The  Meadowscaping  Team

Steve Gordon, Barbara, and Jean, removing turf at Christ Church Episcopal meadow in 2014.

Jean, Barbara, Julie,  and Julie's son, Alessio, graduate of the first meadow course.

Barbara Passero
​Co-Founder and Director

Founder of Meadowscaping for Biodiversity and a native of Cleveland, Ohio, Barbara Passero has been active in public outreach, education, and environmental advocacy since she was in her teens. 

Barbara earned a B.A. in English from Hiram College and an M.L.S. degree from the Simmons College School of Library and Information Science. 

​Barbara loves nature and being outdoors.

Jean Devine
Co-Founder and Program Leader

​MS4B's SOIL TUNNEL at the 2015 Cambridge Science Festival.
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Jean is a co-creator of MS4B and Program leader. She designs and delivers creative, project-based curriculum to engage kids and adults alike. Like all our staff, Jean loves the environment and understands the benefits empowering kids with hands on learning in our native plant meadows.
 
Jean holds a bachelors degree in History from Brown University and a M.B.A. from Simmons College of Management. She built a career in corporate communications and. nonprofit leadership within the biotechnology, theater arts and social services industries before starting MS4B. In 2012-2013, she studied instructional design and educational technology under Professor Stacie Green at the Harvard Extension School. 

An outdoor enthusiast, Jean co-leads hikes in the White Mountains of NH and bike trips around greater Boston for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

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Steve Gordon
M.S.T., Educator and Co-Creator 

Steve Gordon's most recent focus has been making K-12 education more engaging by leveraging new technologies and employing engaging teaching methods. For 12 years, Steve taught middle school earth, space, physical and life science. He teaches students to code using educational software tools such as Scratch and StarLogo.
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Steve holds two bachelors of science, in Management of Technology and Computer Science from the University of Maryland, University College. He has a Masters of Science in Teaching in Secondary Geosciences Education from Boston College. Steve is a member of several science organizations including the NSTA and supports several science museums.

For over 35 years, Steve has been active outdoors as an Ultimate Frisbee player and coach at the local, national and international levels.

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Laura D. Eisener
Landscape Architect and Meadowscaping Design Consultant

Laura has been in business since 1984. She holds a masters degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts and  bachelors degree in Botany from Connecticut College. Laura teaches at Garden in the Woods, Arnold Arboretum,  and Boston Architectural College.
 
Laura believes that teaching design is the surest way to ensure improvements in the region's landscape and gardens, since it gives a greater number of people the skills and inspiration needed to create exciting and environmentally sound landscapes.

Laura lives in Saugus, MA 01906, and can be reached at 781-231-5988

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Julie Zunino
​Curriculum Consultant

​Julie brings a parent’s perspective to the program, advises on curriculum and helps design many of the hands-on activities MS4B offers. She is passionate about the program because she has seen first hand the positive impact it has had on her son Alessio. Julie believes strongly that respecting nature and safeguarding the planet is closely tied to the well-being and success of humans. 

Julie spent her childhood and teen years in the ancient city of Matera, Italy, where she cultivated her love for history, nature, and pastoral life. In Matera, she attended a science lyceum where she studied in depth the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, together with art and humanities. 

Julie holds a B.A. in Communications and General Business from Suffolk University and currently works for a Waltham, MA- based confectionery company that specializes in natural products. 

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