Ellie Milano

Senior Manager, Planning & Facilitation

I am excited about discovering the factors that lead to real, measurable impact for teams on the ground, and the conditions that create effective and healthy organizations. I explore the processes that make project teams successful in achieving their goals, and how to identify and reduce barriers to success. My expertise in strategic and project planning is rooted in the realities of what really works for teams. I design meetings and workshops with that in mind – helping teams to create the best possible solutions for their work.

My diverse experiences have afforded me a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, rooted in the real-world challenges that face small and large non-profits. I have supported the development and management of projects across the globe including Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mexico, Indonesia, South Africa, and Europe. I hold an MSc from Tufts University in Conservation Medicine, a BS in Biology and a BA in Environmental Studies both from Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Contact me at: Ellie@impactbydesigninc.org

Ben Christ

Principal, Planning & Facilitation

My passions for facilitation and strategic planning were born from an appreciation of the “wicked” socio-ecological issues we face as a global community. As individuals, we approach these issues in ways that reflect our positions, interests, and biases. This range of perspectives can make partnership and planning particularly challenging. As a facilitator, I work alongside clients to design a process for essential conversations to occur. Whether in the field or the classroom, I am passionate about providing groups with an effective space for advancing their thinking and decision making. As a project and program manager, I ensure these processes are carried out in accordance with the resources at our disposal and at a high quality within agreed upon timeframes. 

Prior to joining IbD, my experiences ranged from avian ecology and social science research at home and abroad to teaching Business English in São Paulo, Brazil. I hold a Master’s in Sustainable Development Practice with a certificate in Tropical Conservation & Development from the University of Florida and a BS in Fisheries & Wildlife from the University of Missouri.

Contact me at: Ben@impactbydesigninc.org

Hannah Pickard

Manager, Planning & Facilitation

Hope for overcoming our environmental challenges comes from people aligning across disciplines, learning and working together on solutions.  I am passionate about supporting environmental leaders by fostering community-building, skill development and social-emotional wellness. As a facilitator and strategic planner, I guide teams to find clarity in purpose and a path to implementation.  

My perspective is informed by interdisciplinary partnerships - programs, projects and networks that put social science, environmental science and education research into practice for the common good.  I have two decades of experience working with museums, zoos, and aquariums, as well as early career scientists, translating complex topics and motivating behavior change.  I am deeply experienced in generative social impact networks and building national communities of practice that motivate and sustain conservation leaders long-term. My background is in education, conservation psychology, climate communications, community engagement and evaluation. I hold a B.A. in Studio Art and Italian from Connecticut College and an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Contact me at: Hannah.Pickard@impactbydesigninc.org

Fátima Ramis

Manager, Social Science & Research

I am deeply committed to crafting thoughtful processes that foster meaningful and sustainable interactions between people and the natural world. My passion lies in leveraging scientific approaches to inspire innovative solutions to complex challenges. I enjoy designing creative and collaborative spaces that support clients in reaching their goals of generating a positive impact in their communities and their natural environments. 

My approaches are informed by a breadth of experiences in various disciplines, including social science-based designs, human-wildlife interactions, community-based approaches, zoo and aquarium management, and animal welfare science.

I am finalizing my doctoral experience as a PhD candidate in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, focusing on human dimensions of wildlife management. I also hold a Master of Science in Biology, with a focus on applied animal welfare in zoological settings, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stetson University, with a focus on ecology and animal behavior. 

Contact me at: Fatima.Ramis@impactbydesigninc.org

Sophie Nazeri

Manager, Planning & Facilitation

The complex environmental challenges we face today demand a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach. I am committed to creating spaces where stakeholders can convene and collaborate to develop sustainable, long-lasting ideas and solutions. My focus is on designing dynamic and cross-pollinative workspaces that inspire innovation and relationship-building. As a facilitator and project manager, I work hand-in-hand with clients to thoughtfully select tools and strategies to help advance and implement their environmental, conservation, and animal welfare initiatives, focusing on their needs and timelines.

I draw on my experiences across various fields, including wildlife conservation, animal welfare, environmental policy, and education, to guide my approaches. My background includes studying avian malaria, working abroad on parrot conservation projects, and advocating for wildlife policies at global forums and multilateral meetings. I have worked with organizations and groups in Central America, Europe, Africa, South and East Asia, Canada, and the United States. I hold a Master of Science in Environmental Policy and Management from the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor of Science with Distinction in Animal Science from Cornell University.

