How We Started...
The first Groundwork Trust was founded in 1982 in England in response to a growing number of abandoned industrial sites and was developed to improve the physical environment of the “urban fringe.” The Groundwork UK network has become a highly successful partnership of public, private, and voluntary sector interests in a coordinated effort to reclaim abandoned, run-down sites as open spaces with an emphasis on recreation, beautification, economic development, and access to the countryside. Modeled after Groundwork UK, Groundwork Bridgeport was founded in 1998 as a local, community based non-profit organization dedicated to serving Bridgeport. As one of the first trusts established in the United States in what is now a nationwide network, it was started as a collaborative effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Park Service (NPS), and the City of Bridgeport, all of whom provided the organization's initial funding.
Staff
Christina Smith
PRESIDENT + CEO
The passion I have for Bridgeport, Connecticut stems from the happiness I had as a child growing up here. I was born in Bridgeport and lived here until I was twelve when my mom moved so that we could be in a better place. As the adult, she was concerned about the many issues the city was then facing in the late 80s, as a child, I only saw the happy things - I had many friends, I loved school, Christmases were fun, and overall things were great.
Now as an adult myself, I understand the concern my mom had for me growing up in Bridgeport. I see the issues she saw then so long ago and that still face the city today. I have had the fortune to live in many other places since my childhood, New York, San Francisco, and London to name a few, but Bridgeport is my home and I am happy to be working to make my hometown better. I am especially happy to be working with youth so that their memories and experiences in the city are as happy as those that I remember. With the academic experience I have gained from Princeton (B.A. in Economics) and my most recent studies in how to better cities (M.Sc. in Urban Regeneration from University College London) and how cities can reuse their old buildings for new purposes (M.A. in Historical and Sustainable Architecture from New York University), I am ready to apply that knowledge to my hometown. My goal is to be part of making Bridgeport a place that people love to be!
Tanner Burgdorf
PROGRAM LEAD (ON school LEAVE)
As the Program Lead for Groundwork Bridgeport I have had the opportunity to work with youth who are invested in changing the perception of the city. While earning my B.S. degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut (UConn) I helped manage UConn’s student run farm. This is where I first started to fall for being outdoors, growing, and managing a place. I’m currently studying full-time at Yale where I am Master of Environmental Management (MEM) Candidate.
Brian Lance
chief of staff
A long road led me to Groundwork Bridgeport. I served in the US Navy for 9 years, including 4 years as an officer. I have a BS in Journalism and Political Science from Syracuse University and a Masters in Writing from Western Connecticut State University. I have published poetry, essays, and short fiction. I also freelanced about food while teaching writing and media studies at the University of Maryland and Mercy College before leaving higher education to be a baker (the family vocation). I led a team of amazing bakers at Atticus Bakery in New Haven. And, most recently, I was the Chief of Staff for Maine Grains, Inc., a flour mill in central Maine specializing in stone milling regional and local grains, and agricultural development to support independent farmers.
Overall my biggest takeaway from those experiences is that I most enjoy leading teams to accomplish their goals, organizational as well as personal and professional. Being a chief of staff allows me to apply my experiences to achieve that.
In my free time, I run, recently completing a 30-mile run from Avon, CT to the Mass border and back. I spend time outdoors with my two Vizslas. I bake bread at home for friends and family. And I do all things baseball with my two sons.
Janaya Patterson
program Assistant
I’ve been involved with Groundwork Bridgeport since 2016, when I was 15 years old. I started off by attending the six week spring program and ever since then I realized how much helping my city really meant to me. I was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut and I’ve always had a love for the beautiful parks and its fascinating variety of trees. I am really passionate about my role here at Groundwork because I love to involve myself in an organization that makes a difference in my community by revitalizing the city and creating a connection with others. Throughout my years with Groundwork, I’ve attended a trip to Cape Cod, Yellowstone National Park, and the Groundwork USA Youth Summit and after having finished up serving as an AmeriCorps service member last year, I couldn’t be more excited to now be a part-time staff member.
