Our team

Jeffrey has devoted his 32-year career to advancing sustainability.  He began this journey in 1993 upon graduating from UCLA with a B.A. Honors degree in Geography and Environmental Studies. Jeffrey steered his love of filmmaking toward the cause of environmental solutions and sustainability, and he produced numerous award-winning eco-documentaries about environmental solutions. The most notable documentary was Kilowatt Ours which has been distributed globally since 2008. Jeffrey’s sweet spot lies in leveraging effective documentary storytelling, combined with grassroots organizing and public strategies to lead to positive changes in the world. Jeffrey has worked for TEC since 2014 and has served as CEO since 2019. 

Note: Gwendolyn serves as TEC’s Title VI, and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator 
Gwendolyn grew up in Tennessee, running through the creeks and backwoods. Her passion for trees, rivers, and ecosystems led her to California State University at Sonoma where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Restoration and Planning. Moving home to Tennessee, Gwen worked with Harpeth Conservancy, Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association and others, helping to preserve and improve Tennessee through legislative action, city planning and public involvement. From office management and event planning to on-the-ground river restoration, Gwendolyn is multi-talented, good-natured, and energetic. She loves trees, white water canoeing, and gardening (for pollinators of course!).

Maris Masellis is a committed environmental advocate and harnesses her passion for sustainability and background in journalism to inform and engage the public. As the host of the “Critical Root Zone” podcast, she explores critical environmental issues, and as Eco-DJ erthbrd, she utilizes music to raise ecological awareness. Additionally, Maris volunteers as the Communications Director for the Tennessee Waste To Jobs Act, showcasing her dedication to policy advocacy. Motivated by a lifelong commitment to environmental protection, Maris inspires others to become more eco-conscious and actively participate in creating a healthier Tennessee.

​​As a proud Tennessee native, Cynthia is passionate about improving the state’s environment. A 2015 graduate of VSCC in Environmental Science, she founded the Level 2 Paris Powers Memorial Arboretum. She currently serves on Nashville’s Metro Tree Advisory Committee and the City of Dickson’s Tree Board. Since 2016, she has had the honor of coordinating Tennessee Tree Day statewide events, resulting in over one million native trees planted. She fosters a legacy of sustainability, leading the way for a brighter future for all. 

​Jordan recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in geology and environmental sustainability and technology.  His lifelong passion for the outdoors and interest in environmental sustainability is what drove him back to school after working in residential construction. His hobbies include mountain biking, fishing, backpacking and kayaking. He was drawn to Tennessee Environmental Council because of this organization’s dedication to making a positive impact on the environment.

​Growing up in the valley of the Smoky Mountains, Allyson has a deeply rooted love for the environment. While actively learning, she is continuously seeking adventure for all that mother nature has to offer. Allyson is an alumni of Carson Newman University and Middle Tennessee State University, receiving a B.S in Geology and a minor in Environmental Sustainability and Technology. She is dedicated to bringing her passion for nature to the community of Tennesseans, and sharing the importance of conservation and continuous care for the environment.

​​Monika graduated with a Master of Science degree in Biology and Teaching in Budapest, Hungary, and gained her PhD at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Hungarian Academy of Science in Budapest, Hungary, and at Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
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Monika had a passion for biology and conservation from an early age and considers conservationist Gerald Durrell as her biggest role model and inspiration. Her passion for education and conservation included projects such as teaching Track and Field to blind children, working as an HIV educator for the Hungarian HIV+ Children Foundation, and volunteering at Duke University Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina. Monika loves oil painting, hiking, canoeing with family and friends, and gardening.

