Tree Pittsburgh Staff
Tree Pittsburgh’s staff is a dedicated team of arborists, environmental educators, and passionate professionals committed to our shared green spaces. From tree planting and care, to education, to growing and distributing trees, and everything in between, they work together to protect and grow Pittsburgh’s urban forest.
- Danielle Crumrine, Executive Director
- Megan Higgins Palomo, Heritage Nursery Director
- Jake Milofsky, Director of Tree Care and Reforestation
- Joe Stavish, Director of Education
- Maura O’Neill, Director of Development and Communications
- Kathi Radock, Director of Operations
- Maggie Aupperlee, Marketing and Communications Manager
- Clara Kitongo, Tree Equity Manager
- Loralyn Fabian, Tree Adoption Program Manager
- Kurt Carlson, Facilities Manager
- Jamie Gruzinski, Forest Restoration Project Manager
- Kelsey Munsick, Volunteer Program Manager
- Kimberly Bracken, Giving Grove Manager
- Jonathan Fantazier, One Tree Per Child Program Manager
- Meg Cerveny, Senior Arborist
- Liz Lenthe, Development Manager
- Maeve Rafferty, Education Program Manager
- Terra Nonack, Event Rental Manager
- Katie Whitewood, Tree Adoption Program Coordinator
- Devin Ehrlich, Community Forestry Team Lead
- Rick Markee, Community Forestry Team Member
- Lori Kofalt, Seed Program Coordinator
- Aimee Chusko, Heritage Nursery Technician
Danielle Crumrine
For over 20 years, Danielle has worked in various capacities in the Pittsburgh environmental community. She has served as Tree Pittsburgh’s Executive Director for 15 years, where she has led the organization through significant growth — including their current effort to transform a former steel mill site into Tree Pittsburgh’s headquarters, including a tree nursery, education center, and office building.
Prior to joining Tree Pittsburgh in 2007, she was the founding Board President and Executive Director of Allegheny CleanWays, a group dedicated to empowering people to fight illegal dumping and littering in Allegheny County.
Danielle was named a top 40 under 40 environmental leader across the state of Pennsylvania by the PA Environmental Council, and in 2011, she was a Board member for the Alliance for Community Trees — the only national organization solely focused on the needs of those engaged in urban forestry. In 2015, as ACTrees President, she led the merger of ACTrees with the Arbor Day Foundation where she now sits on the Board of Trustees.
Megan Higgins Palomo
As the Heritage Nursery Director, Megan is responsible for developing and managing all aspects of Tree Pittsburgh’s Heritage Nursery, which works to address the issue of forest biodiversity by growing a diverse tree stock for local plantings and ecosystem restoration efforts. Megan oversees all propagation and sales efforts, and manages the nursery volunteer program. From seed collection to the continued production of nursery stock, she works to ensure the highest quality standards by using current best management practices.
Prior to joining Tree Pittsburgh in November 2014, Megan served as the Business Development and Design Manager at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens where she led the organization’s sustainability consulting initiatives. Megan learned the nursery trade by working alongside her father for many years at their family-owned nursery business, Michael Brothers in West Deer, PA. She earned her B.S. in Landscape Architecture with a concentration in Horticulture from Cornell University in 2007.
Jake Milofsky
As Director of Tree Care and Reforestation, Jake oversees tree maintenance operations in the field. Working with volunteer groups and seasonal staff, Jake coordinates projects to keep street trees healthy in commercial and industrial portions of the city where there is little Tree Tender support.
In residential areas where there is Tree Tender support, Jake works directly with neighborhood Tree Tenders to schedule and support their communities’ tree care through regular events like Mulching Parties and Pruning Workshops.
Jake is also in charge of Tree Pittsburgh’s reforestation projects along greenways where the tree canopy has been impacted by invasive species. To advance these projects, Jake organizes volunteers and staff to plant new trees and maintain these sites.
Jake holds a BA in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University and a Master’s Degree in Environmental Horticulture and Ecological Restoration from the University of Washington in Seattle. Jake is an ISA Certified Arborist and an active member of the Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter of the ISA.
Joe Stavish
Joe helps to coordinate the Tree Tender Certification courses for adults as well as many youth programs in the community. Joe schedules and/or teaches many programs including garden club talks, visits to schools, summer camps, hosting scout programs, tabling at festivals, leading tree identification walks, and hosting nursery tours. He has presented at national and regional conferences including the Arbor Day Foundation’s Partners in Community Forestry Conference, and the Pennsylvania Delaware chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. He has instructed facilities and grounds crew trainings at universities including Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, and the University of Pittsburgh. He is passionate about nature and incorporates insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals into many of the programs he facilitates.
