meet the team

"Be the change you would like to see in the world."

This is one of Keeley’s favorite quotes and one she tries to live by each and every day. Keeley is a native of Walnut Grove, MS and currently resides in the Petal, MS area. Keeley is a Case Reviewer for a federal contractor and a graduate of Jackson State University. Much like her in professional career, Keeley finds the value in helping others on a personal level become their best selves.  Keeley has always been involved in her community, from serving as a Girl Scouts’ Trooper Leader, to volunteering at the Blair E. Baston’s children’s hospital, to now being the founder of a non-profit Community Garden, that is focused on combating food insecurity and teaching children about food sustainability in her local area. She believes that in order for each of us to be blessed we first have to be a blessing. It is far greater to give than to receive. Keeley is hoping to inspire others to take the same approach in creating a sustainable world for not just this generation but future generations to come.

Katelyn Pace has been a Petal resident since 2019 and is currently serving as President of Petal Healing Gardens. Professionally, she works as a sales associate at Miskelly Furniture in Hattiesburg. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in her home garden where she grows primarily cut flowers. She lives with her husband, Murphy Pace and their dog Scooby. 

  Pacer Frierson serves as the Vice President of the Petal Healing Garden. As a civil engineer, his passion is bringing projects to life for the benefit of others. Pacer recently moved to Petal with his wife, Jessa Moreno Frierson, a long time Petal resident. He is excited for the opportunity Petal Healing Garden has given him to expand his passion to his new home. 

Dee lives in Petal with her husband, Jarod, and young daughters, June and Daisy.  She is a librarian and faculty member at William Carey University where she demonstrates enthusiasm for information literacy and is committed to life-long learning.  Though not a Petal native, she has grown to love the community and residents since moving here in 2014.  An admirer of the natural world and certified Master Gardener, Dee knew she wanted to be a part of Petal Healing Garden from the moment Keeley shared her vision.  Dee aims to be an active citizen, working to create positive change wherever she can.  An enthusiastic member of Petal Jaycees since 2018, Dee currently serves on the Petal Jaycees Board of Directors as Chairman and Immediate Past President, as well as the 76th State President of JCI Mississippi Jaycees.  In true Jaycees spirit, Dee believes that “service to humanity is the best work of life.”       

Amy Ward McBrayer has always believed in the power of community. She grew up in Petal and spent 10 years living in New Orleans and has witnessed firsthand the effects of food insecurity from small towns to big cities. As an enthusiastic plant mom, she believes in the healing power of community gardens and that these gardens can play a critical role in encouraging a community’s growth. Amy is currently pursuing her MBA at Western Governor’s University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management. 

Christy Tartavoulle is the president and founder of Local Media Solutions LLC. She brings to the table 24 years of experience in marketing  with a focus on local businesses and image development. Experience includes leadership in managing local businesses growth using digital, broadcast and print advertising as well as implementing measurable goals and objectives, relative to expanding and maintaining the businesses development efforts. Her passion is helping the less fortunate.. Petal Healing Gardens to her is a foundation being born for giving back to our community.