Employee Owners

Rachel Fenn is a Building Enclosure Specialist at BranchPattern who thrives on the complexity of building science. One day she’s at her desk pouring over design documents; the next, she’s out in the field climbing scaffolding to conduct a thermographic inspection. She combines a sharp eye for detail with a passion for hands-on problem-solving, ensuring every building she touches is ready to face the elements. Her commitment to making each project as durable and efficient as possible makes her a trusted ally to designers and builders alike.

Backed by an M.S. in Architectural Engineering and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado-Boulder, Rachel’s technical foundation is paired with a LEED Green Associate credential and a Level 1 Certified Infrared Thermographer certification. Aiming to deepen her expertise even further, she’s attended numerous Passive House Institute events and is working toward her BECx certification. With her specialized skills and collaborative approach, she’s become the go-to resource for owners, architects, and designers looking to build more resilient, energy-efficient buildings.

A former competitive figure skater, she knows a thing or two about discipline and grace under pressure, which she now channels into every project she touches. And when she’s not on the ice or on-site, Rachel is giving back through volunteer work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and The Gathering Place, committed to making a positive impact wherever she can.

Scott Conner believes the key to success is thoughtful preparation. As a Project Executive at BranchPattern, he ensures LEED Volume projects stay on track from design through construction. Scott thrives on guiding his team and clients through the certification process, knowing that the effort put in early leads to lasting impact. Over the years, Scott has certified over 3 million square feet of LEED Volume projects nationwide, with a special focus on those that balance environmental sustainability with human health and well-being.

With a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the Catholic University of America, Scott’s expertise as a LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP equips him to dive deep into the intricacies of sustainability certifications. He’s always improving processes, developing tools that streamline workflows, and delivering exceptional results to clients. Scott is also committed to making a difference beyond his professional work. He’s an active member of USGBC Nebraska Flatwater and regularly volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and The Big Garden in Omaha, believing that investing in his community is key to creating a ripple effect of positive change.

When he's not working, Scott enjoys making the most of each season. In the summer, you’ll often find him playing sand volleyball or hitting the golf course, soaking up the outdoors. During the colder months, he switches gears, spending time indoors playing board games like Clue or catching up on his favorite TV shows—Survivor and NFL football, where he’s a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Scott also has a love for reading, engaging in thoughtful conversations with friends, and reflecting on life’s deeper mysteries, always eager to explore new perspectives.

Sussan Jarvis leads with purpose, bringing innovative thinking and a passion for sustainability to every project she takes on. As a core member of BranchPattern’s Materials Team, she manages projects and serves as Project Executive, always focused on delivering impactful results. Sussan plays a key role in driving Carbon Accounting efforts, developing systems that make sustainability measurable and effective. Known for tackling challenges head-on, Sussan thrives on finding creative ways to streamline processes and enhance building sustainability. She’s constantly exploring new methods to push sustainability to the forefront and make a lasting difference through her work.

Her global perspective, built on a Bachelor of Architecture from the National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia and a Master of Science in Technical Architecture from Sheffield Hallam University, fuels her expertise in building science and whole-building life cycle assessments. Sussan doesn’t just improve workflows—she transforms them, helping organizations rethink how they approach sustainable practices. Certified as a LEED AP ID+C and Green Classroom Professional, Sussan is constantly expanding her skills and is already preparing for the LCACP exam. She’s an active member of The American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA), staying ahead of industry trends and innovations.

As Volume Project Administrator at BranchPattern, Teresa Kooima leads sustainability projects across the US, Mexico, Brazil, and Italy, ensuring that each project prioritizes environmentally-friendly solutions. Her passion for collaboration fuels her day-to-day work, and she credits the support and expertise of her Volume team for driving success. Teresa thrives in a positive, productive environment, knowing that teamwork enhances the quality of every project. She is dedicated to delivering results and building strong relationships with clients, helping them navigate sustainable solutions and greener paths forward.

Teresa holds a B.S. in Sustainable Energy from Creighton University, equipping her with a deep understanding of energy systems and sustainability practices. Her education provides the foundation for her work on international projects, where she ensures sustainability is a core focus at every stage. In the past year alone, Teresa’s expertise in LEED Volume and LEED for New Construction led to the certification of eight LEED Silver projects and one LEED Gold project. She also showcased her leadership by hosting a workshop on Biophilic Design in October 2023.

Fluent in Spanish and currently learning Portuguese, Teresa has successfully certified several LEED projects while collaborating with international teams. Her language skills and in-depth knowledge of sustainability make her a key figure in advancing sustainable design across borders.