Bryn Beauchamp is a Middle Tennessee–based horticulturist and Certified Tennessee Naturalist with a degree in psychology from Belmont University and additional studies in natural resources and horticulture from Oregon State University. As Horticulture and Stewardship Manager at the Tennessee Environmental Council, she supports the long-term ecological health of more than 70 pollinator gardens statewide.
She designs native gardens, writes grants to fund restoration projects, and facilitates volunteer events that connect communities to hands-on environmental stewardship. Her work centers on creating resilient, beautiful landscapes that benefit pollinators and protect watershed health. Bryn has a particular love for intentional design, habitat restoration, and towering oak trees—and she is a devoted dog lover, especially sighthounds and pugs.

Mila, an Environmental Manager from Bogota, Colombia, co-founded “Sembrando Ambiente,” a non-profit dedicated to environmental education, solid waste management, and ecotourism. Her work fostered community awareness of their rich biodiversity and encouraged active participation. She also conducted research on the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on bees and contributed to conservation efforts.

After moving to San Francisco in 2018 as an exchange student, Mila gained valuable insights into Green & Sustainable Travel. Passionate about photography, thrift shopping, holistic therapies, and cultural exploration, Mila brings a fresh perspective to TEC as a Latina woman. She believes in the interconnectedness of spirituality, culture, the environment, and progress, and is eager to contribute to TEC’s mission with her holistic approach to problem-solving.

Ginger has a passion for environmental education and action. With an undergraduate degree in Organizational Leadership and a master’s in education from Lipscomb, Ginger spent 25 years teaching hands-on, interactive science to elementary students in grades PK-4 th. She is the co-founder of a nationally acclaimed Green Team that won three. Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards, and national awards for their study of, and action in, energy awareness. She initiated a can and bottle recycling program at school, successfully diverted 100s of tons of waste through recycling drives and special events, and led her school to be designated a US Department of Education Green School, only one of two in Tennessee. The recycling program, along with gardens and waterways programs, also served as a mentor for schools from across the United States and as far away as Japan.
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She is a National Geographic Certified Educator and certified as a North American Association of Environmental Educators (NAAEE) Guidelines Train-the-Trainer. As a recipient of multiple awards, both individually and with the Green Team, Ginger is most proud of hearing parents say, “My child won’t let me throw anything away.”  In her position as Recycling Roundup Assistant, Ginger brings her experience in recycling and a service action attitude
with her to Tennessee Environmental Council.

Mahima is a passionate advocate of Sustainability, Environmental Conservation, and Climate Action. Growing up, she was blessed to experience the beauty and majesty of the natural environment. Her professional career has spanned roles from the first Sustainability Program Manager for the City of Newark, NJ, to Comptroller and Business Owner. She has a Master’s in Environmental Science and a Bachelor’s in Business Management. When not working on TEC projects, you can find her exploring Tennessee’s scenic trails, paddling its serene waters, nurturing her garden, indulging in culinary adventures, grooving to great music, traveling, and the simple joy of being outdoors that reminds us why protecting our environment is so essential. 

Born and raised in Nashville, Tiffany has always been passionate about nature, animals, and sustainability. A graduate of Memphis College of Art with a BFA in Digital Design, Tiffany worked in administration for the State of Tennessee Department of Labor for six years before transitioning to environmental work.

After starting as a volunteer with Tennessee Environmental Council’s Pollinator Program in the summer of 2024, she joined the team as a Pollinator Program Assistant that fall. Tiffany is also enrolled in the Tennessee Naturalist Program and currently supports the Council’s Generate Some Buzz campaign, helping fulfill public seed orders for the same native seed mixes used in pollinator garden installations.