Maura O’Neill
As Director of Development and Communications, Maura is responsible for overseeing fundraising, grant writing, communications and marketing at Tree Pittsburgh as well as helping to expand our education programs. Prior to Tree Pittsburgh, Maura managed fundraising and marketing programs at public media and health development organizations.
Kathi Radock
Kathi joined Tree Pittsburgh in the fall of 2022. Her primary responsibility is to ensure organizational effectiveness by providing support for the organization’s administrative functions. Kathi also contributes to the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices, and serves a leading role in inspiring a positive and supportive organizational culture.
Kathi has worked for nonprofits in the arts, public radio, and outdoor recreation. Most recently, Kathi worked at a local community development organization working in communications and operations, and she brings that experience to Tree Pittsburgh. She has a BA in English and Film Studies.
In Kathi’s spare time, she loves to read, go antiquing, bike, and spend time with her wife and dog. She’s a part of her neighborhood block watch, which includes the important task of picking up litter!
Maggie Aupperlee
As Manager of Marketing and Communications, Maggie is responsible for all of Tree Pittsburgh’s communications including social media, press releases, and email newsletters. She also serves as a support for development and fundraising events.
Maggie came to Pittsburgh in the fall of 2010 to participate in the Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience. She spent 7 years running her own nonprofit communications firm, working with local, regional, and national nonprofits.
When she’s not at Tree Pittsburgh, Maggie likes to bake and play with her giant dog. You can probably find her camping in Pennsylvania’s state parks.
Clara Kitongo
Clara has transitioned from her role as One Tree Per Child Program Manager to the newly created role of Tree Equity Manager. She will work with communities, especially those with low canopy or Environmental Justice communities, to be sure their voices and wishes are heard throughout our planning processes. She is a Master of Public Policy Management graduate from the Heinz School of Public Policy and Information Systems at Carnegie Mellon University. She has gathered a diverse array of skills through her working career as a former teacher, sustainability fellow with the Student Conservation Association, program coordinator at CMU, and a policy intern with the City of Pittsburgh. She also supports local volunteer initiatives and is a certified Tree Tender with us!
When she’s not at work, Clara loves to be outdoors. She loves to take walks in the park and ride her bike on a good summer or fall evening. She is also an in-house musician, so be on the lookout for some work from her soon!
Loralyn Fabian
Loralyn joined Tree Pittsburgh in 2022 to manage the Tree Adoption program, which provides trees to residents of Allegheny County at no cost. Loralyn has a background in community development, engagement, and greening projects.
Loralyn’s love for nature started at a young age, hiking and biking with her family. This grew into a desire to protect and restore natural environments. As Tree Adoption Program Manager, Loralyn is able to blend her skills in planning and strategy, her love of nature and the urban forest, and her experience in community engagements and partnerships.
Loralyn holds a BLA in Landscape Architecture from Penn State University. When she’s not at work, you can find her hiking and backpacking, recharging in nature, and spending time illustrating and drawing.
Kurt Carlson
As Facilities Manager, Kurt does it all. He is a jack of all trades building our robot lawn mower (yes, a robot mows our courtyard!), building potting benches for the Heritage Nursery, and generally fixing all of the things that need to be fixed around campus. Kurt has also been instrumental in steering Tree Pittsburgh toward a zero-waste facility.
Throughout Kurt’s professional career, he has worked as a writer and editor for Thrasher Magazine, computer magazines, and even video game instruction manuals. He began to use his varied skillset to fix peoples’ houses, which led him to join Tree Pittsburgh.
Kurt enjoys camping, playing board and card games, and doing house projects when he’s not at Tree Pittsburgh.
Jamie Gruzinski
As our Forest Restoration Project Manager, Jamie plans and coordinates forest restoration projects throughout Allegheny County. With interests in urban forestry and terrestrial ecology, Jamie provides a unique perspective in the effort to grow Pittsburgh’s urban forest.
Jamie originally joined Tree Pittsburgh in 2016 as a seasonal member of the Summer Tree Care Crew, but his role developed into a long-term position as a Program Assistant. He briefly left Tree Pittsburgh in 2019 to gain more experience in arboriculture, but is now back to train the next generation of arborists and neighborhood Tree Tenders.