Almariet Roberts
Project manager
As a Project Manager at Groundwork Bridgeport, I work to coordinate and develop Groundwork Bridgeport’s involvement in various projects around the City, including the waterfront revitalization initiative that we are undertaking with our partner organizations. I focus on enhancing community outreach and engagement and strive to incorporate the community’s input into the planning and design process.
I grew up in Hamden Connecticut after my family immigrated to the US from South Africa. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Integrative Geosciences followed by my Master’s degree in Oceanography from the University of Connecticut. While at UCONN, I connected with nature through hiking, caving, scuba diving, and mining for minerals around the state.
Jessica Rosario
Youth Programs coordinator
Growing up in Bridgeport myself, I always knew this was a city with great potential. I graduated from UConn in 2022 with degrees in Sociology and Psychology and returned to coordinate a youth program at Reservoir Community Farm with Green Village Initiative. That time inspired my first children’s book, Harvest Heroes, and ignited my passion for educating and empowering youth in the city. As Youth Program Coordinator at Groundwork, I am excited to continue my journey of community building and bringing environmental education to the youth of Bridgeport.
In my free time I love to stay outdoors any way that I can or relax inside with reading and lots of crocheting.
Andres Torres
Volunteer coordinator
Hi there! I’m originally from my beautiful island of Puerto Rico, but life's adventures have led me to Bridgeport since 2023. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, and I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Health with a focus on Community Health at Fairfield University.
My journey has been shaped by a deep-seated passion for community engagement and advocacy. From coordinating volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, participating in food justice causes and managing community gardens, I've immersed myself in initiatives aimed at fostering healthier, more sustainable communities.
As a true Boricua, my roots are intertwined with nature. Whether it's soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring hiking trails, or just going for long walks, you'll often find me embracing the great outdoors.
With a heart fueled by a love for both people and the environment, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact wherever I go. Bridgeport holds a special place in my heart, and I'm eager to continue working alongside our communities, furthering the mission of Groundwork Bridgeport.
Interns and Volunteers
Nicholas Henckel
Americorps Vista intern
I am so thrilled to join Groundwork Bridgeport as an Americorps VISTA member this year! I recently graduated from Vassar College in 2023, where I studied Geography and Political Science, and discovered a passion in urban revitalization and environmental justice.
Growing up in Shelton, CT, with family in Bridgeport, the city has always been significant to me. By collaborating with the amazing team at Groundwork Bridgeport, I can contribute back to this important city, exploring urban renewal and community organization through programs and projects that align well with my passions. I am very excited to be a part of the variety of work that defines Groundwork Bridgeport’s community-focussed mission, and to develop practical ways to create a more environmentally, economically, and socially just city.
Brianna Vieira
youth programs assistant
I have only been working as a Program Assistant at Groundwork for a short period of time. But I already love it. In my previous job, I also did some community work! Recently, I transferred to the University of Bridgeport, which has opened up new doors for me to connect more with communities and nature. In the past, I was fortunate enough to intern at Green Village initiative, which was an amazing experience. I’m thrilled to continue on this journey of community building, making connections, and educating the youth of Bridgeport and beyond!
Board of Directors
Janet Ivaldi
Board Chair
Janet holds a BS in chemistry from the University of Connecticut and an MLS in library science from Southern Connecticut State University. She is the Head of Adult Services at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, CT. Born and raised in the Lower Naugatuck Valley and having previously lived in Bridgeport for ten years, she feels a connection to the city and has many fond memories of time spent at Seaside Park, the Beardsley Zoo and the Barnum Museum and having hot dogs from Tomlinson's for lunch. Janet looks forward to contributing to Groundwork Bridgeport's vision of improving, revitalizing and transforming this beautiful city.
Roversy Ventura
Vice Chair
I graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in General Studies. After graduation, I began a career in Human Resources navigating enriching experiences via corporate, startup, and nonprofit organizations.
