Meet the Team
Reflo is a small but energetic nonprofit serving the Milwaukee area. Meet some of the dynamic team below.
Justin Hegarty
Executive Director & Environmental Engineer
Justin Hegarty, P.E., LEED A.P., is an environmental engineer and executive director of the Milwaukee area nonprofit Reflo. With a aptitude for systems thinking, strategic planning, inclusive stakeholder engagement, Justin brings 10 years of prior environmental consulting experience to bear in catalyzing the co-creation of community-supported green infrastructure projects that have leveraged over $28 million, planted over 3,700 trees, established 280,000 square feet of native habitat, removed 20 acres of urban asphalt, and improved the daily lives of over 28,000 people--while managing over 3 million gallons of stormwater every time it rains. Justin has guided Reflo from its 2013 inception to a diverse team who cultivate meaningful partnerships throughout the Milwaukee area.
Jasmine Viges
Operations Manager
Jasmine Viges brings a diverse background of experience to the Reflo team. She holds an associate of science degree from Tidewater Community College and a global studies: sustainability bachelor’s degree from UWM. She loves to travel, but has made Milwaukee home, and understands the importance of keeping the Great Lakes great for future generations. For multiple years she was an intern with MMSD and the Fresh Coast Resource Center, promoting and implementing green infrastructure to manage water where it falls. She is also the program chair for the local Sierra Club Great Waters Group executive committee and was trained under former U.S. Vice President Al Gore to be a Climate Reality Leader. Jasmine is proud to be a part of the Reflo team and excited to help the organization grow in the years to come.
José Basaldua
PRojects Assistant & Environmental Educator
José Basaldua is one guy who may leave you asking "Why here?" after hearing his origin story. This little guppy started his journey near the coast of California, which inspired a strong interest in aquatic life. He took a plunge into the aquatic realm by attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. The waters led José into sharing his knowledge at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium where he learned how fun community outreach can be. Sandy grunions, dancing jellies, and puppy sharks pushed José to journey further out. So much so he ended down south in Dauphin Island, Alabama, then shifted back to the west in Petaluma, California, to eventually arrive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. José pursued interest in water, green infrastructure, and outreach while attending the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. He joined Reflo as an intern and has remained part of the team, bringing his interests of games, critters, the outdoors, and water together for amazing things throughout Milwaukee.
Kareem Benson-White
Projects Assistant & Digital Media Specialist
Kareem Benson-White is a Milwaukee native with personal interest in music and gaming. He loves working with youth and influencing change for them. He has years of experience working with youth in various ways, from coaching to camp counseling. In 2019 he served a term with Public Allies Milwaukee and was placed with Milwaukee French Immersion School where he introduced staff to restorative practices. After a 2020-2021 Public Allies placement with Reflo, he continues on as a part-time projects assistant, managing Reflo’s drone photography, assisting with the Environmental Intern program, and supporting other tasks across our program areas.
Lisa Neeb
Green & Healthy Schools Program Manager
Lisa Neeb is a Milwaukee native who has dedicated her career to inspire others to care for the natural world. For more than 15 years, she has shared her passion for animals and the environment working as a science educator in museums, zoos, and traditional classrooms, and now continues to inspire the next generation of learners in her role with Reflo. She uses hands-on learning and inquiry to encourage students to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers while they take risks and learn by experiencing the world around them. Lisa completed graduate work with Miami University focused on encouraging positive environmental behaviors in our communities that influences her work in the Green and Healthy Schools program that connects local schools with nature and encourage children to get outside to play, explore, and take action to help make our world a better place.
Michael Timm
Milwaukee Water Stories Program Manager
Michael Timm is a writer, editor, and game designer who worked seven years as a local journalist and holds a master’s degree from the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences. Passionate about connecting and engaging general audiences with stories hidden in plain sight, he manages Reflo’s Milwaukee Water Stories program where he piloted a place-based app, co-created a digital role-playing game inspired by Milwaukee’s water history, and curates the Milwaukee Community Map. Michael also supports the digital storytelling aspect of the WaterMarks initiative, writes articles and grant proposals, provides critical project review, and helps with the website. He especially enjoys sharing Milwaukee’s water stories with young people and is excited about the opportunity to use game-based experience design to motivate deep learning and behavior change. Michael is proud to support Reflo’s catalytic work to make Milwaukee a more water-centric city.
Tyann Zehms
Workshop Manager
Tyann Zehms holds a bachelor's degree from UW-Milwaukee, and is a licensed sailing captain. Starting as her dad's "fix it" side-kick, Tyann learned how to DIY her way to wood carving, sailboat rebuilds, home renovations, and is now building her own boat in her free time. With a deep respect for the Great Lakes and nature at large, Tyann is applying her maker skills and her love for the water to Reflo's mission.
Wilniesha Smith
Intern and Outreach Coordinator
Wilniesha Smith brings years of experience working with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s residential green infrastructure program. Niesha holds an applied science degree in Environmental Health and Water Quality Technology from the Milwaukee Area Technical College. She coordinates the high school internship initiative and supports all of Reflo’s programs.