Outside of work, Teresa is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and camping—anything that gets her outside and connected to nature. She also loves to travel and explore new places, often seeking out local craft breweries to try unique, small-batch beers. Teresa has a particular interest in breweries that focus on sustainability practices, from eco-friendly brewing techniques to locally sourced ingredients, making each visit not just about great beer, but also about supporting responsible, community-focused businesses.

Thomas Vite is a Sustainability Consultant at BranchPattern, where he specializes in whole building life cycle assessments and embodied carbon reduction strategies. With a background in architecture and sustainability, Thomas excels at synthesizing comprehensive sustainable strategies with precise technical details, driving impactful and creative solutions. His expertise lies in optimizing designs to reduce environmental impact and crafting compelling visualizations that make complex data accessible and actionable.

Committed to continuous learning and innovation, Thomas focuses on advancing his technical knowledge and researching new materials and methods to elevate sustainable design. His work reflects a dedication to creating meaningful impact, both within BranchPattern and in the broader community. Among his notable achievements are contributions to key industry resources, including BranchPattern's Benchmark Study for U.S. Industrial Real Estate (Version 2).

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys exploring the world around him through long bike rides, runs, and walks, often discovering new perspectives and inspiration along the way. He also brings a creative touch to his personal life, constantly refining the art of pizza-making in his quest for the perfect dough and sauce recipe.

Vickie Thurgood thrives on driving change. As a BIM Specialist at BranchPattern, she’s the engine behind setting up design projects, drafting MEP systems, and offering essential support to engineers. Vickie sees each project challenge as a chance to push boundaries, streamline processes, and be the change she wants to see in the engineering world. With her commitment to excellence and passion for innovation, she ensures that progress is always within reach, leaving a lasting impact on every project she’s a part of.

With an Associate’s degree in Manufacturing Technology from Mesa State College, Vickie’s technical expertise is second to none. She’s played a crucial role in high-profile projects like the Jackson County Detention Center, City of Thornton Community Center, City of Boulder Pavilion, and DCSD Legacy Campus. But what really sets her apart is her drive to shake things up—Vickie thrives on pushing the envelope and making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient.

And Vickie’s passion for change doesn’t stop at the office. Outside of work, she’s constantly on the move—literally! She teaches tap dance, leads group fitness classes, and holds a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whether she’s dancing, teaching, or training, Vickie is always finding ways to inspire and transform those around her.

Email: jennifer.b-j@branchpattern.com

‍Phone: (323)371-2148

Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic is Client Development Director at BranchPattern, where she draws on decades of global experience to help clients create regenerative, resilient, equitable, and healthy spaces for people and planet. With a deep commitment to intersectional environmentalism, Jennifer partners with organizations, communities, and leaders to understand their goals, navigate complex challenges, and deliver forward-thinking solutions that advance sustainability, wellness, and social impact.

Jennifer holds a Master’s in Applied Social Sciences with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from Case Western Reserve University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology from Ohio University. Her unique background combining social work, psychology, sustainability, and human-centered design equips her to advocate for special populations and integrate social impact into organizations and the built environment.

A LEED Fellow, LEED Faculty, LEED AP (BD+C, Homes), WELL Faculty, and WELL AP, Jennifer’s expertise spans over 5,000+ LEED and WELL projects globally. She helped pioneer the world’s first Net Positive/LEED Platinum aviation facility and has led award-winning projects such as permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. Prior to joining BranchPattern, Jennifer was the Founder and CEO of A SustainAble Production (ASAP), one of the first firms to achieve IWBI’s WELL EP designation and winner of the inaugural WELL EP of the Year award.

Jennifer’s leadership extends across numerous advisory roles with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), as well as positions with Greenbuild, Urban Land Institute, and the Verdani Institute for the Built Environment (VIBE). She is a much sought-after speaker at major industry events, has been quoted in 100’s of publications, and was a co-founder and subject matter expert for the WELL Learning Library, advancing education and accessibility in the wellness space.

Her passion for service runs deep. As a team member and team leader with the nonprofit buildOn, Jennifer has led efforts to fund and build schools in Nepal, Malawi, Guatemala, and beyond — empowering girls and communities through access to education. Her lifelong volunteerism includes decades of work with underserved populations, advocacy for healthy schools, and leadership roles in local and national green building movements.

Honored with multiple leadership awards, including the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award (WSLA), Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women Making a Difference Rising Star Award, and IWBI’s inaugural WELL AP of the Year award, Jennifer is widely recognized for her influence, innovation, and commitment to creating a better world. Outside of her professional pursuits, Jennifer is a devoted mother of two and an advocate for human rights, environmental justice, and mentoring others.

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