologist with more than 50 years experience teaching, training, and treating in the arena of human behavior. In his clinical practice, he has worked across the developmental stages (children to golden-agers), across the diagnostic spectrum (chemical dependency, severe mental illness, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and PTSD), and treatment settings (clinics, inpatient psychiatric centers, and private practice). During the closing years of his practice, he became interested in the area of psychological trauma and worked with survivors in individual and group settings. Dr. Bob, a native of NY City, has lived in Brighton with his wife, Joanne, for 38 years. They have three grown children and six grandchildren. He has been retired from active practice for about 10 years and spends his time engaged in social-change activities with his church and with the Rochester Alliance of Communities Transforming Society (Roc/ACTS)
Board Treasurer, Cindy Schmitt – Geneseo, NY
Cindy is a retired English teacher who was an educator for 34 years. She is a member of the Geneseo Central Education Fund board and is a runner, walker, and avid reader.
Board Member, Grequan Carter – Rochester, NY
Grequan is a Life Coach, Author, Owner of Gre’s Concoctions/Hawk Renaissance/RECivation, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Nature Photographer and Program Director for the nonprofit, Inclusive Woods and Us.
Gre is a nature lover who promotes/facilitates healing and living in abundance through presence, curiosity, energy and play. A social justice advocate by utilizing the arts to build community and promote self expression and positive mental health. Most importantly Grequan Carter is a proud father!
Board Member, Betty Reinhart– Conesus, NY
Betty is a retired School Counselor of 38 years who continues to work part-time in the Restorative Justice field for Partners in Restorative Initiatives, a nonprofit in Rochester. She loves doing Community Building Circles and training and especially honored to share this restorative practice at Lagom Landing. She also teaches Grounded Kids Yoga and lives with her partner of 14 years, Barry. She loves being a Mom and a new grandmother!
Board Member, Andrea Stein – Bloomfield, NY
Andrea is the Chief Operating Officer for Beacon Solutions Group, a company that specializes in helping medical providers improve their revenue cycle and reimbursement. She is an organist at the West Bloomfield Congregational Church and currently serves as the church clerk. She is an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Andrea has been an adventure seeker most of her life and enjoys traveling. When Andrea and her husband Robert married they combined their families and together have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. Her son, Jake was part of the 2018-19 Lagom Landing cohort.