Staff

Mia Amaral is SAFE’s Programs Intern.
She is a student at Salem State University, majoring in Geography, with a concentration in environmental sustainability. Throughout her academic career, she has worked on developing multiple community-based reports, focused on data analysis and comprehension. Mia’s work includes studying affordable housing in Chelsea, creating a campus tree report for SSU, and developing a regional business economic snapshot report for the North Shore with guidance from Salem State University professors. During her time with SAFE, Mia has produced numerous blogs and has aided in facilitating high-heat awareness efforts and tabling. Her specialties include community outreach, team collaboration, project management, and ArcGIS.

Bonnie Bain is SAFE’s first Executive Director.
Leading the change from all-volunteer to a resourced community organization. She began as the Offshore Wind Program Manager, driving a just transition vision tied to Salem’s offshore wind port via workforce equity initiatives, partnership building, advocacy for electrification, and organizing a Salem coalition that centered Environmental Justice principles in order to win a historic community benefit agreement for Salem. Bonnie has held roles in development at a national residential solar nonprofit as well as project management and field operations in residential solar and commercial battery storage. She grew up in the Central Valley of CA and has an MBA from the University of San Francisco. A proud Salem transplant, Bonnie enjoys all this funky city by the sea has to offer with her family.

Janiela Quiñones is SAFE’s Communications Intern.
She is studying Media & Communications with a concentration in Public Relations at Salem State University, and is set to graduate in Spring 2026. She uses her learned skills to ensure SAFE has a distinct voice through social media and blog management while providing internal support. Growing up in a Puerto Rican household speaking both Spanish and English, Janiela now project manages Spanish translations for SAFE. Back in school, Janiela continues to collaborate with peers and learn from communication professionals as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Although not originally from Salem, Janiela enjoys such a passionate community and appreciates the growing Latin community. As a first-time cat mom to a black cat, she feels right at home in Salem.
SAFE Board

Frank Hannigan is SAFE’s Chair.
Frank is an attorney specializing in tax, estate, and charitable planning with a special focus on 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations like SAFE. Drawn by SAFE’s focus on community and environmental justice, he joined the board in January 2024 and advises on the wide range of legal issues relevant to nonprofits. Frank works at a progressive law firm in Salem and lives in Beverly with his wife and two cats. He spends as much of his time as possible enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Jacquie Valatka is SAFE’s Treasurer.
Jacquie has been President of the Massachusetts North Shore Chapter the Institute of Management Accountants since 2010 and Business Manager at the House of the Seven Gables since 2017. She brings to SAFE extensive experience helping small businesses across numerous industries evaluate their business processes. Her many interests include teaching, reading, traveling, languages, photography, hiking, karate, swimming, running, aerobics, playing the piano, dancing, and cooking. Jacquie, her husband Joseph, and their two children reside in Salem.

Jaime Kelley (she/we) is SAFE’s Clerk.
Jaime brings her background as an environmental engineer, program planner, sustainability specialist and educator to her service on the board. She supports the organization’s mission by researching and informing the board of the technical details related to SAFE’s efforts. When she’s not translating engineering plans, Jaime helps people bring balance to their lives in her work as a holistic healthcare practitioner. A mother of two, she can be found spending time with family and friends, taking long sunset walks with her dog, skipping rocks at the seaside, and – on any given day – cajoling people to dance with her for the health of it. Jaime is proud to say that she is a fourth generation Salemite.

Beth Kontos is a SAFE Director.
Beth has been the president of the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts since in 2018. She is also vice president of the North Shore Labor Council and one of the vice presidents for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. Beth is on leave from Salem High School, where she has been a social studies teacher since 2004, but remains focused on greening public schools so that our children and educators can learn and work in comfortable, healthy, and sustainable environments.

Ibrahim López Hernández is a SAFE Director.
Ibrahim is a climate planner working at the intersection of urban planning, climate change, and public policy in the North Shore area. He supports municipal efforts to reduce flood risk, enhance coastal resilience, and advance equitable adaptation through initiatives like the integration of climate data into local zoning and land use decisions. Prior to his current role in the City of Beverly, Ibrahim honed his expertise in planning and data analysis through municipal and community-based positions in Chelsea. Originally from Puerto Rico, Ibrahim moved to Massachusetts after Hurricane María—an event that solidified his commitment to pursuing his current career. He lives in Lynn and dedicates time volunteering as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. In his spare time, Ibrahim enjoys nature walks and flying his drone.

Hadas Webb is a SAFE Director.
Hadas has decades of experience driving strategy and implementation of novel building decarbonization solutions. As Director of Climate & Energy at FedTech, Hadas heads strategy and implementation of venture advisory services designed to create and accelerate first-of-a-kind climate and energy ventures. Previously, as Deputy Director at Browning the Green Space, Hadas designed and led initiatives focused on enabling entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to gain access to capital, networks, and other resources. Prior to joining BGS, Hadas served as Managing Director of Analytics for Cimetrics, a technology-enabled consultancy for the built environment. Hadas holds a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Hadas serves as Board President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers and is a Certified Energy Manager. She is a Salem resident.

Filipe Zamborlini is a SAFE Director.
Filipe Zamborlini is an immigrant from Brazil and a public servant who has worked on the everyday issues that shape people’s lives for over 15 years — housing, economic justice, and building opportunity. He manages the Community Assistance Unit at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, helping cities and towns access the support and resources they need to meet local housing and community needs. Filipe also serves as Chair of the Salem Affordable Housing Trust Fund. He joined SAFE because he believes environmental and economic justice must go hand in hand, and that strong communities are built when people have stable homes, healthy environments, and a real voice in local decisions.
Translators, Interpreters & Support Team

Hadee Benoit.
Hadee a native of the Dominican Republic and native Spanish speaker, works for the Salem Public Schools, where she is a bilingual senior administrative specialist and a family engagement facilitator. As a Family Engagement Facilitator at New Liberty, Hadee helps families support their students so they can be successful. Hadee provides Spanish interpretation for SAFE’s videos.

Alexandra Fortich.
Alexandra is a skilled professional in the field of language access, with a rich background shaped by her unique cultural experiences. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, Alexandra brings a global perspective to her work. Currently, Alexandra serves as the Language Access Manager at Salem Public Schools, where she continues her passion for ensuring linguistic equity and supporting the educational needs of students and families. With her extensive experience and commitment to improving language access, Alexandra is a valued advocate for inclusivity in every community she serves. She provides all translations and some interpretations for SAFE.

Carol Hautau.
Carol is SAFE’s Volunteer Coordinator. After retiring from the American Cancer Society, Carol moved to Salem in 2012 to be near her two daughters. Within a few years, she was volunteering for Salem Sound Coastwatch and serves on the SalemRecycles city committee. Carol is bilingual and utilizes that in her volunteering. Additionally, she keeps SAFE’s Facebook and events calendar up to date.
