Meet The Team

Monica Schmitt has devoted her life to helping individuals find purpose and meaning through beekeeping. As the Co-Founder and Head Director of Mission Beelieve, Monica has assisted countless people in discovering the healing benefits of bees. She strongly believes that beekeeping can be a therapeutic activity that can help reduce stress and anxiety.  Through her work, Monica has become a true leader in the field of beekeeping and a beacon of hope for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, themselves and the community. 

John is a retired firefighter who found solace in beekeeping and woodworking after spending 33 years saving lives. Engaging with bees helped him find therapy and purpose in life. Combining his fondness for woodworking which dates back to his childhood and his new hobby of beekeeping John started creating quality woodenware and founded Whistlepig Woodcraft. He shares his knowledge and passion through our workshops, community outreach programs, and by providing countless behind-the-scenes assistance wherever needed.  He is a true Hero here at Mission Beelieve.

Tristan Bannon is the Co-Founder and Assistant Director of Mission Beelieve. Managing over 50 colonies, conducting monthly hive dives at the training apiary, and working in the cut flower fields with the partners have been the perfect way to combine two of his biggest passions: organic farming and honey bees.  Through his work with Mission Beelieve, Tristan aims to inspire others to explore the many benefits of sustainable agriculture and beekeeping as a way to find peace and purpose in their lives.

Eryck Stamper, a native resident of Baltimore, Maryland now residing in Fairview, West Virginia, graduated from Southern High School and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1990. After completing various deployments in support of Dessert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom (OEF/OIF),
relief efforts, overseas tours of duty and Department of the Navy agendas he retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in October 2013 after 23 years of faithful and zealous Naval Service. After completion of his military career, while suffering from various medical conditions, he sought a more holistic and alternative approach to personal mental and physical health, Agriculture. After attending the Veterans Administration approved Vocation and Rehabilitation training program for 8 months in organic farming This sparked his desire to engage in a new battle. Fighting for rights and employment opportunities for Veterans, Family and First Responder to agricultural and educational programming. Eryck is also the Founder of Veterans Initiative 22 and Owner of the Maryland Hemp Exchange. He graduated TALMAR Organic Farm School in July 2019 and right away approved for Board
Membership status. Member of Farmers Veteran Coalition, Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion (Post 426 Vice Commander), Founder of Veterans Initiative 22 and Owner of Maryland Hemp Exchange, Member of Veterans Initiative extension program of Common Ground on the Hill at McDaniel’s College. Mission Beelieve continues to leverage multiple partnerships to better support Therapeutic beekeeping and employment opportunities for Active Duty, Veterans, First Responders and Family through our Leaderships Call to Action under the Executive Order; The Presidents Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy by Suicide – the PREVENTS Initiative.

As the Director of Education at Mission Beelieve, Emily Gannon uses her experience teaching in a real-life classroom setting to develop the curriculum for the organization's multi-week beekeeping courses, year-round workshops, and seasonal hive dives. 

Emily firmly believes beekeeping can have a profound impact on individuals who struggle with PTSD, anxiety, or reintegration. She aims to provide a path to healing and hope by fostering a deeper connection to nature and the community.

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