Our Team

Scott Thach
Senior Vice President,
Strategic Development & Education

Bridget Hachfeld
Director,
Education

Grace Chen
Manager,
Education Outreach

As Senior Vice President of Strategic Development and Education, Scott is responsible for the development of new programs and initiatives and oversees the Alliance’s K-12 and consumer outreach programs.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Scott worked in K-12 education, children’s literature, and television development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies from Pomona College and a master’s degree in Education from Cal State Northridge.

Bridget brings sixteen years of K-12 and post-secondary experience to her role as the Alliance’s Director of Education. She oversees the education team in its implementation of programs that empower students to act as energy efficiency changemakers in their schools, homes, and larger communities.

Before joining the Alliance, Bridget was a school improvement specialist at the Kentucky Department of Education as well as a classroom teacher and educational consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English as well as master’s degrees in Education and Women’s Studies.

Grace supports the education team in its implementation of the EmPowered Schools program with teachers and districts. Her role is to connect schools with funders to further the Alliance’s mission of educating students about energy conservation and green career pathways.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Grace was an elementary classroom teacher for over a decade where she created a nurturing and engaging learning environment while focusing on student progress. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Francesca Arato
Associate,
Local Education Project Leader

In her role on the Education team, Francesca supports schools and districts in the implementation of the EmPowered Schools program, which allows students to become ambassadors for energy conservation in the classroom and at home.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Francesca spent her career in K-12 environmental education, program development and communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design and a master’s degree in Eco-efficient Product Design from the Polytechnic University of Turin.

Sophie Tan
Manager,
Local Education Project Leader

Sophie Tan joined Alliance in August of 2022. In her role, she assists schools and teachers in the implementation of the EmPowered School Program, which provides students with an energy efficient and environmentally friendly curriculum.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Sophie worked as an elementary school teacher where she created a hands-on, student-focused learning environment to drive student engagement. Sophie graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Stephanye Batiste
Local Education Project Leader

Bringing her expertise in educational technology and instructional design with years as an elementary classroom and K-5 virtual teacher, Stephanye Batiste leads school districts and teachers as they implement the Empowered School Program and other energy efficiency education. Her support and assistance allow students to become ambassadors for environmental justice within their classroom and their communities.

Stephanye graduated from Grambling State University and began her career as an education reporter. She then transitioned fully into the academic realm and later gained her master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University-Portland. Stephanye also freelances as a K-5 writer/editor for math and science lessons.

Colleen Butterfield
Director,
Development

Colleen Butterfield joined the Alliance to Save Energy in August 2022 as the Director of Development. In her role, she will be developing the EmPowered Campus program and focusing on strategic initiatives.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Colleen worked in energy efficiency consulting and non-profits in the clean energy industry, including having previously worked at the Alliance from 2013-2016. She has spent 8 years working with university students in energy efficiency workforce development, and 7 years in the private sector on high efficiency HVAC, water heat and controls rebate programs.