Although John, aka Pop, is a native of Connecticut and a 20-year Tennessee transplant, Vermont has become home for both him and his partner, Karen, aka Lolli.  When Gunterman came to Vermont to finish his studies as a pastry chef at The New England Culinary School, he wouldn’t have guessed that he would be back to make a difference in the lives of so many in The Northeast Kingdom.  His culinary schooling and his career as a pastry chef at St. Jude, first piqued Gunterman’s interest in nutrition, health, and the food supply chain.  At Sterling, John expanded his knowledge of sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture.  After graduation, he combined his two concentrations as the Preschool Chef/Garden Manager in Greensboro, VT. Currently, he is poised to study under the Outdoor Education Program at Lyndon State College, now Northern Vermont University.  

Having served in the United States Military both active duty and as a reservist, he has kept close ties to veterans in his communities, working with The Wounded Warriors, especially their Independence Program.  John learned at an early age that biking offers independence as well as a feeling of freedom.  Injuries from his time abroad and a subsequent accident might have kept him from biking and enjoying other activities that offer him physical, emotional and spiritual health had he not discovered adaptive sports.  One of John’s callings is to share information about adaptive biking with veterans and other persons with disabilities, and to get them out there to experience the joy and the many benefits that biking offers to all.  

John volunteers with Kerry Hussey, Adaptive Sports Partners (ASP) Program Manager in Vermont, and spends time helping people with all disabilities get back out there on the trail.  This summer, he will take his message to the height of Mt. Washington with ASP’s Sunrise Ascent, hoping to raise even more awareness about Wounded Warriors & Caregiver Support with a little help from his friends. Steintrikes and others will help John reach Mt. Washington’s summit!  After Sunrise Ascent, the loaned Steintrike will be donated to Recreation Therapy at the VA so that others may summit their own peaks.  In his spare time, John helps Karen with their poultry farm, Lollipop Farm, and homesteads in Vermont’s NEK.