ABOUT TAP
TAP is a private 501(c)3 non-profit community design center governed by a board of directors. TAP provides design and planning services to low and moderate income property owners, neighborhood groups and other non-profit organizations wishing to improve their homes, buildings and neighborhoods.
TAP was founded in 1969 to provide professional technical assistance to disadvantaged citizens and others in need of affordable building design services. Among its far-seeing and idealistic founders were students and professors of architecture, local attorneys, religious leaders, neighborhood residents and activists concerned with the livability of urban neighborhoods.
OUR TEAM of Totally Awesome Professionals
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BARBARA L. NELSON, R.A | AIA
Ms. Nelson became Executive Director of TAP Inc. in 2015. She interned at TAP from 1980 to 1986 and just never got community development out of her system. While practicing architecture, over 37 years, she has remained an advocate for fair and affordable housing, architectural preservation, complete streets, participatory design and the reclamation of blighted public space through creative and sustainable urban planning. Barb has served several non-profit boards in the area, and Troy’s Planning Commission under three mayors. She oversees all aspects of TAP's operations and participates in design, grant writing, planning and feasibility study work.
PROJECT MANAGER, LICENSED ARCHITECT
Elizabeth Rodriguez, R.A. (Liza)
Ms. Rodriguez is a project architect, specializing in the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing buildings. She is responsible for the supervision and management, along with coordinating and production of construction documents. Since her start at TAP in 1986, Liza has guided many non-profits through the process of successful grant application to construction completion, on projects ranging from office space to special needs housing. TAP has received awards on many projects she has worked on for the sympathetic reuse of existing buildings.
Laura Ryder, R.A.
PROJECT MANAGER, LICENSED ARCHITECT
Ms. Ryder is a Project Architect, specializing in the rehabilitation of existing buildings, as well as the design of affordable infill housing. She is responsible for all aspects of a project, working with her clients’ ideas and budgets to create a satisfying and functional space. This includes supervision and management of staff and consultants, feasibility studies, preliminary design, code reviews, production of construction documents, bidding, and construction administration. Since joining TAP in 1990, Laura has worked with many non-profits and small businesses on such varied projects as affordable and special needs housing, libraries and daycares, and office and retail spaces.
CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST
Elizabeth Steckley (Beth)
Ms. Steckley has been with TAP over thirty years as our lead Construction Administrator, serving as the architect’s representative in the field with duties that include coordinating construction completion in accord with the project documents and facilitating communication between clients and contractors to ensure compliance. She also assists with the development of contract documents, including estimating, drafting, and product specifying. Beth is interested in working with senior citizen homeowners to assess and modify their living situation in areas such as safety and weatherization, so that they may remain in their homes as long as possible.
CONTROLLER
HANNAH CUSHING
Hannah has worked in large and small business accounting and financial management for over 15 years. Joining the TAP staff in 2023, Hannah brings her passion and commitment to sound and transparent financial practices in support of the mission.
DIRECTOR OF SUSTAINABILITY
Daniel Morrissey
Daniel was a community organizer involved in keeping hydraulic fracking out of New York State and a regional leader of the environmental/climate movement, Occupy Albany, and the Fight for $15 economic justice campaign. Daniel is passionate about political and economic change applied in product design, services, organizations, and social systems, emphasizing participatory design and ethnographic research, through which egalitarian work relations can manifest. Daniel is an avid cyclist, uses she and he pronouns, and has a cat named Azula.
LICENSE TRACK DESIGNER
Shayne Bornt
Shayne Bornt spent over 15 years as a Carpenter, framing roughly 140 homes in his career. He earned degrees in Technology, and Architectural Design & Building from the State University at Delhi. And is working toward his architectural license. Shayne is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community. He volunteers with Joseph's house in Troy and at several of TAP's non-profit client projects.
OPERATIONS
shawn mcann
Shawn made a career change from the professional audio-visual systems installation and live production industry to join TAP in July 2021.
DRAFTER, DESIGNER
JOnathon Brathwaite
"Johno" graduated from the School of Architecture at SUNY Dehli and joined the TAP staff in 2023 as a NYSERDA Clean Energy Intern.
LICENSE TRACK DESIGNER
Cole Ostwald
Cole joined TAP in January of 2022. He is working toward his architectural license designing and managing major capital projects.
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DESIGNER/DRAFTER
charlie stockwell
LICENSE TRACK DESIGNER
NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellow
ETHAN SEDANO
Ethan started at TAP in 2024 as a Clean Energy Intern, he is now a NYSERDA Climate Justice Fellow furthering the organization's devotion to affordable housing, community engagement, and urban-scale impact.
