Our Team
Greg Schwabe
Founder & CEO
As a member of the U.S. Army, I was stationed around the globe working in Clandestine Ops, Counterintelligence and Counter Terrorism. Since retiring from active duty, I have battled Post-Traumatic Stress and volunteered with a number of organizations providing counseling and support to trauma survivors. Throughout my recovery, I have practiced multiple styles of therapy, from cognitive to written exposure therapy to over-exposure therapy. I have been prescribed several medications and have relied on my faith and spirituality to help cope with my PTS. Today I am a father and husband first, as well as a film and TV actor, writer, producer, and technical & tactical advisor. I also serve as the senior security advisor for the Munich Security Conference where world leaders come together each year to discuss global threats. While in South Africa working on a film, my wife Sue and I first had the opportunity to visit Sable Plains. As I experienced firsthand the healing power of nature and photography, the idea for Deeper Roots and Operation S.O.S. was born.
Sue Schwabe
Founder & President
I’ve spent most of my career running various commercial businesses, but have always had a deep desire to help vulnerable people. Some of my most enjoyable experiences have been volunteering at non-profits that help foster children, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Five Acres blending my skills and passion to help raise funds and awareness, and build a volunteer base for the organization. Through my husband Greg, I was introduced to the prevalent trauma veterans bear. After visiting Sable Plains with him, it became clear that we needed to create Deeper Roots to provide opportunities and experiences to those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them but need them most. While in 2024 we are focused on Operation S.O.S., in the future our journeys in nature will expand to benefit other vulnerable populations, including orphans and disadvantaged young people. I believe healing, joy, hope and love come from the connections between faith, nature, animals, and humans. But often it takes work to get there. Where there are those who may feel disconnected, we would like to be a bridge for them to get across to the other side. As Tolkien wrote, "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.”
Drew DeSimone
COO
I am a seasoned business executive and professional nature and wildlife photographer who has helped lead organizations across a diverse range of industries, from spearheading startups to guiding established leaders in biotech, professional sports, television and entertainment, arts and culture, and education. As an artist, educator, and consultant, I have dedicated the last six years to collaborating with nonprofit organizations across the United States. Driven by a profound love for animals and a genuine concern for the environments we coexist in, my personal connection to mental health advocacy has shaped my perspective. In joining Deeper Roots, I find not only a professional synergy but also a deep alignment with an organization and mission that hold immense significance to me. This venture represents an opportunity for me to contribute meaningfully to a cause I wholeheartedly believe is important.
Emily Peters
Board Secretary
There are two career values that I hold closest to my heart: create content that helps people, and do so with as few typos as possible. I’ve spent the lion’s share of the last fifteen years specializing in both corporate communications and nonprofit philanthropy, and consider advocacy—especially regarding issues impacting current and former foster youth—my true north. Throughout my career in corporate and nonprofit communication, I've learned to blend best practices from both sectors for maximum storytelling impact, and do my best work when offering people the insight and inspiration they need to impact themselves and others for the better.
Christopher Han
Finance Director
I graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Accounting. My professional journey has led me through roles in Internal Audit with an emphasis in SOX compliance and Real Estate Asset Management. Beyond the corporate realm, I’ve dedicated 12 years to the finance committee at my church, assuming the role of committee chair for the last four. This experience has not only honed my financial acumen but also ignited a passion for service. I am eager to leverage my diverse skill set for the mission of Deeper Roots with a commitment to financial integrity and a positive impact to those we serve.