Volunteer Spotlight: Donna Showalter

By Greta Engel

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

Donna Showalter has loved Phipps ever since she first visited on a field trip in seventh grade. On one of her visits she told a docent, “I would live at Phipps if they would let me.” Donna then connected with Volunteer Coordinator Deb Knorr and has been volunteering for about a year now! Growing up on a small farm, she has always enjoyed being around animals and plants. “I have a deep respect for the environment and I see the need to protect it,” says Donna. She dreads the winter months when she cannot tend to her garden so her home has been filled with houseplants to make up for it!

After retiring from her nursing career  a few years ago, Donna has kept herself busy. She currently holds a seat on the Derry school board and is also on a church council. When the Derry school district goes on field trips and needs a nurse, Donna is always happy to volunteer! Since she is an avid gardener, Donna decided to become a Master Gardener at Penn State Westmoreland County in 2019. She also joined the Derry Area Historical Society about 15 years ago to take over their garden. Her garden at home is in the shade, so she was very excited to look after a garden in the sun!

As the weather has warmed up, Donna has been volunteering in the Discovery Garden at Phipps. Throughout the winter, she spent time helping out in the Fern Room and the Stove Room. While volunteering, she had the opportunity to hold a cockroach and enjoyed the experience so much that she now wants one! Donna’s favorite part of volunteering is to see the improvement of a particular space that she has been working on. “It is so satisfying to help the gardens look so beautiful,” she says. Donna also loves the staff at Phipps and how dedicated they are to their work! “They answer my questions and I’ve learned so much from them,” she explains. Donna looks forward to learning more as she continues volunteering at Phipps!