Meet Our Team
Barbara Swanhart
Executive Director
Barbara comes from a diverse background in marketing, event management, nonprofit development, and real estate. This background has helped develop her management style, which is best described as leading by example. She possesses strong communication skills and has a results-driven work ethic.
Barbara grew up in Germantown, MD, and graduated from Seneca Valley High School and East Tennessee State University. With being a Frederick County resident for 34 years, she loves volunteering her time with community events and civic organizations. Alive @ 5 is one of her favorite community events and she has volunteered there for the past 3 years.
Staying professional but also giving the extra touch of complete honesty and compassion to everyone’s needs is how she will build relationships and produce mutually beneficial opportunities for Second Chances Garage.
When she’s not involved with the community, she enjoys spending time with her large family, staying fit, fishing, and hitting the beach.
John Grupenhoff
Sales and Service Manager
John joined Second Chances Garage in the Spring of 2016. He is the Sales and Service Manager, overseeing daily shop operations. During his time at Second Chances Garage, the organization grew from 2 on-site staff members to the facilities and operations seen today. John has been a small business owner since graduating from Towson University. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and working on old cars. John’s dream rides include the ‘06 AMG S65 and the S Works Epic.
Teya Lowe
Office Manager and Partner Liason
Teya joined Second Chances Garage in January 2023. She is the Office Manager and Partner Liason, overseeing the daily operations and developing relationships with partner companies. She has been in the auto industry for 5 years and in customer service for 20 years. She enjoys working with people and wanted a fulfilling career giving back to the community, which lead her to Second Chances Garage. Teya enjoys everything that Second Chances Garage is able to do for the community and all the people that have been helped. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, hiking, fishing, and exploring.
Joe Hall
Lead Technician
Joe joined Second Chances Garage in 2017. He graduated, top of his class, from the Universal Technical Institute in 2009. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout through the Boy Scouts of Central America. Joe has over 10 years of Automotive Repair experience. He enjoys using his expertise to help the community and to provide a reliable resource.
Lester Gonzalez
Technician
Lester joined Second Chances Garage in 2021 as a Youth Apprentice. He was top of his class and came highly recommended. After graduating from the Youth Apprentice program, Lester was hired as a full-time Technician. He enjoys perfecting his automotive talents to better help the community. In his spare time, Lester likes to play soccer.
