STAFF
Debra Tomaszewski (she/her)
Executive Director & Founder
Debra is an accomplished educator with over 40 years of diverse experience, having served in various roles such as executive director, public school teacher, college professor, field supervisor for student teachers, parent educator, and curriculum writer. Over the last 14 years, she has worked hand in hand with schools, community organizations, environmental centers, and corporations to develop Planet Bee’s impactful educational program offerings. Debra is dedicated to advancing the foundation's mission of fostering environmental stewardship through a passion for bees and our planet. For direct contact with Debra, please email debra@ajbcoaching.com or call (415) 235-8959.What do you love about bees?
They are a great teaching tool.If I weren't so good at my job, I would be...
Working in the garden!Dr. Jason Graham (he/him)
Lead Scientist & Entomologist
Dr. J, a research scientist and educator, specializes in native bees and honey bees, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Florida's Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory. His work spans native bee conservation, agricultural education, and citizen science. Notably, his research has been featured at the Smithsonian Museum, and he created the Pollinators in Paradise Program in Honolulu, funded by Disney Conservation Funds. Dr. J has also been recognized by National Geographic. Explore hisWhat do you love about bees?
Bees are fascinating, beautiful, often misunderstood stewards of life on Planet Earth!If I weren't so good at my job, I would be...
Playing video games, drawing or skateboarding with my son.Dr. Jamie Chan (she/her)
Director of Programs
Jamie has a background in non-profit leadership, higher education, and STEM teacher training. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration an M.S. and B.S. in zoology. Jamie works part-time at Planet Bee and is the Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Gardens of Golden Gate Park, lectures faculty at SFSU, and co-founded Fog City Gardener, a garden education firm. Passionate about sustainable urban agriculture and food justice, she resides in San Francisco with her partner and children, enjoying gardening, beekeeping, and urban chicken care in her spare time.What do you love about bees?
Bees are a vital part of our ecosystems and serve as shining examples of how collective work makes the biggest impact on our planet. They are tiny mighty heroes!If I weren't so good at my job, I would be…
I'd be digging in the dirt or visiting a botanical garden.
Peter Maxwell (he/him)
Program Manager & Beekeeper
Peter serves as our California beekeeper, community educator, and program manager. He brings a wealth of professional experience from various industries, including beekeeping, HR, community engagement, and journalism, to our team. Holding a Journeyman level Beekeeper certification from the UC Davis Master Beekeeping Program, Peter has previously worked as an Urban Beekeeper and Business Developer at the Best Bees Company. Additionally, he plays an active role in the Alameda County Beekeepers Association, where he contributes to educating and training the next generation of young beekeepers, while also raising awareness about the crucial role of pollinators in our communities' health.What do you love about bees?
I love how cute and fuzzy they are, but I'm constantly fascinated by how thousands of individual organisms work flawlessly in concert to act as one amazing superorganism.If I weren't so good at my job, I would be...
Hiking, playing disc golf, and spending more time in my garden.
Melissa Marazas (she/her)
Education Manager & Educator
Melissa, a native of Philadelphia and a dedicated STEM educator is deeply committed to both her city and the learning of her students. With teaching experience spanning local and global contexts, including a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship in Spain and collaborations in rural India, she brings a wealth of diverse perspectives to her classrooms. Melissa's teaching approach seamlessly blends liberation education principles with math-infused climate experiences, fostering dynamic learning environments. Her dedication is evident in initiatives such as the "Pop-up Post It Art Show," which raises awareness about climate change impacts, and her connections with Teach For America (TFA). Beyond the classroom, Melissa finds joy in tending to plants, gardening, and planning hiking adventures.What do I love about bees?
I love bees because bees use geometry and math in so many different ways!If I weren't so good at my job, I would be…
Planning the next great hike.
Tatiana Lambert (she/her)
Executive Assistant
Tatiana is an accomplished executive assistant who brings a wealth of experience to her role. With a Master's degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Phoenix, she possesses a deep understanding of human behavior within organizational settings. Driven by her passion for human resources and administration, Tatiana has honed her skills over the years and remains dedicated to supporting her team. Outside of work, she finds joy in listening to history podcasts and cherishes spending quality time with her family.What do I love about bees?