LICENSE TRACK DESIGNER
Charlie stockwell
Charlie graduated from William Hobart Smith College with a degree in Architectural Studies and a strong interest in preservation. ​
TAP PLLC Troy Architecture Practice, PLLC
In accordance with NYS law for the practice of architecture, the registered architects at TAP Inc are partners of Troy Architecture Practice PLLC. Tap Inc. and Troy Architecture Practice PLLC collaborate in order to make architectural services available and affordable to those in need.
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TAP PLLC operates from 210 River St., Troy, NY 12180
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Over the years, many dozens of people have worked or volunteered to advance TAP's mission. We are grateful to each and every one. See our HISTORY page to learn more about TAP's long history.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Teamwork Advocacy Partnership
PRESIDENT
OLIVIA BRAZEE
Occupation: Architectural Preservationist
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Olivia Brazee is a historic preservation professional with over 15 years of experience at the municipal and state levels, including roles at the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and the New York State Historic Preservation Office. Now based in Troy, NY, she specializes in Section 106 consultation and tax credit project reviews—and loves every kind of historic building.
VICE PRESIDENT
Nancy klepch
Occupation: Educator
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Nancy Klepsch is a teacher, poet, and community advocate whose work spans housing, LGBT issues, and social justice. A two-time Troy Treasure honoree, she has contributed to initiatives like the Troy Landlord Training Program and remains engaged in local organizing.
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TREASURER
Michael bongiorni
Occupation: Engineer
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Michael graduated from RPI in Troy with a degree in civil engineering. He has worked in various engineering, development, and project management roles. He is a creative and strategic minded professional focused on providing the integrated delivery of capital, development, and large capital projects. He has investments in Troy and visits often.
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SECRETARY
Jodi Smits Anderson
Occupation: Executive Director · Creative Director · Head of Strategy · Mentor
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Jodi brings 25 years of experience in the built environment, with expertise spanning design, policy, codes, and sustainability leadership in both government and the private sector. Known for centering equity and inclusion, she now focuses on firm leadership and strategic planning.
EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
kevin glasheen
Occupation: Lawyer
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Kevin P. Glasheen is a lifelong Troy resident and attorney with a distinguished legal career spanning private practice, corporate law, and public service, including roles at National Grid and as Corporation Counsel for the City of Troy. He continues to serve the community on an Of Counsel basis with the Troy firm of Martin, Shudt, Wallace, DiLorenzo & Johnson.
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BOARD MEMBER
michael mcdonough
Occupation: Builder
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Michael is a natural builder, educator, and contractor whose work is rooted in a lifelong connection to the environment and a belief in sustainable living. Based in Troy, NY, he runs Rising Earth Natural Building, teaches workshops nationwide, and continues to pursue hands-on, community-centered building projects.
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BOARD MEMBER
roberta singleton
Occupation: Community Engagement Manager
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Roberta Singleton is a community builder and entrepreneur with a background in event planning, restaurant management, and public engagement. As Co-Founder of Collectiveffort and the Power Breakfast Club, as well as through her roles with Troy Community Land Bank and TAP Inc., she creates inclusive spaces that foster connection, accessibility, and social change.
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BOARD MEMBER
beverly hickman
Occupation: Community Outreach Advocate
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Bev has been a Troy resident and passionate advocate for community well-being since 2005 with experience in SNAP outreach at Unity House and now as Community Outreach Coordinator at TRIP. Dedicated to reimagining housing development with a focus on environmental change over individual change, she finds joy in baking and her hillside neighborhood.
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BOARD MEMBER
Jordan white
Occupation: Architecture · Real Estate · Marketing · Creator
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Jordan White is a multidisciplinary designer from Albany, NY whose background in menswear and architecture converge in his work toward affordable development. Drawing on his experience in garment construction and thoughtful home renovation, he brings creativity, craftsmanship, and community-focused design to every project.
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ADVISORY MEMBER
caroline nagy
Occupation: Lawyer
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Caroline Nagy is a former TAP Board Member and now serves in an advisory capacity. With a background in law and political science, she has led major coalitions, testified before New York policymakers, and contributed widely cited research on housing equity and displacement.
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ADVISORY MEMBER
Kristin Diotte
Occupation: NYS HCR
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Kristin Diotte is a former TAP Board Member and now serves in an advisory capacity. With a background in architecture, urban design, and public policy, she currently leads statewide housing stability initiatives at NYS Homes & Community Renewal.
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