Jamie holds a BS in Environmental Biology from Clarion University with work experience in multiple disciplines that span across nonprofits, private businesses, and city government.
Kelsey Munsick
Kelsey joined Tree Pittsburgh in 2021 and has transitioned from her original role as Community Tree Specialist to the newly created Volunteer Program Manager. In this position, Kelsey will work directly with our dedicated Tree Tenders and volunteers. She works to connect Tree Tenders and volunteers from all over the county to help support the Urban Forest.
Prior to working with Tree Pittsburgh, Kelsey was an Allegheny County Park Ranger. In her role as an educational interpretive ranger, her role was to lead hikes and trail projects, including tree planting projects with Tree Pittsburgh. Her internship with Grey Towers Historical site with the US Forest Service inspired her to pursue a career in environmental conservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation and a master’s degree in Park & Resource Management.
When Kelsey is not working with volunteers she spends her time baking, exploring local parks, and going on adventures with her dog.
Kimberly Bracken
Kimberly is the Giving Grove Manager at Tree Pittsburgh. She helps to launch new fruit orchards in the region and provides support to existing community gardens/orchards. Kimberly also helps to facilitate the sharing and distribution of Giving Grove fruits, nuts, and berries.
Kimberly graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and has a certificate in permaculture design from Phipps Conservatory. She got involved in gardening by joining the Old Allegheny Community Garden. She wrote grants and designed gardens for the Children’s Museum and Food City Community Garden, a quarter-acre food forest on Tripoli Street on the North Side.
Kimberly is an avid bicycler. In her free time, she likes to cook, read, quilt, write letters, papercutting, and play board games.
Jonathan Fantazier
Jonathan joined Tree Pittsburgh in 2023 as Program Manager for One Tree Per Child. Through this role Jonathan serves students through the K‑12 age range in learning about trees, forest & urban ecology, climate science, and environmental health.
Prior to joining Tree Pittsburgh in August 2023, Jonathan taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools as well as other independent, charter, Montessori, and religious schools. He has a BS in Technical Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and earned a MA in Teaching from Chatham University, with dual certifications in secondary English and mathematics. Jonathan has continued his education through several curriculum development fellowships, and certifications in Permaculture Design and Horticulture. Beyond his work with Tree Pittsburgh, Jonathan is the Secretary for the Board of Directors of the PLEA behavioral health agency.
Jonathan is a biker, runner, swimmer, boater, martial artist, and an art, music, & food enthusiast. You may see him out with his partner bird watching, looking for fossils, or foraging for mushrooms in our city, county, and state parks.
Meg Cerveny
As Senior Arborist, Meg works with municipalities, institutions, and other entities around private tree care and maintenance contracts.
Meg has an extensive background in plants and forestry. In Gainesville, FL she worked in utility forestry and used her minor in landscape design to consult on plantings around the city. In Ithaca, NY, Meg worked as a forestry technician. She also has experience working with national tree and plant care companies, in addition to a consulting business she owns with her husband.
Outside of work, Meg is getting into herbalism and natural plant medicine. When you see her around, be sure to ask about her time in underwater hockey!
Liz Lenthe
In her role, Liz will help expand Tree Pittsburgh’s fundraising to further our work to grow a greener future for all. This includes working closely with individual donors and planning events.
Liz has spent her career in small and mid-sized nonprofits, primarily in the arts. In fact, her degree is in music history/music composition. Liz first interacted with Tree Pittsburgh through our Tree Adoption program.
In her free time, Liz enjoys fiber crafts of all types, stained glass, calligraphy, beekeeping, playing board games, and gardening. Her backyard is a certified backyard habitat.
Maeve Rafferty
Maeve serves as Tree Pittsburgh’s Education Coordinator, but this isn’t her first time on staff! Her current role, which began in 2021, involves creating educational programming and supporting education efforts across all Tree Pittsburgh programs. Previously, Maeve has worked in our Heritage Nursery for 5 years and on the winter pruning crew for 2.
Maeve studied environmental biology at University College Dublin and spent a decade working in nature conservation in Northern Ireland. She moved to Pittsburgh in 2010 and was drawn to the city’s trees.
