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Our diverse team blends experiences to impact lives

Claudia Ehrgott is Creative Director and Trustee for In Awe Foundation. She is founder and retired owner of Graphic Image Inc. in Budd Lake, NJ. Since 1978, they provided graphic design, print, signage and promotional items to small and large businesses and advertising industry professionals, delivering quality, service, and value. Claudia is currently a free-lance graphic designer and printing project consultant, and further shares her skills in home remodeling design and project management. She has a BA in Communications from Rutgers College where she also worked at the Rutgers Daily Targum newspaper and on a campus magazine. Claudia serves as the recording secretary for the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce board. In 2018, she was recognized with the President’s Award for her above-and-beyond contributions to the chamber. She is also a Trustee for the 200 Club of Morris County which recognizes and benefits first responders and their families.

In her spare time, Claudia is interested in history, art, travel and all types of exercise, having completed 6 marathons and more than 20 half marathons in the past 10 years. She enjoys spending time with her family in Morris County and at the Jersey shore.

3 Whys by Claudia Ehrgott:

  1. What is attractive about InAwe Foundation: Life doesn’t always work out as planned or imagined. The greater powers throw both the strong and weak curve-balls that we may or may not be able to “handle”. I am so grateful for having a great life. I have NEW PHOTO TO COME survived and been strengthened by losing my father at age 14, watching “in awe” as my mom raised myself and 3 younger siblings, never complaining or wanting much beyond our means, and ultimately being successful mature adults our dad would be proud of. I have faced emotionally supporting several people close to me over the past few years affected by some of the same challenges confronted by this audience. But, we roll with the punches and adapt and grow. I appreciate InAwe’s mission to help people going through difficult times with a unique approach addressing the disappointment or ineffectiveness of prior counseling methods. I hope to help increase the awareness of the foundation to help others in similar situations, and perhaps increase my own compassion and ability to help myself and others through difficult times to ultimately enjoy a life full of love, enjoyment, vitality and strength
  2. What attracted me to Meena: Meena and I originally met about 8 years ago when she was first in the process of founding InAwe. She came into my graphics and printing business for help with some marketing materials. We lost touch over the years, but reconnected last year through a couple of mutual acquaintances. We immediately formed a bond and I expressed interest in working and volunteering with Meena and InAwe to advance their visual communication presence and mission of “clarity, simplicity and expandability” through branding and marketing. Meena has an amazing innate energy and warmth that surround all that meet her. She is immensely generous, kind and compassionate. Her intelligence and ability to communicate well are instantly apparent, both qualities I admire and aspire to as personal life goals. It is easy to see how her journey led to the work she is doing with InAwe Foundation.
  3. Coaching the Heart Model: As I mentioned, I have personally witnessed failed or incomplete recoveries to life’s challenges. As I am beginning to learn about Meena and InAwe’s Coaching the Heart Model based on writing and journaling, I can see the great possibility for success. In my opinion and brief experiences, those that need help are often bound by denial, guilt and despair. I have always had the belief that the body, mind and spirit can heal and do amazing things. In the thick of despair, many people cannot release themselves to admitting problems and getting the proper help. I love the connection between mental, physical and spiritual energy. As a marathon runner, I have learned my body can do hard things I never imagined it could do, which carried over to many aspects of everyday life. As a small woman-owned business founder and owner for 42+ years in a male-dominated industry, I have also achieved what I may have been too innocent to realize. In the next chapter of my life as a retired business owner, grandmother and volunteer, I hope to make the most of the abilities and talents I was blessed and born with and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams, which seem in-line with InAwe and Coaching the Heart’s mission.
Richard “Rick” LaFrance, CIC Vice President NE Region, Risk Management Consultant Marsh McLennan Insurance specializes in Business Insurance & Risk Management for Franchise Bakeries & Quick Service Restaurants such as Burger King, KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Taco Bell, etc. He has over 29 years of experience helping Franchisee’s build and strengthen their Insurance Programs. This coupled with Proactive Claims Management and Safety Risk Consulting. He has built the MMA Franchise Team a large base of loyal clients and growing.

Rick is a graduate of Rutgers University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English. He is a Certified Insurance Consultant (CIC) and began his career in 1987 at Prudential then moved into Property and Casualty in 1992 and has been with Marsh & McLennan since 2002. He is an Eagle Scout and a Foreign Exchange Student travelling to Sri Lanka. He is a founding Board Member of “In Awe Foundation” a nonprofit dedicated to helping families who are victims of Abuse and Addiction.

Rick is married and lives in Hunterdon County, NJ with his wife Ele and their extended family.

