Arlae Castellanos
Executive Director & Sustainability Tracking Program Director
Based in New York, NY

Before the Alliance, I worked for a non-profit in downtown Manhattan developing and running the “Green Track” program.  An initiative geared to teach STEAM through project-based learning with a focus on solar for the developing world and sustainable architectural design.  Before that, I lived and worked in Africa developing educational permaculture gardens and teaching entrepreneurship.

I love what I do because I believe in equipping the next generation of leaders with the critical thinking skills necessary to handle the complexities of the world beyond the classroom. By demonstrating the value of personal observations intermingled with the ability to interpret scientific data, individuals will be better suited to comprehend the relationship between actions and outcomes in environmental systems.

Veronique Choa Pittman
Communications
Based in New York, NY

Before the Alliance, I worked as a web designer, wrote a “go-green” bi-weekly newsletter for my children’s school in New York City, and served on 3 non-profit and 1 for-profit boards. My concern for biodiversity loss and a warming planet prompted me to find an organization that could benefit from determination to inform the greatest number and grow the green school's movement.

I love what I do because I get to work with bright, self-motivated staff and students worldwide while also working on grassroots sustainability projects in my own community.  I feel I am using my diverse skill-sets to nudge our schools to not only educate for the purpose of economic development but also environmental sustainability and resiliency. Often the critical role of schools in sustainable development is under-appreciated, and I am determined to highlight the importance of schools in demonstrating a new normal that works for people and the planet.

Kelly Harding
START Program Manager & Internship Coordinator
Based in New York, NY

Before the Alliance, I worked with children and teens of all ages as an English and Humanities teacher at schools in South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Australia. I’ve always believed that teachers have a unique opportunity (and profound responsibility) to cultivate conscious global citizens by guiding younger generations to think critically and behave compassionately. Schools can be hubs for positive transformation, and that is why I joined Green Schools Alliance – to help accelerate the move towards a more sustainable, equitable future.

I love what I do because it matters – not just for the planet, but for people. The science is in: human behavior is impacting the planet in profound ways, and urgent systemic transformation is necessary to secure a bright future for ourselves and for future generations. I love the Alliance's approach to working collaboratively with schools, basing its strategies on science and research, and creating concrete mechanisms to facilitate and expedite the transformation. At the Alliance, I have the opportunity to pour my energy into my passions for education and sustainability and be a part of something that will create measurable positive change.

Katy Perry
Student Engagement Program Manager
Based in Hartford, CT

Before the Alliance, I enjoyed working with middle and high school students as a classroom science and math teacher, soccer and crew coach, and environmental club and Science Olympiad advisor. I was introduced to the world of sustainability as the school Recycling Coordinator which evolved into a newly created position of Sustainability Coordinator. Before working as an educator in schools, I was the Program Director for a children’s science center. My academic training was in Psychology with a research focus in Psychophysics and Psychobiology.

I love what I do because I create innovative solutions to seemingly overwhelming problems. By providing inclusive programs that inspire and empower students all over the world to work for change in their schools and communities, I see evidence every day of individuals working together for a more just, equitable and healthy world.

Gretchen Gigley
District Partnership Manager
Based in Atlanta, GA

Before the Alliance, I worked in the private and nonprofit sectors in a variety of capacities as an educator, landscape architect/urban planner, and environmentalist.  Most recently, I served as Director of Education at The Clean Air Campaign where I led the OnAir Schools program expansion, building more than 35 long-term strategic partnerships with nonprofits, foundations, businesses and government agencies.

I love what I do because I believe that strong, authentic strategic partnerships are crucial to effectively advance the environmental and education movements and support communities.  This position allows me to find common goals between organizations to build sustainable partnerships, expand our audience, avoid duplication of efforts, and connect communities.

Esperanza Yennie
Admin & Intern Liaison
Based in Brooklyn, NY

A little about me: Before the Alliance and after receiving my permaculture certification, I spent several years living on various self-sufficient farms throughout Costa Rica. I helped build earth ships, foraged for and harvested food, built composting toilets, and studied food compost. I've always had a deep connection to the Earth and a fascination with the plants and animals that inhabit it.

I love what I do because it feels good to be a part of the solution and not the problem. If everyone does a little bit, a lot can shift in a positive direction. I love my home and would love future generations to enjoy this world as I have. We are at a pivotal point in time right now. By empowering the youth to take action we have the best opportunity to make a positive impact.

Enola Hihi
Based in Phoenixville, PA

A little about me: I had never really considered myself sustainable/environmentally conscious until I learned about it in school and realized that my parents making us compost and garden our own veggies, or refusal of using AC and making sure we turned off lights was considered sustainable. I then went to college and decided to study how to make our cities and towns more sustainable, which brought me to the GSA.

I love what I do because living sustainably and promoting it has become ingrained in me. I love learning how people around the world live and many live much more sustainably than we do; I want to learn more and help spread that knowledge. Also, the people that I have met along the way are some of the most amazing people ever.

Lesley Mah
Based in Brooklyn, NY

A little about me: I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest, where I was constantly surrounded by luscious green trees. After moving to New York City, my appreciation for the beauty of nature grew much stronger. In addition, the realization that time is limited in the context of climate change, led me to GSA. On my free time, I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with the people I love.
I love what I do because I want to be more involved in climate change and sustainability initiatives beyond my personal actions. I believe educating young people about climate change strongly and positively shapes how they view the environment, which is why I believe in GSA's mission so much. 

Laura Gillen
Based in Washington, D.C.

A little about me: Before the Alliance, I worked for a climate-focused tech startup in DC in a communications and operations capacity. I currently consult on sustainability communications projects for companies within the social impact space. I co-organized SatSummit, an initiative designed to bridge the communications gap amongst the satellite technology and global development communities in order to solve climate change with open data.

I love what I do because I believe technology will be the solution to climate change. My contribution to combating climate resilience is in my ability to communicate complex ideas into something digestible and actionable.