BUILT ENVIRONMENT PLUS STAFF

As a sustainability advocate and educator, I joined USGBC MA, now known as Built Environment Plus, as Executive Director in November 2017. Before becoming ED, I was developing climate action plans, master plans, design guidelines and green buildings as President of the Elbaum Group, LLC. Fueled by an interest in materials transparency I launched the Health Product Declaration as its Interim Executive Director.  For almost a decade I was Director of Sustainable Design at Sasaki. During that time I helped in the USGBC MA Chapter’s creation and served as a founding board member.  I also co-created the Architecture and Design Sustainable Design Leaders Network. I earned a BArch from Rice University and a MSArch from MIT and I currently teach architecture students at Wentworth Institute of Technology.  I’m looking forward to advancing net positive communities in Massachusetts and beyond.

I am a seasoned communicator, advocate, and organizer working to catalyze the emergent movements for a resilient and regenerative society before it’s too late. By focusing on life-serving systems interventions at strategic leverage points, I aim to unleash the creative potential of our society to transcend extraction and exploitation.

Before joining BE+, I led statewide efforts fighting for healthy, just, and sustainable communities across Massachusetts, and created a national political reform organization attempting to open up the political system to more voices. As Deputy Director, I am working to grow the capacity of BE+ and its vibrant community of practitioners and advocates to advance the positive transformation of the built environment.

I would describe myself as a considerate designer, environmentalist, aspiring innovator, and technology enthusiast. I am passionate about the role the design of the built environment plays in repairing our relationship with our ecosystems and in providing equitable spaces for all.

With a Masters in Architecture, and professional experience advancing environmental and social equity initiatives, I bring my passion to BE+ overseeing and directing special projects and reports, while continuing to contribute to BE+ strategic thinking and visioning.

Before Built Environment Plus, I studied sustainable development theory and international climate policy at Boston University. Ironically, my biggest takeaway was that the most powerful change is happening at local and regional levels. I’m excited to join BE+ and its community of change makers as an Associate, supporting the special projects, research, and community building that drive local successes and power larger movements.

I bring an eagerness to learn, a love for collaboration, and an optimism for the future of the built environment to the BE+ team, and I’m grateful to be part of this growing community.

I graduated from the School of Visual Arts where I received my BFA in Graphic Design. As an artist, being an advocate for social issues has always been the main objective of my art. When I received the opportunity to join the Built Environment Plus team I knew it was going to be a perfect fit where both of my passions can coexist. 

I am excited to work alongside such an amazing group of people who stand together to better the community and the environment of Massachusetts.

I consider myself to be an environmental enthusiast and advocate for design that promotes equitable access to healthy spaces. Prior to joining Built Environment Plus, I explored my passion for green infrastructure, community development, and environmental justice issues at UMass Amherst.

As a Program Assistant at BE+, I support the ongoing development of our education program and administration of Workforce Training Fund grants. I am proud to be a part of such an involved community as BE+ because, above all else, it is the individuals who we collaborate with that boost morale to persevere through loss and collectively celebrate success.