LAF Staff - Contact Us

bdeutsch [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x12
she/her

Barbara has a diverse background in both the private and not-for-profit sector. She brings ten years of award-winning marketing experience from IBM before making a career change to become a landscape architect. This experience was influential in the development of LAF’s Landscape Performance Series strategic research initiative. Prior to LAF, Barbara worked on re-greening cities from Hong Kong to Washington, DC.  She served most recently as an Associate Director for BioRegional’s OnePlanet Communities program in Washington, DC to deliver Zero Carbon, Zero Waste, Livable communities.  In addition, she served as Senior Director of Casey Trees where she led the 2002 Street Tree Inventory, Citizen Forester Program, and 1425 K Street Green Roof Demonstration Project. She was principal investigator for the award-winning EPA Grant “The Green Build-out Model:  Quantifying the Stormwater Management Benefits of Trees and Green Roofs in Washington, DC”, which has helped inform EPA’s proposed new stormwater ruling and the District of Columbia’s stormwater planning and programs.

Barbara earned a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia, a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington, and was awarded a Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

rbooher [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x10
she/her

Rachel has a diverse background in both the private and nonprofit sectors, with experience in project management, operations management, and grant writing. Prior to joining LAF, Rachel was a grant writer for Sustainable Solutions Partners in California, where she successfully wrote green infrastructure grants and promoted sustainable practices. Past experience also includes work with the World Resources Institute assisting with research, writing, and schematic development for their Mississippi River Basin Nutrient Trading Project and their Farm Conservation Targeting Projects. While attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Rachel focused her studies on environmental and development policy, planning, and design. Advocating the need to bridge the gap between policy and effective on-the-ground solutions, Rachel’s thesis investigated issues of scale in sustainable development policy, suggesting the need for policy reforms.

Rachel earned a B.S. in Liberal Studies and Comparative Religion from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

hwhitlow [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x16
she/her

With a background in urban planning and environmental engineering, Heather has spent her career promoting sustainable development through the use of green infrastructure and alternative transportation. As Sr Director of Programs & Communications, she helped to develop and oversees LAF's 8 signature programs, as well as the organization's strategic communications. Prior to joining LAF, she was the Director of Planning & Design at Casey Trees in Washington, DC and spent several years as a transportation planner in local and regional government, managing asset management programs, bike and pedestrian facilities construction projects, and GIS modeling.

Heather holds BS degrees in Environmental Engineering and Chemistry from Michigan Technological University, and a Master of Community Planning from the University of Maryland. She wears many hats, both in the office and at home, her favorites being her bike helmet and ski helmet.

cchard [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x13
she/her

Cara brings over ten years of nonprofit experience to her role as LAF’s Director of Development. A former teacher, Cara left the classroom in favor of plants and rooftops in New York City, where she taught K-12 students about sustainable agriculture, food systems, and the urban environment through outdoor experiential education programs on urban farms. As the founding Executive Director of City Growers, Cara cultivated the programs, partnerships, and funding pipeline of a green roof farm-based educational nonprofit in New York City. Prior to joining the LAF team, she worked as a consultant, providing nonprofit management, grant prospecting, writing, and editing support to nonprofits and NGOs.

Cara received a BA in Philosophy from Hamilton College and a MA in Education from New York University. She loves to nerd out about bees, battle the invasive plants in her wooded backyard, and coach her daughter’s soccer team.

mbarnes [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x15
she/her

As Program Manager for research, Megan manages LAF's Case Study Investigation (CSI) program, Deb Mitchell Research Grant, and Landscape Performance Series initiatives. She also managed the Green New Deal Superstudio initiative (2020-2022). She has a diverse background in landscape architecture, international development, and nonprofit work. Before joining LAF, she was a two-time Peace Corps volunteer, serving in Guatemala and Panama in health and community gardening. She currently serves on the advisory board for the Coastal Solutions Fellowship program in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and volunteers with the United States Botanic Garden.

Megan’s eye for design was developed in her childhood, which was spent running around at art fairs while her parents sold their leather and paper goods. Megan has a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.

dcarbonneau [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x14
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As Program Manager for the LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership and the LAF Olmsted Scholars Program, Danielle draws from her training and experience in education, sustainability, and capacity building. Prior to joining LAF, Danielle led learning programs at the World Bank in education reform, youth development, and sustainable development education. In her role of Scholarships Administrator, she oversaw the Bank’s three premier awards programs and developed networks to facilitate knowledge exchange for their scholars and alumni around the world. She is eager to foster engagement among LAF’s alumni and current scholars and fellows and to help them connect with others who share their concern for creating equitable and sustainable built environments.

Danielle holds a BA in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MA in International Education Leadership from The George Washington University, and an MBA in Sustainable Management from Presidio Graduate School. After nearly 20 years of living in DC and working internationally, she is finally focusing on her own backyard and trying to get her garden into shape!

vcarter [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x20
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Valerie serves as Program Manager for LAF scholarships and LAF Ignite, a comprehensive scholarship-internship-mentorship program. Prior to LAF, Valerie worked at AT&T as a sales and communications specialist. Other experience includes operations management and event planning and promotion. In these roles, she mentored and provided coaching for employees. She has also volunteered her time playing piano at nursing homes and helping at food banks.

Born in Richmond and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, she attended Piedmont College. She spent four years in Brooklyn, New York, then moved back to Virginia and now resides in Arlington. In her free time, Valerie is a voracious reader and loves listening to audio books, drawing, and occasionally playing the piano for family and friends.

tpratt [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x17
he/him

With a background in journalism and a passion for the written word, Tim serves as LAF’s Communications Manager. Prior to LAF, Tim spent more than a decade in the newspaper business, working first as a reporter, then as an editor, at publications in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, and Maryland. He then joined the public affairs field, a journey that took him to St. John’s College in Annapolis, the Maryland Department of Transportation, and to international toll road developer and operator Transurban. A love of the environment and a burgeoning interest in landscape architecture drew Tim to LAF, where he uses communication as a tool to increase the visibility of landscape architects and spur action and support.

Tim holds a BA in Communications with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys baseball, pyrography (wood burning), and spending time outdoors with his wife and two dogs.

wwilkerson [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x18
she/her

As LAF’s Operations Associate, Whitney brings a wealth of experience in communications, teaching, and the arts. Prior to LAF, Whitney worked as a freelance artist and designer, building her small business brand from the ground up where she created custom work for clients across the country. Additionally, she has experience working in international recruiting and as a painting instructor. 

Her love for the environment began back home in Kentucky, where she spent many of her days exploring the scenic hikes and hollers the Bluegrass State has to offer. An interest in conservation and aligning principles drew her to LAF, where she manages LAF’s day-to-day office needs, bookkeeping, record management, and implementation of new and improved systems to support LAF’s growth.

Whitney’s roots are in Owensboro, KY and she holds a BFA from Western Kentucky University. She enjoys Southern accents, birding, collecting vintage clothing/decor, and spending time exploring scenic views and small towns. 

smeyer [at] lafoundation [dot] org
202-331-7070 x19
he/him

As LAF’s Development Associate, Spencer brings a background in political fundraising and campaign management to the table. He previously worked in New Hampshire for three years as Elections Manager for the New Hampshire House Democrats, followed by a role as Deputy Director of the Democratic Executive Council Campaign Committee. Now, he is putting his database management experience to work in support of LAF’s mission of sustainability, equity, and resilience.

Spencer has a passion for art and forward-thinking design. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, painting, visiting museums, and restoring vintage furniture. He holds a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from Skidmore College, where his undergraduate capstone focused on aesthetics and the philosophy of art.