3 Whys from Rick LaFrance

  1. I support Meena Vashi-Moore for many reasons. She is an enthusiastic, empathetic, and a gifted communicator. She has coached and served so many in need with her unique brand of inspiration! I have watched her as a close friend of over 25 years and seen her success because she loves what she does. Her passion exudes to serve others as they heal and triumph to high levels of positivity and victory.
  2. I have supported In Awe Foundation wholeheartedly as a Board Member for over 12 years. Its Mission is dear to my heart helping those affected by Abuse, Addiction or Anger. Everyone who volunteers at this nonprofit is committed to giving their very best and I am proud to be a part of this needed coaching forum.
  3. I support Meena in her book project. She is a talented writer and who can touch many lives. Her book will help many others to utilize Journaling as a very personal form of self-therapy. Getting one’s feelings on paper or in an electronic form, is essential to get out of the rut of self-doubt and negativity. I look forward to being a part of the huge impact and success of our Coaching the Heart book and our proven model’s outreach as it expands beyond horizons touching lives together to those wanting help.
Kathy Lawrence is a Trustee for In Awe Foundation. She is an experienced owner with a demonstrated history of working in the graphic design industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Business Planning, Coaching, Event Management, and Team Building. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Theater Arts from Douglass College of Rutgers University.

3 Whys from Kathy Lawrence

  1. I’ve known Meena for at least 15 years, but time is meaningless when it comes to connecting with a person. We met while we were both in a program to enrich and improve our lives. There was a feeling of having known each other in another life or if you will, an immediate attraction of our spirits and although we were different in our actions, we were similar in our objectives for the future.
    She began to talk about a dream, a dream to be of service to others who sought guidance or insight so they may learn how they may be
    of service. That dream was her push from The Universe to start the Foundation. I was “awed at the enthusiasm and energy” she gave to the Foundation. As I worked with her, I realized that I was admiring the qualities in Meena that I needed for myself. Our relationship developed into one of mutual support. Meena was the dreamer, but her dream had a sting to it, because she had lived through the pain of knowing anger, abuse and addiction. We laughed when I got dubbed her cheerleader, but I was grateful for being able to cheer her on because I believed in what she was trying to accomplish. It was through this relationship that I saw that I could be of service to Meena and the Foundation by supporting and encouraging her dream to show others that there is another way to live. Today, In Awe Foundation is helping people around the globe to stop battling the pains of Anger, Abuse and Addiction and to discover there is a place of Serenity, Security, and Safety that can exist for them. As for me, while I was busy cheering Meena and the Foundation on, I discovered she was showing me the way to find the person I wanted to be. Thank you, Meena and In Awe Foundation for the last thirteen AWEsome years!
  2. Another Why for me was I was working full-time at a job I loved, but because I was sitting behind a desk most of the time I wasn’t always satisfied. When I started getting really involved with the Foundation, I was more focused on what the possible futures were in store for me instead of dwelling on things of the past I could not change. I began to see things from a better, more positive perspective.
  3. My last Why has to do with not knowing what I had until I no longer had it. There were two times I tried to quit In Awe Foundation, although I loved everything about it, but I didn’t feel as though I had the level of energy or motivation I needed to fulfill all my responsibilities. Gratefully, I was never made to feel I was abandoning the Foundation. I was always kept informed of what was happening. When I finally realized I truly missed being part of In Awe Foundation and I wanted to come back, I was welcomed back with open arms, as if I had never left!

Greg Tobin has been a member of the In Awe Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees since 2023. He currently serves as the president and executive director of RENEW International, a 45-year-old Catholic adult faith-formation and pastoral services ministry, a nonprofit corporation located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark with offices in Plainfield, New Jersey.

Tobin is the former chief executive of a global nonprofit publishing and services organization, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. He served as vice president for University Advancement of Seton Hall and led the University’s fundraising, alumni relations, public relations and marketing departments, as well as serving two presidents as their senior communications officer. He received his master’s degree in theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology in 2006 and was awarded the Pope John Paul II Medal for Academic Excellence. Tobin was editor of The Catholic Advocate, the Catholic Press Association award-winning diocesan newspaper of the Archdiocese of Newark. He was

awarded the Jubilee Medal Pro Meritis from the archbishop in 2002. Prior to that he had a distinguished quarter-century career as an editor and publishing executive in the book publishing industry in New York City, including positions as editor in chief of Book-of-the-Month Club, Inc., editor in chief of Random House’s Ballantine Books division and associate publisher of Bantam Books and Doubleday.

He is the author, co-author and ghostwriter of more than 30 books, most recently, The Good Pope (a biography of Saint John XXIII) and has published numerous other books, including Selecting the Pope, Holy Father (a biography of Pope Benedict XVI), and Religion in America (as co-general editor). In addition, he has written two acclaimed novels of the Catholic Church, Conclave and Council and is currently working on a chronicle of the first century of Alcoholics Anonymous and the worldwide recovery movement and a new epic-length novel. He has published widely as a journalist, including occasional book reviews in The New York Times Book Review.

Greg Tobin is a graduate of Yale University and lives with his family in West Orange, New Jersey, and is an active parishioner at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in South Orange and a Knight of Columbus. He is not yet in recovery from his addiction to crossword puzzles.

