Our Team

Ms. Breslin has been using active STEM strategies in her classroom for several years. Her students have developed numerous projects that demonstrate their knowledge and develop civic skills. Ms. Breslin won the President’s Award for Innovative Environmental Education in 2013.

Alan Melchior is the Associate Director and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Youth and Communities at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management. Mr. Melchior is a nationally-recognized researcher in the field of service-learning and community engagement with nearly 20 years of experience evaluating school, community, and higher education-based service-learning programs.

Vince is a leading advocate for the incorporation of youth voice and civic engagement into STEM and environmental education. Over the last 35 years Vince has taught, coached, developed programs, and managed organizations all with an eye toward preparing young people to be active participants in their community and our democracy.

Sarah Pacheco manages key administrative functions, overseeing human resources, IT, finances, and business operations. Her role strengthens and aligns administrative and financial functions.

Porsche Ray brings expertise in working with students ranging from pre-school to college graduates in STEM and environmental education. Utilizing her degree in Environmental Policy and Analysis, Porsche focuses on assisting communities suffering from environmental injustices.

Grace Scarsella’s experience in leading outreach programs and conducting original research brings a suite of skills to program development. She graduated with a Master’s of Biology from the University of Alabama and holds a Bachelor’s of Zoology from Michigan State University.

Jean Wallace is the retired CEO of the award-winning Green Woods Charter School, a K-8 public charter school. Green Woods was recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for its innovative approach and its academic success. Jean has supported hundreds of teachers and thousands of students in student-directed STEM action projects.

Ms. Tholen most recently was the driving force behind Fairfax County Public Schools’ Get2Green program, whose mission is to promote student learning and action. Through Get2Green, FCPS has over 150 schools involved.

Justin Zakoren brings six years of experience in working with educators, students, and community members from diverse settings to engage with environmental challenges in their schools, neighborhoods, and communities.