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About AIM

Angels in Motion started with one woman’s efforts to rescue her child from the disease of substance use disorder (SUD). While searching the streets of Kensington (a neighborhood in Philadelphia), for her son, Carol Rostucher saw that many other children and loved ones were suffering and lost as well.

Carol began to open her heart to the streets and spread her love where it was needed the most. Her efforts included treating each person as an individual and offering her genuine compassion and understanding, and providing “blessing bags” which contain food, snacks, clothing, hygiene products and resource information to obtain help when they are ready.

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On February 6, 2015 an article was written in the Philadelphia Daily News depicting Carol’s efforts and struggles between the streets and her son. Following the article, an outpouring of help and support came in the form of other parents, siblings, and loved ones looking to help. Through this collective effort and staying true to Carol’s vision of de-stigmatizing substance use disorder and spreading love, understanding, and compassion, Angels in Motion was formed in mid-February of 2015. AIM consists of a diverse group of individuals, showing that substance use disorder does not discriminate based on race, economic status or locale. Each member shares the same passion and concern for their community and those suffering from this disease called substance use disorder (SUD).

Through the generous donations of the community and the wonderful help and time of our volunteers, Angels in Motion has been able to increase its presence within the Philadelphia area and deliver its blessing bags on a weekly basis. Angels in Motion also holds twice-monthly meetings for the community to help spread awareness about substance use disorder and offers support to families, friends, and loved ones that have been effected by this disease.

Board Members

Meet the members of the AIM Leadership Team!

Ronnie Sue Kaiser

President

I’m Ronnie Sue Kaiser, the mother of 3, grandmother of 5 and one of the Directors of AIM. I also have a 9-5 job that pays the bills, but the volunteer work I do with those that suffer with substance use disorder is how I plan on making a difference. I’m bull-headed, snarky, call-you-out-on-bullcrap kind of lady. I am also compassionate, loving and would give you the shirt off my back if you need it. I love sports, sitting with my family and arguing over whatever seems to be funny at the time. If you can’t laugh, you’re doing something wrong.

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Deb Gratzinger

Vice President

My name is Deb Gratzinger. I am the Vice President of Angels in Motion, one of the Outing Leads and the Blessing Bag Party Coordinator for Western Montgomery County. I have one son and five grandchildren. I work full time but I love to camp and spend time with my family as much as possible.

I started volunteering with Angels in Motion eight years ago at the height of my son’s substance use. As they say, “We don’t grow when things are easy. We grow when we face challenges.” I’ve learned so much through my volunteer work with AIM that has helped my personal growth and made me a more compassionate and understanding person. And as a wonderful bonus, AIM has brought me friendships and support that will last a lifetime. I am fortunate to be able to work with so many who want to bring hope and love to those who so desperately need it

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Caroline Wallo

Treasurer

My name is Caroline Wallo. I am the Treasurer of Angels in Motion and one of the Outing Leads. I work at Essential Utilities as a Planning Manager. I have BS in Finance from Villanova University and over 35 years of experience in Finance and Budgeting.

My daughter Melissa’s struggles with substance use disorder led me to AIM. I wanted to help but wasn’t sure how until I met this group. I learned that I cannot change my loved one or anyone else and to accept that. I started going on outings and connecting with many on the street. I enjoy listening to their stories and just being there. We hand out blessing bags and water, and let them know that they are loved. For those who are willing to seek change, we help them with treatment options. I fully support our mission of “AIM is changing the way those suffering with substance use disorder are treated one life at a time.”

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MaryLou Toewe

Corporate Secretary

We all love someone – or love someone who loves someone – with substance use disorder (SUD). I do, and I came to understand that there was nothing I could do to help them to change their behavior while they struggled with this disease. And it was frustrating. That’s how I came to volunteer with Angels in Motion. I went to my first AIM blessing bag party in 2017 and found a group of people who understood what it was like to be helpless on the sidelines of SUD. I found camaraderie, education and empathy but mostly I found a concrete way to actually DO something to help others with SUD – to make blessing bags, hope notes and sleeping mats that help individuals in need feel loved and cared about. I couldn’t make my loved one stop using but I could do this.

I work behind the scenes at Angels in Motion helping to support our volunteers in the field and I am in awe of what they do at every outing. We have a wonderful group of kind, giving men and women, (including my very supportive husband, Dave) and it is an honor to work beside them, making a direct and real impact on people’s lives. My loved one has been in recovery for several years now but I continue to find my work with AIM to be incredibly rewarding. I am proud to be affiliated with this organization that advocates treating all who suffer from this disease with dignity, love and compassion. Angels in Motion really IS changing the way those with SUD are treated, one life at a time.

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Dawn Killen

Director of Outreach & Community Events

My name is Dawn Killen and I am the Director of Outreach and Community Events with Angels in Motion. I found AIM in 2017 and I can honestly say that my life has been positively changed forever and for always as a result. I started volunteering as a way to make an amends of a sort to the Kensington neighborhood, as well as to look for a few friends/angels who I had lost along the way. In doing so, I discovered that my passion is in outreach to those still sick and suffering…and today it’s to the point where I definitely start feeling “off my square” if I miss a few weekend outings!

A bit about me…actively recovering, avid runner, horrible gardener and passionate Philly sports fan. I have two lovable goofy dogs, a house full of love, peace in my heart and a life beyond my wildest dreams.

Since joining the AIM Board in May 2022 I have gotten a whole new perspective of how this organization operates and continues to provide outreach services, and I am truly awestruck by this village. There are so many amazing men, women and children who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make our outings such a success. I’m so grateful to be a part of a group who believe just as I do: that where there is breath, there is hope.

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Susan Long

Director of NJ Chapter of AIM

Hi, I’m Susan Long and have proudly served as the Director of NJ Chapter of Angels in Motion for 7 years. I received my bachelor’s & master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. I am dually licensed in the state of NJ as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LCADC). I have also earned my certifications as a certified trauma professional and as a disaster relief crisis counselor. I have previously worked with individuals with mental health and substance use challenges at both inpatient and outpatient levels of care. In addition to volunteering my time for Angels in Motion, I also volunteer for Adelaide’s Place in Atlantic City.

I am a person in long term recovery. One of my favorite things is to hit the streets, hand out blessing bags, and bring light and love to those who need it most. Volunteering for Angels in Motion has completely changed my life and has filled me with purpose. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, traveling, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite quote: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”-Mother Theresa

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