The Once Upon A Hero TEAM

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Dawn was 26 years old when her father died while trying to save a young girl who fell over a waterfall and was drowning at McConnells Mill State Park. Dawn founded Once Upon a Hero in his honor because she wanted to inspire people the way that her Dad was an example for everyone when he selflessly and heroically passed away. "I want to be a role model for my daughter and the rest of my community as well," she says. Dawn is the President of Once Upon A Hero and is passionate about helping those in need.

Dawn also started her own company, Moments Ever After Photography, because it allows her to be creative and artistic and she loves capturing memories for others. She wishes she would have taken more pictures of everyone that she has lost over the years. She primarily shoots weddings as well as family portraits. "Some day, pictures are all you have left," she says.

Dawn also works as a Paraprofessional at a local Catholic school and she is studying to get her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Western Governers University. She loves children and hopes to have her own classroom one day soon.

She is a major animal lover and enjoys taking care of her pets, gardening, crafting and spending time with her daughter who is her pride and joy.

Chuck is a resident of Cranberry Township and is a talented musician. He has a passion for music and has played the piano for most of his life, inheriting his musical talent from his father. He is the keyboard player for a local band called the Fabulous Gunslingers who often perform at the OUAH Halloween party. 

Chuck joined OUAH because he was a friend of Don's and of the Spillane family. He helps in many different ways, but his main role is in the beneficiary selection process, helping to select individuals or families in need who meet the organization's qualifications and would benefit most from the help.

Favorite Quote: "Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation. Focus on remedies, not faults." – Jack Nicklaus

Ginny lives in Harmony, PA, and works as an Audiologist. She enjoys cooking and baking as well as gardening. She is also a member of a co-ed community service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. Her family and friends are very important to her and she loves spending quality time with them and just having fun.  

Ginny joined OUAH because she was looking for a way to be more involved in the community and wanted to support her friends who are also members. Ginny is the Halloween Party Chair and does a great job for the organization in planning that event.

Favorite Quote: "I studied the lives of great men and famous women, and I found that the men and women who got to the top were those who did the jobs they had in hand, with everything they had of energy and enthusiasm and hard work," – Harry S. Truman

Colin lives in Harmony, PA and is a high school Computer Science teacher, librarian and technology coach at Cranberry Area School District in Venango County. He has previously taught Music and worked as an Instructional Technology Specialist. Colin was inspired early on in life by his teachers, specifically in music and Latin. He knew that he also wanted to be a teacher and inspire others as well. He believes that he is teaching life skills to his students through daily interactions with his students as well as through the classes that he teaches. 

Colin's wife, Ginny, had first joined Once Upon a Hero and Colin wanted to step up to be a contributing member as well. He has taken on the role of the Halloween Party Assistant Chair. 

Additionally, Colin is a volunteer member of a co-ed community service fraternity called Alpha Phi Omega. He also has his own 3D printing company and enjoys spending time with his family.

Patrick Griffin

Mike Griffin

Jack Milne

Kennedy Lowery

Michael Goltz