Building relationships and knowledge of human resource information systems enabled me to contribute to recruitment operations and human capital management across multiple industries.
I am passionate about my local community and making a difference. My hobbies include reading, trying new food and spending time with friends and family.
Ashley Torres
Secretary
As a Bridgeport native, I owe it to the community and myself to want better for the outside spaces I grew up in and still occupy today. I became connected with Groundwork Bridgeport in high school as I was a student in the program where I fell in love with the city I called home and grew admiration for the people I met along the way. Since graduating high school, I have experienced a handful of adventures and opportunities thanks to Groundwork. I’m grateful to have built such a strong connection to the organization and hope to contribute as much as I can as a board member so that future participants can enjoy and take away from it as much as I did.
I have my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology and soon to be pursuing my Masters in Social Work. Combining the passion I have for nature and the great outdoors with behavioral health is something I hope to do one day.
Uyen Huynh
Treasurer
Uyen Huynh is a sustainability consultant with experience collaborating with NYC public schools, and residential and commercial clients towards achieving Zero Waste. She holds an M.S in Urban Sustainability from the City College of New York and a B.A in International Studies from Fairfield University. Uyen is humbled and grateful to be part of the GWB board in support of the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders in Bridgeport and Connecticut!
Nick Callegari
yale board member
Nick Callegari is currently an MBA student at the Yale School of Management and serving as a Nonprofit Board Fellow through Yale SOM’s Nonprofit Board Fellows program. He holds a MEng in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Certificates in Sustainable Energy, Robotics and Intelligent Systems, and Entrepreneurship) from Princeton University. Prior to pursuing an MBA, Nick worked as a mechanical design engineer for SpaceX’s Dragon spaceflight program, helping design critical primary and interior structures for the Dragon spacecraft.
In addition to his MBA studies, Nick is also working on a social venture that aims to help tackle the global housing crisis. As a first-generation, low-income college student that was afforded an opportunity for higher education through the nonprofit QuestBridge, Nick hopes his work as part of the GWB board will give him a chance to give back to nonprofits that are making a difference in the world.
Tsering Dickey
Being a part of Groundwork Bridgeport makes me so happy! While I was working, Christina invited me in, and we immediately connected over our love of helping and giving back to the community. I'm excited to join this fantastic organization as it is exposed to me.
To tell you a little bit about me, I enjoy getting lost and taking detours to my destination. I received a Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Southern Connecticut State University.
I'm currently looking for my purpose and am a new mom to a stunning baby girl. I want her to be pleased with the effort I can make for her future.
Chris Henderson
Having lived in Connecticut all my life, I love our cities, and I am so honored to be a part of Groundwork Bridgeport to help give back to the wonderful city of Bridgeport. I became familiar with Groundwork through the Pro Bono Partnership where I provided pro bono legal services to the organization. Through that work, I became inspired by Groundwork’s mission of revitalization, youth empowerment, and climate justice.
I am currently a labor attorney primarily representing Connecticut’s municipalities in collective bargaining matters. I hold a B.S. from the University of New Haven in Legal Studies and a J.D. from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. In addition to Groundwork, I am on the Board of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government and also serve as a co-chair of the Government and Public Sector Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association. Most importantly, I am the dad of two amazing boys. I hope my efforts with Groundwork inspire them later in life to serve their communities to make the world a better place.
Michael Myers
Michael is thrilled to return to Bridgeport, his hometown, as a member of the Groundwork Bridgeport board. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a master's degree from Northpoint Seminary, focusing on personal character formation, curriculum development, and program implementation.
Formerly a clergy member, Michael established programs for youth and young adults before transitioning to higher education, specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the Yale School of Management (SOM), he led diversity recruitment efforts and currently serves as a leader in Yale SOM's belonging efforts, directing the development of co-curricular DEI education and facilitating critical conversations among students, faculty, and staff.
His dedication to expanding access to quality education has defined his career, leaving a significant impact in higher education through fostering inclusive environments.