Elise Higley

Elise Higley is an eighth generation Californian. While raising three children, Elise strives to live her life using each day as an opportunity to make a positive difference toward a harmonious and sustainable future. Elise works as the Director of Operations for Anneliese Schools which allows her to share her passion for the environment with local children and their families. Additionally, she is co-founder and vice president of Seeds Arts and Education, a non-profit, that focuses on sustaining local projects in the area of arts, sciences and humanities for children and their families. Check out seedsed.org and annelieseschools.com

 

Max Isles

A former member of the Laguna Beach City Environmental Committee. He heads up The Gardens for Life Program and advises local schools in ways to reduce their utility bills and lessen their impact on the planet while improving classroom air quality. He lectures in the community about climate change, peak oil and the simple steps to make a difference. Max writes an environmental newsletter, “Messenger from Mother Earth”... and is founding member of The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA where he sits on the Board. With an in-depth knowledge of green homes from the cool roof down to the worms in the food garden, he works as a certified Green Building Inspector and holds honors degrees in Environmental Science and Economics. More on Max at Ecology Center.

 

Ron May

Owner of May Contractors Inc., Green Building Professionals. He is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and the local chapter of Emerging Green Builders. Also a Laguna Beach native, Ron is a lifelong ocean waterman. Water conservation and urban runoff is a personal cause. Cooking, gardening and throwing clay into functional art are the passions that allow his creative energy to soar. Email: rmay@mayco-inc.com or visit his website at Mayco Inc..

 

Michele McCormick, Ph.D.

Strives to live a community-centered, nature-based life in the beauty of urban complexity. Her day job is that of psychologist and therapist in Newport Beach, CA. While living in Taos, New Mexico, Michele designed an off the grid, straw-bale home, chopped wood, carried water, and drove a beater car. From 1990 to present, she has worked with international development organizations to link volunteer women’s groups in the U.S. with women’s cooperatives in Kenya, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Taos Pueblo and New Brunswick. Sustainable development is central to these projects: building community centers, training mental health workers, responding to trauma in times of crisis. Michele received the Soroptomist Club’s Woman of Distinction Award for “Promoting International Goodwill and Understanding”. For a decade, she taught at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Psychology and Prescott College. Currently an instructor for University of California Davis, she is completing a book entitled “Legacy’s Gift: Honoring the Wisdom of the Elders”. More at drmmc.com : Legacy’s Gift, and eco-viva.org Contact: drmmc@cox.net.

 

Sean McCracken

Grew up in the New York City metro-area and later attended the University of Southern California. After attaining his MBA, he moved to Laguna Beach, CA and founded a real estate software company. Real Estate Software for banks and large corporations was his primary focus and vocation through 2006 when he became a real estate broker. As a local realtor, Sean also follows his passion through his involvement in local eco and art projects. As a leader, he has played a key role in art and eco- organizations in town... from Water Wise Expos to the E-Waste collections. If positive change is happening, Sean is there!

 

Joanne Situ Allen

Has been deeply aware of the interconnections between humans, the elements and the earth since childhood. She holds a BA in Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA and a MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School (one of the first schools in the nation to create a holistic MBA program). Joanne is currently Vice Chair of the Laguna Beach Environmental Committee. As a Sustainability Strategist, she is passionate about helping businesses and government navigate the shifting paradigms that are currently taking place. By focusing on efficient management and leadership through empowerment, Joanne creates sustainable organizations while keeping a whole systems perspective. Contact her at joanne.situ@gmail.com.

 

Pam Sterling

Leaving a successful career in the corporate world to follow her passion when she opened Laguna Green. “When I began to understand how we create the energy that surrounds us, I started to change things in my life, including my relationship to the environment.” Ultimately, Pam’s eco-awakening shaped her passion for design, with a focus on design for style and sustainability. “I think my journey toward a more eco-conscious lifestyle resonates with many people. All of us want to create a healthier environment for ourselves, our families, and generations to come. But, we may not know what options are available. If I can help one person take a step toward creating a healthier home, I am happy.” Pam is also a raw food lover and advocate. She regularly teaches classes on raw foods and enjoys sharing her raw food journey in her blog, Outrageous Joy..

 

Hoiyin Ip

A photographer and writer, believes in conditionally green living. It must be both convenient and enjoyable. Some of the things she loves are tasty vegetarian meals, practical tips of DYI vegetable garden, and public/shared transportation. Her connection with TLB was coincident. At the beginning of 2009, when she was seeking a volunteer opportunity with World Wildlife Fund (WWF), she heard about Transition Laguna Beach, and joined their Earth Hour event which was globally organized by WWF. Immediately she became an active participant of all TLB events (Movie Night, Food Group and Eco Fest), and started the TLB Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/TransitionLaguna). At the end of 2009, she was invited to join the TLB core group. Baby steps and group effort are what Hoiyin pursuits. To know what she is up to today, check out her website. hoiyinip.com

 

Brad Wood

Senior Partner, leads the modhabitat team in project development and sustainable practices, and is a partner in the Laguna Beach office of Modhabitat. Runner up European Aluminum Awards 2007 - The only US company nominated. He is also a Sr. Partner in emarcnetwork a online continued educational portal for medical professionals and Co-Founder of Direct Design Now where they are redefining web content delivery - With over 10 years of experience in vertical market growth and known for his creative solutions, Brad uses deep market knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and sophisticated negotiation skills to meet the complex business and growth needs of established and emerging companies. Non-Profit Committee Member - Sustainable Green Activist and Muse - Brad donates his time to sustainable and eco-friendly organizations and sits on the commitie boards of Endangered Planet Foundation, Transition Laguna, Art Miles Murals and EvergreenOC.

 

Advisory Board

 

Chris Prelitz, LEED ap

Chris is a sustainability consultant, teacher, and author of “Green Made Easy”. He has been a green design-builder for over 20 years. In 1993, Chris built the first permitted solar-powered home in Southern California! His own home, here in Laguna, is a strawbale - solar powered, nearly net-zero home. A recent ‘green retrofit’ project was featured on Discovery Channel’s Greenovate show. Chris presently chairs the Environmental Committee for the City of Laguna Beach. More on Chris - Prelitz.com, and NewLeafAmerica.com.

 

Michelle Spieker

is founder of The Cherished Self, an organization dedicated to personal enrichment, balance and joy. Formerly the director of marketing for Deepak Chopra, today Michelle is a mother, author and personal consultant. Additionally, she's the co-founder of “Organic Dinner Environmental Outreach” that meets monthly in Mission Viejo, CA. More on Michelle at “Organic Dinner Environmental Outreach”.