OUR STORY
Hortus Health, established in 2019, is the vision of Liz Spurlock, who joined forces with her husband, Ryan, to bring this initiative to fruition. Prior to this endeavor, Liz had a decade-long career as a speech-language pathologist in various school-based settings in the Philadelphia area, working with individuals of diverse needs. However, as she embarked on motherhood, Liz yearned for an opportunity to engage with the community in a clinical, mentorship, and advocacy capacity.
Hortus Health has become the realization of this aspiration, thanks to collaborations with community partners, participants and their families, dedicated support staff, and other agencies. As Hortus Health has grown, Liz has witnessed the pressing need for these services to provide continuous, meaningful, and unwavering support to this uniquely exceptional population.
From this business venture, beautiful relationships have blossomed with the local community, organizations, and families, further strengthening the bonds that make Hortus Health a valuable contributor to the community's well-being.
MEET OUR TEAM
LIZ SPURLOCK, MS CCC-SLP
Owner/Founder
A dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist, Liz, holds degrees from Temple University and East Stroudsburg University, providing a strong foundation in the field. With years of experience, Liz has had the privilege of working with diverse populations and demographics. Supervising graduate students during their internships has been particularly rewarding for her, as she enjoys helping others grow and develop their skills in the field. Beyond her professional life, Liz is a proud spouse and parent to two wonderful children, with family at the center of her world. In her free time, she can often be found knee-deep in her garden, nurturing plants and watching them flourish—an expression of her love for growth and development in all aspects of life.
An avid learner, Liz is constantly seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge. Whether it's to further her career, enhance her gardening skills, embark on crafting endeavors, or tackle exciting DIY projects, she is always up for a new challenge. Connecting with the community is also a top priority for her, as she believes that building strong ties with those around her is essential for personal and professional growth.
HALEY WAITES
Program Manager
Haley joined Hortus Health in July of 2023. Haley graduated in 2018 from the University of Delaware with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Over the past five years, she has immersed herself in health and human services, driven by a profound passion for assisting individuals in achieving their goals and contributing to the development of welcoming communities. This commitment led Haley to pursue a position with Hortus Health, drawn by the agency's dedication to fostering independence and delivering high-quality services.
Outside of work, Haley has a love for running that dates back to her high school days when she completed two half marathons and served as the captain of the cross country team. Nature and the outdoors hold a special place in her heart, and during her free time, you'll likely find Haley tending to her garden, planting native perennials, or planning her next camping adventure.
Overall, she brings a combination of academic background, hands-on experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for community building to her role at Hortus Health. As a program manager, Haley is most excited about the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with individuals, families, and the community at large. She believes in the power of connections and looks forward to making a positive impact in the lives of those she works with.
JANINE BUONPASTORE
Program Manager
Janine has been with Hortus Health since January of 2023. She started in a direct support role and her hard work and initiative landed her as one of our program managers. Janine, is a graduate from Penn State with a degree in communication sciences and disorders. After spending some time working at the Montgomery County IU she quickly realized a passion for Occupational Therapy and received education to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. With a background in supporting individuals with ASD and a pivot towards occupational therapy, Janine has spent the last few years working on health and fitness goals in the community. Hortus Health aligns perfectly with her goal of making a meaningful impact by fostering independence and building lasting relationships with participants.
In her new role, Janine is excited about connecting with participants on a personal level and working collaboratively as a team, values that resonate with her deeply. On a personal note, she recently became a mother to a baby girl. Family time, walks with her Golden Retriever Rosie, and summer adventures at Sea Isle City are among her favorite pastimes.
Janine is an exceptional member of the Hortus Health team. Her enthusiasm for collaborative teamwork, belief in individual voices, and dedication to family values make her an integral part of our dynamic. With her positive energy and genuine passion for impact, Janine is a valuable asset to our team at Hortus Health.