Outside of the office, Maeve enjoys learning more about the diversity of plant life by hiking in the forests, fields, and off-beaten paths in Pittsburgh. She’s also an active member of the Lawrenceville Tree Tenders and helps to maintain the Lawrenceville Tree Park.
Terra Nonack
Terra is a familiar face around Tree Pittsburgh, having worked in various capacities before taking on the role of Event Rental Manager. Terra meets with every interested rental client and handles all booking, staffing, and coordination of vendor dropoffs and pickups. Along with Kurt, Terra has steered us toward zero waste in the office as well as providing that opportunity for event rentals as well. She also plays another crucial role on staff: keeping our building clean!
Terra is a Master Gardener, who used to grow and sell her own organic produce at farmer’s markets. She has a passion for sustainability, having lived on a sustainable farm growing up. Through her experience in the service industry, she developed a passion for taking care of people and making sure people have what they need.
Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, and hanging out with her kids.
Katie Whitewood
As our Tree Adoption Program Coordinator, Katie provides support to the tree adoption program through boots-on-the-ground work. She attends events, helps with preparation for each event, and spends time in the community.
Katie attended Slippery Rock University for her undergraduate and graduate degrees and has a Master of Science in Parks and Resource Management and a Master in Education in Environmental Education. She spent time as an environmental educator and restoration crew member at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and joined Tree Pittsburgh as an intern in February 2023. She worked with the tree care crew through the summer, and began to assist with tree adoptions that fall.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys pet-sitting, crocheting, and swimming. You might even see her out camping or hiking.
Devin Ehrlich
Devin spends his days at Tree Pittsburgh outside, planting and caring for young trees across Allegheny County. As our Community Forestry Team Lead, he leads our field staff in all of our tree care and tree planting programs, including One Tree Per Child and activities within our ReLeaf communities.
Devin comes to Tree Pittsburgh after completing the Horticulture Technology Program at Bidwell Training Center and an externship at Beechwood Farms. He’s always been interested in nature, starting with his time at summer camp. Working at Tree Pittsburgh provides Devin the opportunity to get out in the city and getting to know it better, and to explore new places.
Devin loves to spend his free time hiking and reading about nature and philosophy. He is a student of life.
Rick Markee
Rick started at Tree Pittsburgh at the start of 2026. As a Community Forestry Team Member, Rick is out in the field, planting and caring for trees. If you volunteer at those events, you’ll likely see Rick!
Rick spent 10 years in the tech industry before finding his passion for conservation work. He spent 5 years working with Pittsburgh conservation nonprofits building skills in the field, including restoration, invasive plant management, and tree care. He worked with Tree Pittsburgh closely during these roles before joining the team.
When he’s not caring for trees, Rick is an outdoorsman and nerd (his words!). Outside of work, he spends his time camping, hiking, and more. He also enjoys board games, card games, and DnD.
Lori Kofalt
Lori joined the Heritage Nursery staff in 2026. In her role as the Seed Program Coordinator, Lori maintains our seed program, including collecting, processing, and sowing.
Lori attended the Bidwell Training Center for Horticulture Technology with internships at Beechwood Farms and Allegheny Land Trust. She then served as the Horticulture Coordinator at our partner organization Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Lori has a passion for native plants and getting them into people’s landscapes.
In her spare time, Lori enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her dog. She also likes to go dancing.
Aimee Chusko
Aimee joined Tree Pittsburgh in 2025. As a Heritage Nursery Technician, she works on plant care, seed propagation, and other nursery tasks.
Aimee grew up in Pennsylvania and spent time in Florida pursuing a career in restaurants before moving back to Pennsylvania. She joined the Heritage Nursery staff to make a positive environmental impact for not only the people of our community, but birds as well. She enjoys the daily hands-on experience of plant care and watching them grow and thrive throughout the season.
In her free time, Aimee enjoys hiking, biking, swimming, bird watching, playing with her dogs, and gardening.
Oaklee
Oaklee started at Tree Pittsburgh in the fall of 2017, helping with family story time at Arbor Aid and Pawpaw Fest. At Tree Pittsburgh, it’s Oaklee’s job to make events more fun. Some might say Oaklee is just a mascot, but we know Oaklee brings so much more to the organization. Be on the lookout for Oaklee at Tree Pittsburgh events around Allegheny County!
A native of the oak trees on Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park, Oaklee recently moved to Lawrenceville to work for Tree Pittsburgh. In their spare time, Oaklee climbs trees, jumps fences, and eats nuts and berries.