​William was born with a passion for the outdoors and all its wonder and beauty. His parents impacted that curiosity with constant family trips to state and local parks to hike, learn more about the local environment, and just be out in nature. He always wanted the great outdoors to be his office. One of his bucket list goals is to visit every national park in America. He has a Bachelor’s degree from MTSU in Environmental Sustainability and Technology with an emphasis in Water and Waste Management. What drew him to environmental work is his love for our planet and his desire to educate people about the impacts of waste, while demonstrating that everyone can make a difference by being a steward of the environment. He feels blessed to be a part of the Tennessee Environmental Council and to be part of the impact we have in bettering our great state of Tennessee. ​

​With over three and a half decades of experience in conservation, sustainability, environmentalism, and non-profit management, John McFadden brings passion and expertise to community engagement. From ideation to execution, McFadden has led municipalities, organizations, and individuals in forest restoration and environmental education. Connecting with everyone from governors to garden clubs, he has raised over four million dollars for conservation efforts and led thousands of volunteers in stream restoration, reforestation, and the planting of over 700,000 trees.  His work has earned four Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards, a Friend of Forestry Award, and the Tennessee River Basin Network’s Science and Management Award. He credits his drive to passion for stewardship of God’s natural resources and his faith in cooperation and collaboration between funders, citizens, and professionals across Tennessee. 

Ryan Scott is a videographer and student of Environmental Science at Belmont University. He is passionate about environmentalism and uses filmmaking and photography to educate others about sustainability, ecology, and environmental conservation – the same role he hopes to fill at TEC.

Elliot is a summer 2023 intern. He graduated from Tennessee Tech University with a degree in Environmental Sustainability Studies in Spring 2023. Growing up overseas and experiencing a variety of environments and climates has led him to want to play a part in protecting our environment for the future. He is also a photographer who loves spending hours in Tennessee’s natural areas, capturing the beautiful environment. He is proud to be working with TEC because of what the organization has done and continues to do to protect our own backyard here in Tennessee.

Jordan is a dedicated environmentalist with a deep passion for preserving and improving our planet. Growing up in neighboring North Carolina, she loved being outdoors, playing in the creeks and lakes, exploring the woods, and climbing trees. Heartbroken and driven by the blatant disrespect for our Mother Earth everywhere she went and the apparent need for more care and attention to our planet, she began to shift her lifestyle and career to steward this land. She spent time at Bloomsbury Farm, which gave her a deep connection to the Earth and the hands-in-the-dirt experience she craved. She also devoted several years to Recycle Nash, independently collecting glass recycling from over 300 homes across the greater Nashville area, providing a much-needed service to local communities.

After reading Greta Thunberg’s book, “No One is Too Small to Make a Difference,” a fire was sparked in her heart, revealing the urgent need for greater commitment from all humans to do all we can to help heal our home from the consequences of environmental ignorance and mistreatment. Following the yellow brick road that was illuminated in front of her, she found her way to Tennessee Environmental Council, where she began volunteering and getting involved however she could. She is excited to currently contribute to multiple departments, leveraging her niche knowledge, big heart, and passion to make a broader impact wherever she can. Jordan enjoys spending time communing with nature and her loved ones, as well as connecting to and honoring her spirituality. She aims to spread love, awareness, and inspiration through her podcast, Finding the Love Within, as well as through her art, photography, and writings.

She is a lifelong Tennessee resident and is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Middle Tennessee State University. Before transferring to MTSU, she received an A.S. in History from Columbia State Community College. Claire enjoys a variety of environmental activities, such as planting pollinator gardens, foraging, fossil hunting, and removing invasive species. She is passionate about preserving Tennessee’s diverse ecosystem through the Tennessee Environmental Council.

Savannah is a recent graduate from Tennessee Technological University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. As an intern for TEC, she hopes to gain hands-on experience in environmental advocacy and community engagement while contributing to meaningful projects that promote sustainability and conservation efforts across the region. Passionate about protecting natural resources, she looks forward to supporting TEC’s mission to create a healthier, more sustainable future for Tennessee​.

Elise grew up in Middle Tennessee and recently returned in May of 2025 after graduating from Yale University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. With a focus on the environmental humanities, Elise has a passion for understanding people’s relationships with the environment and for using storytelling to raise awareness of the lived experiences of environmental change. Elise also enjoys teaching; she has led workshops about sustainable menstrual products and teaches English as a foreign language. In her free time, she enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles, practicing Spanish and Italian, and baking sweet treats.