Founder and Executive Director

Our founder, Jennifer Beaugrand, has worked in community-led horticulture in the Bronx since 2005.

PLACE Program Manager

Henry is a social worker with a background in environmental stewardship. Originally from Montana, he got his start facilitating outdoor leadership programs in remote wilderness areas across the West.

Environmental Program Manager

Conner manages the day-to-day, on-ground tasks and goals for the crews at the Bronx is Blooming. Since graduating with a B.S. in Ecology from the University of Maine, Conner has worn many hats in the fields of conservation and environmental horticulture. He worked with the government through USFWS, at other environmental non-profits as an educator, in the private sector managing landscaping crews, managing native plant nurseries, and working in stream and forest restoration. From these experiences, Conner brings extensive knowledge of environmental best management practices, horticultural technique and landscape design to the team.

Born and raised in Philly, Conner developed a deep love for urban green spaces from exploring Philly’s FDR and Fairmount Parks as a kid. In his spare time, Conner is a musician and he loves being on, in, or near the water.

Education & Outreach Manager

Gabby began working at The Bronx is Blooming in the summer of 2019 as the Project Mentor of Rev. Foster Park.

Program Operations Manager

Melissa is on a life long mission to create compliance from chaos and process from pandemonium. As a Bronx native, she has often been referred to as "the container store personified" for her color coding and organizational skills.

Environmental Program Coordinator

Valeria received a B.A. in Urban Sustainability with a Sociology concentration from Brooklyn College. Starting out as a PLACE Mentor in the Summer of 2023, she continued to cultivate her passion for environmental justice and what it means to have a stake in the green spaces we inhabit.

Tree Care Coordinator

Gaia (she/her) is a Venezuelan-American and recent graduate from NYU, with a degree in Ecology and Environmental Studies, and a passion for urban environmental issues.

Program Development & Communications Associate

Ava started with The Bronx is Blooming in September 2024 as a Civic Corps member through NYC Service, transitioned to a seasonal Environmental Program Coordinator role, and is now the Program Development and Communications Associate! Originally from Minnesota, she moved to New York to study Environment & Sustainability at Barnard College, followed by completing a Master of Public Health at Columbia University. As an environmental health professional, Ava is passionate about promoting the care of our local green spaces to reduce the impacts of extreme heat and improve air quality.

In her free time, you’ll find Ava running, reading, seeing live jazz, petting cute cats, photosynthesizing, etc.

Environmental Program Assistant

Jamie started in the summer of 2023 as a PLACE student working to help the trees of Crotona Park, then returned for the BRIDGE program for the fall and following spring, and is now one of the Environmental Program Assistants! Born and raised in the Bronx, Jamie has decided to dedicate his time, energy, and love to aiding his communities in forming deep and meaningful connections with the place we all call home. They spend their time with us tending to our garden beds across the borough, and helping inspire likeminded volunteers to see the Bronx through a different lens. Their goal is to help people see the Bronx the way they do, as a beautiful place with a rich history that we should all play our part in helping thrive. When they're not helping the Bronx bloom, you can find them writing, drawing, or some combination of both while they plan the next BiB staff D&D game.

Environmental Program Assistant

Camille started at The Bronx is Blooming during the summer of 2023 as a PLACE student — stewarding and beautifying Claremont Park. She then stayed on as a fall and spring BRIDGE Intern and she is now an Environmental Program Assistant. As a Bronx native, she believes this organization is a very special place to find your path within the environmental world. Camille is passionate about and caring for and learning about the same parks she grew up visiting while also engaging with the community and likeminded people. In her free time, you’ll find her traveling all over NYC, thrifting, or trying new restaurants!