Contact me at: Sophie.Nazeri@impactbydesigninc.org

Sara Kent

Chief Operating Officer

I enjoy developing solutions and systems that allow information to flow efficiently and transparently. I explore how people work individually and together to find the right processes to increase success. I am most excited when finding simple solutions to complex problems or identifying a new method that brings positive results to the whole team.

My experience comes from over two decades of programmatic, operational, and leadership positions with startup, corporate, and nonprofit animal welfare organizations. I hold a BA in Psychology from Montclair State University.

Contact me at: Sara.Kent@impactbydesigninc.org

Lauren Watkins, PhD

Expert Advisor, Social Science & Research

Understanding how human behavior influences our natural world is a passion of mine. I get excited by opportunities to merge behavior change science with practice, helping others to reach their goals for animals and the environment. I share a desire with our partners to positively influence natural resources by helping people act in the best interest of the environment. To achieve this, I work closely with teams and organizations to build their capacity to foster sustainable behavior change.

My diverse experience in conservation psychology, communication, interpretation, and education comes from more than a decade of work with zoos, aquariums, museums, parks, reserves, and nonprofits in the US and abroad. I received my Ph.D. from the University of Florida’s School of Forest Resources and Conservation, and hold an MS from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Natural Resource Management and Environmental Science,  as well as a BA from Flagler College in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.

Contact me at: Lauren@impactbydesigninc.org

Amanda Berlinski

Project Support, Social Science & Research

Amanda has over 15 years of experience in interpretive management, planning, and training - specifically for sites dedicated to wildlife conservation and welfare. Through authentic co-creation, she helps teams develop and design experiences that engage audiences, encourage curiosity, and engender action. She holds an MA in Zoology from Miami University, a BA in Studio Art and Psychology from Hope College, and is a Doctoral Candidate in Teaching-Learning Processes with a focus on Heritage Leadership at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis. 

Hanna Lentz-Harry

Co-Founder

Hanna’s specialties come from years of working both in the field and organization management, including expertise in strategic and operational planning, organization development, training design, and convening stakeholders for collaboration and impact. She has extensive international experience, working with organizations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Indonesia, South Africa, and across Europe. Hanna was an original co-founder of IbD and holds an MBA from IE University in Spain in Global Business Administration, an MS from Tufts University in Animals and Public Policy, and a BA with Honors from University of Michigan in English and Writing.

Ariela Rosenstein

Learning Strategist; Independent Consultant

Ariela’s work spans the health, education, and environmental sectors, and she currently advises on management and leadership development for a global humanitarian agency.  She has a particular passion for designing and guiding experiences that unite and empower diverse stakeholders to address complex challenges.  As Vice President of Training at Rare, Ariela oversaw the global product line for behavior change communications and training solutions. She built networks of learning communities, and activated an organizational culture of participation, engagement, and alignment across languages, cultures, and contexts.  Ariela has over 20 years of experience in leading education and capacity building programs for global non-profits throughout North America, Asia, Latin America and Africa. 

Errol Mazursky

Executive Director; Environmental Leadership Program

As Executive Director of the Environmental Leadership Program, Errol manages the day-to-day operations of the organization in addition to the recruitment and selection process of ELP’s regional networks, oversees the development and planning of fellowship programming, and maintains ELP’s national network of 1,000+ Senior Fellows. He believes in the power of knocking down silos and continuously requesting (and using!) feedback for growth.  An innate networking expert and optimist, he has a deep understanding of the challenges facing organizations and the opportunity for impact that comes from empowering individuals to succeed.  Errol has also worked at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, served in the U.S. Peace Corps as a health volunteer in The Gambia, West Africa, and as a Crisis Corps Volunteer in New Orleans, LA.

Ravi Prasad

Associate Director; CSpace

Ravi Prasad is an educator-turned-consultant who uses his moderation, design-thinking, and research skills to help corporations and non-profits alike. His professional interests are driven by a desire to help drive deeper connections between people, communities, and corporations to drive sustainability, equity, and profit. He has worked with a wide variety of organizations from Bose to Brown University, Coca Cola to the Environmental Leadership Program, Mass General Hospital to the City of Boston, and is thrilled to support Impact By Design.