Michelle Rochniak (they/them) serves as MHET’s Energy Justice Copywriting Associate. They are passionate about the intersections of environmental and disability justice. They are also an advocate for mutual aid and sustainable community care inside and out of the workplace.

With a background in creative writing, Michelle brings personal flair to every piece they create. They are dedicated to creating an educated public and breaking down knowledge barriers, especially within (multiply) marginalized communities. They are a strong believer in MHET’s values related to community ownership of energy.

Michelle holds a B.A. in Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University and is working on an M.A. in English at Binghamton University. They also work as a freelance writer for The Cool Down. In their free time, they like to read and write poetry, cook vegan food, and plan social media-oriented mutual aid fundraisers.

Erin Jaramillo (she/they) attended SUNY New Paltz, where she majored in Spanish, Latin American & Caribbean studies and Women’s Gender and Sexuality studies. She grew up on the east end of Long Island, where she learned to appreciate and help preserve the fragile waters, threatened wildlife and sacred native habitats. 

Erin has had a rewarding career as a bilingual patient advocate in the field of reproductive health and justice in which the fight for bodily sovereignty has been at the center of her work, while connecting folks to tangible resources that shape their futures. 

Within her role of Community Engagement Coordinator at MHET, Erin brings a compassionate, humanistic and energetic approach within community outreach efforts. She weaves together her commitment and passion for immigration rights, environmental justice and working class solidarity.

Erin is motivated and inspired by MHET’s mission to empower community energy ownership among the marginalized communities most impacted by climate change that make up the Hudson Valley.  

In Erin’s free time, she loves cooking, swimming, spending time with her partner and kitties and talking your ear off about birthwork. 

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 Development 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.