GWL Staff

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7020

Lesly first worked for GWL from 2004 through 2007, growing in her role from managing community engagement to project director. In 2007, she took a hiatus from the world of non-profits and joined the private sector. During that time, Lesly connected GWL and Comcast for Comcast Cares Day, enabling GWL to expand Earth Day to become our largest annual event. Since her return in 2014, Lesly has been instrumental in expanding our community-based programming, served as Deputy Director from 2016 to 2022, and, in 2022, was named Executive Director. As a lifelong resident of Lawrence, Lesly has always been passionate about serving her community. She has served on numerous volunteer boards Including the City’s Planning and Licensing boards. In 2016, Lesly completed the Core Certificate Program with the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Nominated by Representative Frank Moran, Lesly was selected by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as an Unsung Heroine of 2017. In 2018, Lesly was nominated for a Tribute to Women award from the YWCA of Lawrence. Lesly brings years of business, nonprofit, government, and community activism to her work. As someone who has this breadth of experience, she is considered a change agent, facilitator, and organizer. As a community weaver, Lesly brings her passion for collaboration, community, and equity to the forefront of her work. She brings a unique perspective to what is needed by people of color to advance in the professional world. Lesly brings her love of writing, community, and civic engagement and her passion for trees and open space to GWL. In addition, Lesly is proud to be a Green Team alumnae mom, making Groundwork Lawrence really feel like family.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7002

Yaritza (Yari) joined Groundwork Lawrence in January of 2023 as a program coordinator with the Education Team. After graduating from Hampshire College in 2021 with a concentration in Visual Arts and Community Organizing, her first job was with GWL as a Green Team Leader. Through her work with GWL and Massachusetts MENTOR, she’s gained experience and fulfillment in working with youth.

Yari is passionate about developing and implementing a curriculum that is engaging; and hands-on to encourage students to be conscientious about how we interact with our planet, how to be better stewards of the land, and how to be proactive members of the community. During her free time, Yari loves to play video games, tend to her plants, take walks, make jewelry, and paint traditionally and digitally.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7003

Brad Buschur is Groundwork Lawrence’s Project Director where he oversees the organization’s efforts to create parks and active transportation infrastructure in Lawrence through community-based partnerships that promote equity, resident leadership, and improve health outcomes. His work has included the Spicket River Greenway, Merrimack Riverwalk Trail, Bradford Rail Trail, over 20 parks, and community and schoolyard garden sites. He also oversees GWL’s expanding role in supporting low-impact development (LID) practices and economic development in the city and implementing Lawrence’s Open Space and Recreation Plan.Prior to joining Groundwork, Brad worked for RMJM and Payette where he designed parks and campuses in the US, Pakistan, and Russia. While working for Cabot Cabot & Forbes Brad helped develop mixed-use transit-oriented development projects in Boston. As a Project Director, he is responsible for the organization’s brownfield program and directs the urban forestry program. He holds a BA in Urban Planning and Political Science from Miami University and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from University of Massachusetts.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7001

Raphael (Rafy) officially joined Groundwork as full-time staff in August 2021 but has a long history of being part of the GWL family. Born and raised in Lawrence MA, he was a Green Team member from 2014 through 2017 and served as a Green Team Leader in 2021. He aspires to be an elementary school teacher and is currently enrolled in Northern Essex Community College, studying Early Childhood Education with plans to then transfer to a 4-year college to get his bachelor’s degree. Prior to joining Groundwork full-time, Rafy worked for Frost Elementary School as a Paraprofessional. He is passionate about the city of Lawrence and helping to make his city a better place. In his free time, Raphael enjoys playing basketball, photography, and listening to music.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7004

Megan grew up in Western Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2014. She worked at non-profits focused on refugee resettlement and food security before departing Pittsburgh for a three-month bike tour of the western United States. In 2017 after moving to Texas, she joined the Groundwork network at their Dallas trust and was Development and Outreach Coordinator until 2020. Moving back to the northeast in 2021, she accepted a position on the development team at Groundwork Lawrence as Development Manager. Megan brings a history of non-profit experience and a passion for nature and the outdoors to her work at GWL.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7009

Dayanna De La Rosa is Groundwork Lawrence’s first Urban Agriculture Manager. Working at GWL allows her to serve her community in a realm that is nature-based and fills her heart and soul. In her new position, she is most excited to have the opportunity to hold space for community building in a way that will remind the community of the fact that they are nature itself.

Before joining Groundwork, Dayanna served as a farmer at the nonprofit Gaining Ground where she practiced regenerative farming and led and educated volunteer groups.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7199

Isae began her career as a medical secretary in her hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts, eventually making her way to MGH in Boston. She graduated from Northern Essex Community College with a Journalism and Communications degree in 2021.

