The Team

Adaline Fagen    Laura Wallof    Andrea Cohen Gehring    David Jeno    Sean Icaza

Mark Fowler    Shawn Fagen    Lenny Langford    Sheri Sinclair    Mark Sheppard    Ned S. Goldstein

Adaline Fagen

When I embarked on this journey, I was looking for something I could do to significantly impact the world of children; specifically something that called forth the tools and expertise of my design and construction background.  At first, it seemed like an unlikely fit.  Coming from the luxury design world filled with people that have everything and moving into public schools specifically in the inner cities across our nation.  I wanted to create and design for the children who had less in life and that were, in some ways, victims of the circumstances surrounding them. 

My husband had always been my liaison to the world of education.  I watched him as he created a company, Progressive Learning, which delivers distance learning for inner city youth around the country.  What he provides his students is a way out of their circumstance through education. I wondered how I could fit into this world that so inspired me.  At first I wanted to design and build the whole school from the infrastructure to the classroom.  My ideas would take years to implement and I wanted to design something that would have a more immediate impact.  My husband directed me to an area that he felt the schools were in need of rethinking - the computer labs.  Progressive Learning is delivered in schools via the computer labs.  He knew that one of the biggest challenges was setting up functioning labs.  For the most part, school computer labs are underutilized and poorly outfitted.  This was a shock to me.  I feel that this room should deliver magic to these children.  So began my journey.

To accept the hard, cold facts of the challenges in education, we have to step out of this box that is holding our children back.  We have to reinvent ourselves.  Learning should be delivered in such a way as to inspire and motivate.  We all know this is possible.  We have the technology to make our children look forward to a day at school.  We need to step into the 21^st century.

Having come to know my husband’s students, I realize that regardless of socio-economic backgrounds, children want knowledge and opportunities.  It gives them the confidence and the power to lead productive lives.  In the inner city as in the more affluent neighborhoods, all children have much to offer this world.  All children deserve this opportunity.  It is our obligation to deliver it.

The design of E-Labs meets these needs by providing a 21^st century center with the best technology in a 100% green space.  E-Labs are a growing green learning laboratory.  Because every situation is different, some schools are in cityscapes and some are in spaces with an abundance of land.   We have created three basic versions of the e-Lab.  E-Lab I is in an existing school building.  We would demolish and rebuild within the given space available.  E-lab II is a free-standing structure.  Lastly, E-Gardens are an outdoor computer lab in a geo-dome structure. 

These technology centers would work in conjunction with the school staff to provide a space that is used not only during the normal school hours, but also after school and on weekends to meet multiple needs of the community.  From teacher training to adult literacy, the E-Labs can be working for your school 24-hours a day.

Imagine a teacher being able to send a struggling child to the e-Labs for intensive one-on-one instruction to bring them up to speed in a matter of weeks. Imagine sending a gifted student to the E-Lab to do research and move at the pace that will challenge and inspire that student’s hungry mind.  Imagine a class that is studying Africa and having a digital presentation of a tribal leader discussing what it is like to spend a day without enough water.  Imagine a virtual tour of the finest museums in the world.  Imagine a date with an astronaut in real time to talk about his/her story of how he/she came into such a profession.  Imagine being able to see a daily newspaper headline all over the world to compare how different countries and people view the same subject.  Imagine town hall meetings in real time with other students.  The possibilities are endless.

The E-Labs are designed to make children global citizens.  Students can see the world from different forms of media that the e-Labs can provide.  E-Labs do not replace the teacher.  It is the ultimate asset to the teacher.  The teacher can effectively provide their students with lessons without feeling the guilt of not having enough time to help students that need extra help. The E-Labs will take on that task.  How empowering for teachers to have the feeling of having a tool that will truly make a difference in the lives of all their students with no exceptions.  After all, that is the ultimate goal…to provide all the children with the help they need to succeed.

The E-labs deliver information to the center from a Cloud. This Cloud of  information can be ever-changing so that it is always up to date.  The Cloud is managed by e-Labs staff off-site.  The items that will be delivered are up to your school curriculum.  There will be no computer towers in the e-Labs that have to be managed and maintained by the school.  There will be no breaking down, expensive staff and maintenance to deal with.  And the curriculum can be designed specifically for your school.  The curriculum is limitless. 

Upon entering the e-Labs, one immediately feels as though one has entered a new world.  Children participate in a green lifestyle that connects them to their planet and puts them in a place of responsibility.  They are CONNECTED to the virtual world and the material world like never before.  The knowledge they receive from this is priceless.

Laura Wallof

Laura Wallof is a highly motivated, young Designer and Project Manager.  For the past two and a half years, she has worked as a design coordinator for a Los Angeles based design firm.  While there, she specialized in residential and commercial design and construction.  Most recently, she assisted the design team with a ground-up construction project that was published in Architectural Digest, June 2009.  As a project manager on the e-Labs Design Team, she offers residential and commercial interior design experience.

