Jeremy Laplanche (he/him) joins MHET with a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and a background in community engagement, environmental education, and photography. Before joining MHET, Jeremy served two AmeriCorps terms as a Volunteer Program Coordinator at Scenic Hudson where he led volunteers across the Hudson Valley on trail maintenance, conservation science, and urban farm projects. Jeremy has also held environmental education roles at the Manice Education Center and the Rollins Sustainability Program.

He is currently pursuing an M.B.A. in Sustainability at Bard College to learn how to support mission-driven organizations and businesses working to improve climate resiliency, food security, and access to nature.

Christopher Cortazo Rosas (he/him) serves as the CRM & Data Management Associate at MHET. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Vassar College, he uses his technical and data skills to build processes and automations that optimize MHET’s systems, improve workflows, make their programs more impactful, and make reporting more powerful and accessible. 

Before joining MHET, Christopher developed his technical and data-focused skills through roles as a MakerSpace Intern and a Software Engineering Fellow. In those roles, he supported digital tools, maintained documentation, streamlined workflows, and built web applications and database-backed systems, experiences that helped with his interest in applying technology for community impact. 

Christopher is motivated by the belief that clean, affordable energy and community-led energy systems should be accessible to all, and he is committed to supporting underserved communities through technology and optimized systems. He seeks to combine technology, thoughtful system design, and empathy to create meaningful impact in local communities. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games (primarily single-player but some multiplayer too), exploring anime and online videos, listening to music, and following WWE.  

John Garay (he/him) has had an impactful career in nonprofit organizations serving healthcare and the arts. He has designed and launched transformative educational programs with curriculum on environmentalism, Native American history/culture, a Spanish-language thread, and more. John has substantial experience in outreach and communications, having founded a unique intimate tour company in NYC and helping to launch startups, including a “Secret Hotel” project in Dutchess County.

John’s connection to his mother’s Native American heritage (Quechua) has given him a deep reverence for nature and indigenous wisdom. While working at a small hospital just a couple of blocks from the World Trade Center on the tragic day of 9/11, John contributed and learned how community comes together to lift each other up in all circumstances. That experience had a profound impact on his life and informs his sense of service and giving to this day. As the Bilingual Community Coordinator for MHET, he uses his passion and skills for the mission of environmental justice and sustainable energy transition, with a strong focus on helping underrepresented communities. Outside of work, John enjoys travel, art (of all kinds), and quality time spent with his family.

Tirzah Thomas (she/her) serves MHET as a Senior Development Associate. Her background in philanthropy equips her to effectively identify potential funders and communicate MHET’s goals and strategies to a wide variety of stakeholders. She’s looking forward to connecting with local communities and assisting MHET in achieving their fundraising goals.

Tirzah recently graduated from Bard College with a B.A. in Sociology and Africana studies where she served as a student leader on campus. Outside of work, Tirzah enjoys reading and visiting museums.

Kyra Shassberger (she/her) serves as the Director of Communications and Systems at MHET, where she combines her extensive background in marketing, communications, and sustainability to advocate for environmental justice and clean energy solutions. With a passion for sustainability and social impact, she is dedicated to effectively communicating complex sustainability goals and initiatives in ways that inspire action and resonate with a diverse range of stakeholders, from local communities to business leaders. Kyra is driven by her belief in the power of advocacy to create meaningful change. She actively works to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the clean energy movement, ensuring that equity and accessibility are central to MHET’s initiatives. Her expertise allows her to bridge the gap between sustainability efforts and public support, empowering local communities to engage with and benefit from the organization’s transformative work. Outside of work, Kyra enjoys crafting, thrifting, and repairing watches.

Emiliano Malizia (He/him) serves as MHET’s Outreach Manager. With a background in law from the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina, he brings perspective to our mission fueled by a commitment to sustainable development and social justice. Before joining us, Emiliano made contributions to Fundavita, a non-profit organization focused on supporting children with cancer, demonstrating a deep- rooted passion for community service and advocacy. He is also certified as a mediator from the Institution Redes Alternativas in Mendoza, highlighting his dedication to fostering understanding and resolution through dialogue.

He is deeply committed to bridging the gap between our initiatives and the Latino communities we aim to serve by ensuring our programs are accessible and relevant to Latino communities, encouraging greater inclusion and participation in our sustainability efforts. Outside of work Emiliano enjoys skydiving, snowboarding and hiking.