Our Team

Rosalie Fransen (she/her) comes to MHET with nine years of experience leading community development, gender justice, and conflict transformation projects. She holds an M.S. in Global Affairs and a B.S. in Communications. Rosalie is passionate about challenging systems of inequality and oppression by providing funding, visibility, and voice to groups that lack traditional access to resources.

Prior to joining MHET, Rosalie worked with the International Civil Society Action Network where she supported a network of grassroots, women-led organizations from 40+ countries to implement peacebuilding and sustainable development projects. Rosalie deepened her interest in community finance when she led program evaluation at Urban Upbound, a non-profit that injects capital and opportunities into New York City public housing neighborhoods. In Kingston, Rosalie has participated in the design of a community fund focused on building local economic power and democratizing wealth. When she is not working, Rosalie enjoys gardening, traveling, reading and writing poetry, cooking elaborate meals, and spending time with her partner, friends, and two dogs.

Denis Cooke (he/him), is a LaGuardia Community College graduate in Computer Technology with 25 years of IT experience and CompTIA A+ certification. An Honorably Discharged US Army veteran, he has worked across education, healthcare, and distribution sectors, specializing in IT equipment, training, and workspace planning. Denis brings expertise from roles at Bronx Community College, Columbia University Medical Center, and with Frank Brunkhorst.

Recently completing training in thermal, HVAC, and electrification programs, he holds certifications in HVAC, solar energy, and building electrification. Currently enrolled in programs at SUNY Ulster and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Denis aims to promote renewable energy, advocate for green practices, and collaborate with community organizations. With 30 years of experience guiding students, he merges his IT background with a passion for renewable energy and green building in community-focused roles, striving to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability at MHET.

Elisabeth Balachova (she/her) is a dedicated environmentalist who was inspired to combat climate change in the 8th grade after watching Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. With a B.S. in Business Economics specializing in Environmental Economics, she offers a unique perspective.

In her previous real estate career, Elisabeth served as an ambassador for the Tri-State Social Equity Task Force, where she learned about environmental racism and redlining, motivating her to support an environmental justice project at Sustainable Westchester. She later transitioned to the clean energy sector at Sealed, focusing on nationwide energy efficiency initiatives. Her expertise in building science and project management now benefits low-income communities at MHET.

Beyond her career, Elisabeth follows a vegan diet, practices strict recycling, and volunteers at Woodstock Animal Sanctuary. When not advocating for climate change, she enjoys tennis, drawing inspiration from Serena Williams.

Emily Mauro comes to MHET with a B.S. in Community Health Education and a background of 10 years in environmental, food systems, energy, and sustainability efforts. She is most interested in work that explores and addresses the relationship between systemic discrimination and health disparities between communities. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Certificate in Public Administration at the City University of New York (CUNY) to deepen her understanding of the policy landscape in the US. Prior to MHET, she was building healthy, energy efficient strawbale homes with low-income homeowners on a Community Land Trust. Emily has experience installing solar panels on residential homes, creating and implementing sustainability coursebooks and programs, and has experience writing grant proposals for small-scale renewable energy projects. In her free time, you can find Emily in her garden, enjoying live music, or camping in the mountains.

Miguel Johnson (he/him) serves as the Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) Coordinator, where he helps low to middle income homeowners navigate climate resiliency upgrades. He graduated from the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership and seeks to use his background in Political Science, Creative Writing, and Journalism to advance equity in the clean energy movement. During his time as a student, he highlighted how local communities are often kept in the dark,
using the example of a multi-million-dollar Anaerobic Digester Facility being built in Hunts Point, Bronx, which proceeded without residents understanding its purpose, potential negative impact, or benefits. Miguel also serves as the President of the Moynihan Center’s Public Service Fellowship Alumni Board and is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate drones (small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, sUAS.)

Bhavya Bajpai (she/her) serves MHET as a Thermal Energy Networks Associate. She is passionate about ensuring reliable and sustainable energy access for all, with a focus on transitioning to a balanced and diverse energy mix. Bhavya brings a strong technical background from her work on thermal energy networks, district geothermal policies, and sustainable technologies. She is currently pursuing her M.S. in Earth and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Sustainable Energy at Columbia University. Her work on various projects highlights her dedication to sustainable, equitable, community-driven energy solutions.
Outside of her studies and work, Bhavya enjoys exploring bookstores and savoring a good cup of latte.

Connor Cantrell (he/him) joined Mid-Hudson Energy Transition in August 2023 as CCA Program Manager. He comes to MHET with six years of experience in New York CCA operations and national energy markets, with a B.A. in Economics from Hamilton College. Connor is interested in rethinking and restructuring energy systems that fail to prioritize the well-being of those they affect.

He is a deep, imaginative thinker with an eye for detail and empathy who plans to leverage these traits to deliver voice, ownership, and support to the communities MHET serves. In his free time he practices banjo, judo, and chess.

Emiliano Malizia (He/him) serves as MHET’s Bilingual Community Coordinator. 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.

Anna Scott (they/them) serves as the Energy Justice Content Creator. They come to MHET with a background in documentary filmmaking, bringing a perspective of dynamic community-based organizing and multimedia engagement. After graduating with a BA in Politics and Studio Art from Oberlin College, Anna has spent the last few years creating independent social justice films, teaching multimedia art, and staying committed to serving the communities in which they reside. Anna’s dedication to MHET’s mission combines environmental concerns, personal politics, and art to bridge gaps of understanding throughout diverse communities. Outside of work, Anna enjoys running, biking, and cooking elaborate meals with friends.

Eblijah Arroyo (pronounced Elijah with a B) is a seasoned professional who brings over 20 years of expertise in finance, operations, human resources, IT, and people support to MHET. Originally from New York City, Eblijah fell in love with the Hudson Valley and chose to make it his home. His diverse career spans industries including home healthcare, children’s occupational, speech pathology, and physical therapy, government contracting, and children's education websites, providing him with a well-rounded perspective and a wealth of experience.

Known as "Bly" to family and friends, Eblijah is also has been a dedicated youth football coach and served as vice president for a youth track club. His commitment to community, loyalty, and passion for personal growth align perfectly with MHET's mission. Outside of work, Bly enjoys spending time with loved ones, immersing himself in all things football and sports, exploring the outdoors, and is always eager to lend a hand with any hands-on projects.

Imani-Amie Murphy (she/her) serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Mid-Hudson Energy Transition, bringing to the role her creative and energetic personality and a love for the people she serves.

Imani-Amie is a junior at Bard College, working towards inclusivity and belonging for Black students as the Black Student Organization Club Head. Outside of work, Imani-Amie enjoys all creative hobbies such as singing, digital art, and graphic design, and is an active member of her church, Beulah Baptist Church in the Falls.

Kyra Shassberger (she/her) serves MHET as a Climate Justice Communications Fellow. Her marketing and communications background brings perspective to effectively communicate sustainability goals and strategies to a wide variety of stakeholders. She's looking forward to empowering local communities and achieving clean energy goals while working with MHET.

Kyra recently graduated from Columbia University's M.S. Sustainability Management program where she served as a Teaching Assistant on campus. Outside of work, Kyra enjoys crafting, thrifting, and repairing watches.

Tirzah Thomas (she/her) serves MHET as a Business 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.