In her role as Operations Manager, Isae support GWL’s mission and values using her administration and organization skills in combination with her innate sense of responsibility, her commitment to service, and her life experience as a Lawrence native and resident.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7010

Dariana Guerrero (she, her, hers) began her journey as an artist, activist, and educator in her hometown of Lawrence, Massachusetts. After graduating from Smith College in 2017, Dariana taught high school English and committed herself to creating equitable and safe spaces for underrepresented students in PWIs. In 2018 the Institute of Caribbean Studies recognized Dariana as a 30 Under 30 Caribbean American leader and change-maker for her community leadership and social activism in Lawrence. Her passion for fat liberation, youth education, accessibility, and spoken word poetry aided her in the start of body-positive youth programming and her eventual induction as a board member for The Body Positive. In her new role as Food Security Fellow at GWL, Dariana hopes to leverage her personal and professional experiences to support the existing coalition structures in Lawrence and nearby communities. Dariana is excited to join the Groundwork Lawrence team and hopes she can continue to make an impact and build relationships that center on love, liberation, and equity. In her free time, you can usually spot Dariana vibing with her cat, Mr. Butters, or filling up her notebook with scribbles of future poems and novel ideas.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7024

Jorge joined Groundwork Lawrence as a Resident Task Force member in 2021 to make a difference in his community by supporting the efforts of neighborhood-based engagement projects, and he joined the Ed Team as the Education and Workforce Programs Director in early 2022 to serve his community in a different capacity within the organization. Jorge is a successful leader and educator who has brought strong and effective solutions into higher education, districts, schools, and the nonprofit sector in the areas of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion. He received his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesly University and pursued his interest in education further by earning a Diversity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University. His strengths in partnership development, strategic planning, community outreach, diversity initiatives, and desire to support growth will assist GWL in fulfilling its vision.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7005

Alejandra (she, her, hers) grew up in Staten Island, New York. She attended the College of Staten Island where she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She moved to Massachusetts in 2017 and worked at a private pediatric clinic on the North Shore until joining GWL in May as Community Engagement Manager.

She is passionate about climate resiliency work, nature, and public health. Alejandra believes that living a healthy life comes with living in harmony with the environment and others. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, running, gardening, dancing, hiking, and learning about spirituality, mindfulness, and energy healing.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7025

Martha has been a resident of Lawrence for over 30 years and brings over 20 years of professional public sector experience at the state and municipal levels, in government relations, operations management, and advocacy. She has served as a volunteer on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Lawrence Redevelopment Authority and on the Parent Advisory Board of the Community Day Charter Public School. Martha and her husband, Robert live on Prospect Hill with their sons Thomas and Tait. She is a lifelong resident of the Merrimack Valley. Martha earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a masters degree in Government.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7013

Mabel joined Groundwork in 2021 as the Digital Communications Coordinator and brings more than 15 years of experience in communications, especially in digital communication. Her work in digital communication management, social networks, and transparency for international organizations, institutions, and governments has supported her passion for communications. She loves working with projects that transform people’s lives. She studied social communication in the Dominican Republic, where she was born and raised, and has been a resident of Lawrence since 2009. Mother to an amazing 6-year-old son, they both love watching movies and playing outside – all of which they do together whenever they can!

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7016

Tennis Lilly is the Program Manager for the Green Streets urban forestry program. He joined the Groundwork team in 2017 after being a frequent volunteer for over 20 years.  Tennis has led many hikes and citizen science projects in Den Rock Park and is an avid user of the Spicket River Greenway. He has worked on several environmental causes since moving to Lawrence and as a member of the Lawrence Environmental Justice Council, was a recipient of the Greenleaf Community Activist Award. He has served on the Lawrence Conservation Commission since 2001. Tennis is a senior fellow with the Environmental Leadership Program and was previously the Executive Director of Lawrence Grassroots Initiative. He earned a BA in Environmental Studies and a M.Ed. from Lesley University; a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from the Institute for Non-Profit Practice, a Certificate in Urban Park Management from the Central Park Conservancy, and Certificate in Arboriculture from U-Mass Green School.  Tennis is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture and is an ISA Certified Arborist. He has been a resident of Lawrence since 1990 and lives in the Arlington neighborhood with his wife of 36 years, Michelle.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7017

Eric joined Groundwork Lawrence in April 2016 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member and became a Project Manager for Green Streets in May 2018. Before moving to Lawrence, Eric lived in San Marcos, TX, where he graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. While living in Texas, Eric worked for the Hays County Food Bank, helping to end food insecurity. He also worked for the San Marcos Housing Authority, helping to provide after-school care and a daily hot meal to children living in government-assisted housing programs. Eric is passionate about science education, the promotion of creative arts, the protection of our environment and natural resources, and helping to build ladders out of poverty. When he isn’t working, Eric loves to write and draw science fiction.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7007