PIP – Previously Important Person
Retired School Superintendent

Joe Padasak is a retired school superintendent who led two uniquely different districts during his career in education. With a strong background in Human Resources and finance, he brings a wide range of skills that continue to serve community organizations and initiatives. Before stepping into the dynamic world of education, Joe worked in agribusiness, holding several roles that shaped his early professional journey.

He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Widener University and earned his undergraduate degree in Agriculture from Penn State. This combination of experiences has shaped Joe into a thoughtful and service-minded individual who’s always ready to lend a hand where needed.

Beyond his professional life, Joe is passionate about the outdoors. As president of the Flying Dutchmen Ski Club, he leads an organization dedicated to a variety of outdoor adventures. When he’s not on the slopes, you’ll find him biking (both locally and abroad), hiking, or tending to his gentleman’s farm—all part of what keeps him active, engaged, and enjoying life to the fullest.

Three WHYS:

  1. What attracted me to Meena initially: Meena contacted me by requesting a reference for a former colleague. In the process of this initial call, we discussed In Awe Foundation’s Mission. We continued the conversation to include the common experiences we both had with fellow acquaintances who benefited from having someone to discuss their issues. This discussion included the employees and friends whom I have encountered in my career who became a victim of Drug and Alcohol Addiction (D&AA). The most common remedy for these “poor souls” almost always was – a continuous cycle: of depression, followed by brief stints of abstinence. In most all cases in which I have been involved the cycle continued. Meena offered a different and intriguing model.
  2. What is attractive about In Awe Foundation: During my career as a professional educator, it had occurred to me several times that a better model for Drug and Alcohol Addiction (D&AA) Existed. After speaking with Meena then researching the Foundation’s website, I became convinced that her model has a chance to make a difference in the lives of those affected. It has and still is a common practice to “proclaim D&AA Issues” as a disease and treat them with medication and placement into a rehabilitation facility. Eventually the success rate for this traditional process could be enhanced by In Awe Foundation’s Coaching the Heart Model.
  3. Coaching the Heart Model: As a former athletic coach, it has always been a pleasure to watch current and former team members succeed. Over the years it is apparent that wins and losses were not the most important lesson from coaching. The ‘personal connection’ is powerful, no matter if someone is nudged or led, everyone can use outside guidance on everyday issues. My experience with D&AA issues and the coaching model is limited. However, my practical and ethical experience have me believing that there is a wholesome need for this proven Coaching Model.

Global Administrative Coordinator & Project Management Expert

Waqar Ahmed is a dedicated Global Administrative Coordinator at In Awe Foundation and serves as a full-time Assistant Director Projects, bringing a wealth of experience in project execution, strategic planning, and administrative leadership. With a BS in Information Technology and an MS in Project Management, he seamlessly integrates technical proficiency with managerial expertise to drive operational success.
Throughout his career, Waqar has been instrumental in streamlining projects, optimizing workflows, and enhancing organizational efficiency. His dedication and performance have earned him a Best Performance Award, and he is recognized as a top-rated freelancer, consistently delivering excellence in every assignment.
Working with international clients, Waqar ensures 100% client satisfaction through his keen attention to detail, proactive problem-solving, and ability to manage complex projects effectively. Passionate about continuous learning, he stays ahead of industry trends, enabling him to implement innovative solutions that contribute to organizational growth.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Waqar is an avid book reader and enjoys exploring new technologies, further enriching his ability to adapt to evolving industry demands. His strong work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to any team.

My 3 Whys

1.Why I Support the In Awe Foundation

As a registered nurse and nurse practitioner with more than 30 years of experience, I have cared for countless individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addiction, and other mental health challenges. While many people benefit from therapy and medication, I have also seen firsthand how uninsured and underserved individuals often have little or no access to the care they desperately need.

The In Awe Foundation fills a critical gap by providing compassionate, judgment-free coaching and counseling to those facing mental health challenges and addiction. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and hope. By helping people regain stability and confidence, the Foundation empowers them to become healthier, self-sufficient, and productive members of society.

2. Why This Mission Is Personal to Me

Mental health is not just part of my profession—it is part of my family’s story. My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder later in life, and I witnessed the challenges she faced while managing her condition and the side effects of treatment. Other close family members also struggled with depression, giving me a deep appreciation for how mental illness affects not only individuals, but entire families.

These personal experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping others find hope, support, and healing. They remind me that compassion, understanding, and access to care can truly change lives.

3. Why I Believe in Mina’s Vision

I have known Mina for nearly 20 years, and over that time we have discovered how much we have in common. We share similar backgrounds, values, life experiences, and spiritual beliefs, all of which have created a lasting friendship built on mutual respect.

What I admire most is Mina’s passion and unwavering commitment to serving others. She has dedicated herself to improving the lives of people who are often overlooked, and I truly believe she has found her life’s purpose through the In Awe Foundation. I am honored to support her vision and be part of an organization that is making a meaningful difference in so many lives.