Bees are fascinating creatures that contribute in numerous ways to the health of our planet and enrich our lives in countless ways. Their importance cannot be overstated, making them worthy of admiration and protection.If I weren't so good at my job, I would be.
A dance instructor, I always love participating in my daughters dance class.
Zach Parlee (he/him)
Curriculum Writer
Zach is a seasoned certified teacher with expertise in upper elementary science. He is a graduate of Teach For America, and he holds a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Hawaii. Throughout his teaching career, Zach has always placed environmentalism at the forefront of his teaching. His passion for teaching has led him on a global journey, from his native Hawaii to the San Francisco Bay Area and, most recently, Tokyo, Japan. Previously serving as a lead teacher for Planet Bee, Zach has rejoined the team to assist in developing virtual STEM lessons.What do you love about bees?
I love just being a quiet observer, watching them go about their business.If I weren't so good at my job, I would be...
Playing music or surfing!
Bill Tomaszewski (he/him)
Co-Founder & BOD President
As a co-founder of Planet Bee, Bill contributes significantly to the organization's operations through his role on the Board of Directors. Additionally, he brings a wealth of knowledge from his day job as the general counsel of wine.com. With over 25 years of experience in beekeeping and having successfully completed Cornell University's Master Beekeeper Program, he is a seasoned master beekeeper. Bill served as our California beekeeper for 14 years, collaborating with corporations, schools, nonprofits, and community gardens. He conducted workshops, maintained hives, and provided educational lessons. These days, you can find Bill backpacking, presenting at conferences, and fulfilling his role as the president of our Board of Directors.What do you love about bees?
They always sting you where you need it most
Ashley Velasquez (she/her)
Community Educator
Ashley's passion for the environment and love of nature has guided her educational and career choices. She has a keen interest in environmental interpretation, she seeks to use her artistic skills to educate and raise awareness about conservation issues. Outside of her professional life, Ashley nurtures her creativity through illustrating and crafting.What do I love about bees?
I love that they do a "waggle" dance to show other bees where the pollen is.If I weren't so good at my job, I would be…
Exploring the world and all it's natural wonders with my camera and my dog.
Claire Bradley (she/her)
Admin and Management Support
Claire graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Environmental Studies. She loves working with kids and knows they are the future so educating them on environmental issues now is critical! Her interests include climate justice and leveraging tech and data to create solutions to inequities. Outside of school and work she loves to go swimming, travel and hike.What do I love about bees?
I love that they bring us the most delicious food!If I wasn't so good at my job I would be…
A champion bananagram player.
Mike Poe
Pennsylvania Beekeeper
Just like the American apiarist Rev. L. L. Langstroth (inventor of the Langstroth hive) Mike is a pastor in Pennsylvania. He holds a degree in Education from Shippensburg University and a Masters of Divinity from Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Mike has enjoyed watching honey bees since he was a young child, finding them fascinating, and began working with honeybees after moving back to the United States in 2014.What do you love about bees?
While honey is an obvious benefit that we get from honey bees, their services in pollination really help us fill are dinner tables.BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Tomaszewski
Board of Directors President
Bill is Planet Bee's co-founder and has completed Cornell University’s Master Beekeeper Programs. He is also General Counsel at Wine.com.Dr. John Hafernik
Board of Director Member
California Academy of Sciences/ Board of Directors President Emeritus
San Francisco State Biology Professor Emeritus
Darla Rieg
Board of Directors Member
We are thrilled to welcome the newest member of our team! Darla is the Director of Category Management at The GIANT Company in Pennsylvania.Dave Hunter
Board of Directors Member
We are thrilled to welcome Dave Hunter, founder and CEO of Crown Bees, who brings passion and expertise about native bees.Tory Woods
Board of Directors Member
Tory is currently serves as a senior manager for the social impact programs at Give To Get.Kenton Chow
Board of Directors Member
Kenton Chow, CFO of FLG Partners, brings invaluable financial expertise to Planet Bee.Jaynée Howe
Board of Directors Member
GeoTots founder Jaynée brings expertise in digital marketing and content production to Planet Bee.
Special thanks to Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich, & Rosati for providing pro-bono legal services for our nonprofit.