Diane was involved in solar energy in the early 80's and took her interest in renewable energy to heart by building and living in a passive solar home in Santa Fe, NM. In 1984, she entered the computer industry, eventually starting her own software company designing key applications for the auto collision and insurance claims industry. After selling that company, she assisted several software companies in successful startup-ups finally landing in the oil and gas industry. There she began to discover the extent of the environmental destruction that comes from extraction, and realized that the best way to reduce this impact is for us to use less. Thus, was born the impetus for creating the ConservED Project (our original name, see History for more). She was among those selected for training by Al Gore's The Climate Project, and has facilitated group discussions on An Inconvenient Truth throughout Colorado. To bring these ideas to a broader audience the Green Heart Institute has become the fiscal sponsor for Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, which helps faith-based communities address environmental issues. She has taken her ability to create solutions to a new level, designing programs and tools that achieve measurable results that will benefit everyone.

Jennifer has been a dynamic educator for over 12 years and during that time has taught in a wide variety of community and academic settings. She has worked as a Senior Consultant and Lecturer with Northwestern University, as well as a technical writer and researcher for several engineering and not-for-profit organizations. She also acts as the Executive Director of a national nonprofit, The Simplicity Forum, which is an alliance of leaders in the simplicity movement "committed to achieving simple, just, and sustainable ways of life." Her multidisciplinary background in physics, psychology, systems science and sustainability has been ideal for creating the content of the Green Heart Institute's unique and fun programs. This process goes beyond simply educating people about the environment or creating external changes in behavior to include their understanding of their own emotional and psychological drivers for making choices that promote (or preclude) happiness and sustainability. She also speaks and tours nationally with her husband as the Eco-Tones where they address many of these issues through their "Concerts with a Conscience." Her lifelong passion for our environment, and her interest in promoting whole systems health and sustainable behavior change, are her motivations for seeing that the Institute is successful in its mission.

Brian comes to us with experience from a broad range of disciplines including, communications, management, customer service, marketing, operations and sales. As our Energy Programs Director he helps develop the training and support documents for our volunteer Eco Auditors, provides sustainability consultation and Energy Audits to homes and
businesses, and offers tech support to those using our LCL Tracking software.

Betsy a degree in business management which she has applied to the ownership and operation of several businesses including the Blue Horse Fine Art Gallery. She helped coordinate the Renaissance of Local Festival at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado while she worked with Boulder Valley Relocalization. At the Institute she enrolls our Green Heart Partner business members and sponsors to help connect the community with sustainainable solutions and provide financial support for our programs.

Pete is certified as a Bau-biologie Environmental Specialist (or "building biologist") and with his business Living Space, has helped homeowners understand how to create a healthy living environment. He also has training as an educator and alternative builder and is using this experience to create engaging, hands-on curricula for young people as they learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Nelson Brock, Director 

Betty Goebel