Luly grew up in Colombia where she worked as an Industrial Engineer for both private and public companies for over a decade. She completed her Postgraduate Specialization in Environmental Management and Disaster Prevention. Luly loves being involved in her community and was a volunteer in Colombia for “A Roof For my Country” (Un techo para mi país), and “Art of Living” (Arte de vivir). She is passionate about the environment, animals, and how she can help others. As Groundwork Lawrence’s Urban Forestry Coordinator, Luly will support and help the environment by planting trees. Her hope is to show younger and older generations the importance that trees have in our society and how we could restore forests, parks, houses, create habitats for biodiversity and make a positive social impact around the world.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7011

Sara was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and adopted at 8 months old. Sara grew up and lives in Methuen and has deep family ties to The City of Lawrence. She led the community content team for the Mass Humanities Expand Mass Stories project “Somos Latinos: Our Journey to Lawrence and Beyond” (granted to the Friends of the Lawrence Heritage State Park in partnership with The Lawrence History Center) and comes from a background in both museum studies and human services. She earned a BA in History from Salem State University and an MA in museum studies from the Harvard University Extension School. MA. Prior to joining the Groundwork Lawrence, she worked at Boston area museums including The Harvard Museum of Natural History and The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museums and more recently, worked at Elevated Thought, Esperanza Academy, and The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council. She brings her passion for supporting a community she loves and an extensive background in development and fundraising and is excited to be a part of the Groundwork Lawrence team!

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7006

Maria joined the team of GWL as a LISC AmeriCorps member in September 2010 and became the Healthy Living Programs Manager in 2012. She manages the development and implementation of a series of healthy living workshops, is working to strengthen the growing community gardener network, and expanding the city’s tree canopy through GreenStreets and other tree plantings. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Maria moved to New York in 1993 and six years later to Lawrence, where she received her Associate’s degree in Psychology and Social Work from Northern Essex Community College and then completed a B.S. in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Maria is a passionate and committed member of the Lawrence community and says she loves to work with children “because they are the future.” When she is not at the Groundwork office, she is a volunteer at Lawrence CommunityWorks and serves on the Board.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7008

Abdiel Perez joined Groundwork Lawrence in January 2019 as Finance Director. Born and raised in Lawrence, he graduated from Lawrence High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree at Western New England College. Abdiel started his accounting career in 2007 working at Lawrence CommunityWorks as a Junior Accountant and made his way up to Senior Accountant over his eight-year tenure. Previous to working at Groundwork Lawrence, he worked as Staff Accountant and Tax Associate at Lopez, Chaff & Wiesman Associates assigned to a wide array of clients in various industries from profit to non-profit alike. In his spare time, Abdiel enjoys music production and playing his guitar.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7012

Jessica was born and raised in Lawrence. She attended Hesser college double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Now a resident of Haverhill, Jessica continues to advocate, guide and support many families in Lawrence and surrounding areas of the greater Merrimack Valley. She has specifically worked with youth at risk in the Court system, DYS, and CRA, and has supported the families with any resources needed. Her experience organizing outreach events to provide the public needed resources, and her years of built trust with supporting agencies and families makes her a great addition to GWL. Jessica is also a young entrepreneur running her own business selling Seamoss to provide and encourage health and wellness in the community. On her down time, she enjoys spending time with her son, meditating, yoga, dancing, nature walks, exercising, and going out to eat.

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7023

Before coming to GWL, Luisito worked with Volunteers for America and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department for the last seven years as a Program Director and Instructor teaching technical skills and helping to develop and nurture the people he served. At Groundwork Lawrence, Luisito will be using his knowledge and experience to research and develop recruiting and staffing strategies to help with green energy workforce development.

Luisito was born in the Virgin Islands and is a proud father to two boys. Luisito enjoys healthy living and helping others, making him the perfect fit at Groundwork Lawrence!

(978) 974-0770 ext. 7019

Eddie Rosa joined Groundwork Lawrence in September 2016. Prior to joining GWL Eddie worked at the City Of Lawrence Council On Aging and before that he spent the majority of the previous ten years working with the developmentally disabled population. As a life-long Lawrencian, Eddie has always had a desire to work to do his part to improve the community he grew up in. Over the years Eddie has volunteered in various community events that involve clean up and/or community building. Eddie completed the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership and Community InRoad’s Cultural Inclusion Program for Non-Profit Board Governance. In his free time, Eddie enjoys writing, playing music, and community activities.