Laura holds a Master’s degree in Human Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and a Bachelor’s degree from the California University of Poly Sciences, San Luis Obispo, CA.  Her previous years of experience serving the foster youth of Los Angeles County has shown her how to reach the young adults of today.  "Learning is a function of expanded awareness and our e-Labs offer that."

Andrea Cohen Gehring

The e-labs team has partnered with WWCOT to provide architectural and interior design support services.  For more information about WWCOT and Andrea Cohen Gehring, FAIA, LEED-AP, Design Partner for the firm, please use the following links:

www.wwcot.com

David Jeno

Growing up in the San Gabriel Mountains and High Desert area, David has always had a deep understanding of the relationship of climate and the environment.  This awareness is part of an ongoing effort in everything he does.  He believes that how we develop our landscape is such an integral part of our culture and that when we build, how we build, should improve the environment, rather than harm it.

Moving to Los Angeles to focus on a career in Architecture and Design, he found himself designing homes, both commercially and residential with the usual materials and process common to wasteful resourcing.  Realizing the effects of such methods, he formed PDG Construct with the intent of entering a direction and objective in utilizing all of the available resources in sustainable design.

Now partnering with like minded services using LEED, Eco-Green and USGBC, PDG Construct wishes to pursue education, residential and commercial jobs focusing on the utmost use of natural capitalism and eco-sustainability.

Currently, David has partnered with Espace Design and Construction to develop projects in the area of technology education with building methods that assist in facilitating the next generation of conscientious thinkers.

Sean Icaza

Sean Icaza, founder of Icaza Construction, has over 23 years of experience in consulting and construction management.  With so much experience in residential and commercial building, Sean Icaza saw the climate crisis and knew there was something he could do about it – one home and business at a time.  He spent years educating himself and his team about green construction practices, green products, and how to create environmentally sustainable buildings.

Years ago, Sean knew that a quiet green revolution in the building world was evolving.  He was one of the green pioneers who took the leap into making his company’s building standards more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Sean’s enthusiasm catapulted him into masterminding one of the only Green building resource centers in all of Southern California.  Discover Green Showroom has been open for two years now and offers a variety of environmentally friendly building solutions and design materials for all to access.  It’s a single source solution for builders and designers alike. 

Sean Icaza knows that, by its very nature, the building process can be both confusing and frustrating.   His company strives to alleviate as much stress as possible by taking a personal, hands-on approach.  That, along with his years of expertise and experience, ensures that the job is always done right.  Teaming up with e-Labs, Sean Icaza, has found a way to forward the green movement and his passion for making a positive impact in the world.

“Green design just feels good because of the satisfaction of knowing that it’s good for the environment and for our children’s futures.” – Sean Icaza

Mark Fowler
CEO
Architectural Construction Management - ACM

A builder-in the true sense of the word-with extraordinary talent supplemented by a profound understanding of architectural history and its potential to both inspire and influence contemporary design and construction practices. A highly skilled craftsman who continuously explores the possibilities of an ever-expanding palette of innovative construction methods and building techniques. A contractor that pursues the integration of a richly expressed architectural purpose and design dynamic with an exceptional creative implementation of materials, building practices and craftsmanship resulting in each and every project being developed to its ultimate potential. A leader hallmarked by his admirable passion and commitment that inspires all who experience his energy and presence. This unique and special talent is expressed in the persona of Mark Fowler.

After completing studies in Business Management at Arizona State University, in 1983 Mark elected to continue the family trade of residential development. His distinct commitment to his craft and his admirable ability would soon present to him opportunities on numerous high-end residential development and golf community projects located in exclusive communities and locations throughout the United States. Some of these locations include Newark, New Jersey, Scottsdale and Sedona, Arizona, the San Francisco Bay Area and Orange County, California. Moreover, Mark has earned the privilege of working with some of the country's most successful architects, designers and engineers. His commitment to a broad range of architectural styles and motifs has lead to a thorough understanding of the importance of architectural detailing and the craftsmanship of execution. The keen dedication that Mark has exemplified throughout his career has been a cornerstone leading to a unique skill-set that enables him to execute and deliver beyond what is expected. A career dedicated to exceeding the expectations of his clients in real estate development has lead to Mark's understanding of the many complexities of high-end real estate development and earned him the capacity to meet its challenges.

As the maturity of Mark’swork progressed, so did the demand for his skills. Since 2005 Mark's real estate development focus has been two-part; he has managed and built multi- million dollar custom estates in selective markets on the domestic front in conjunction to expanding his consulting practice for international real estate development projects. Mark's international experience has lead to an expansion of business opportunities in emerging real estate markets highlighted by the growing necessity for leadership and quality craftsmanship.

Presently, as CEO of ACM Mark's directive is to work cooperatively with developers by utilizing the highest and best use of land and resources. The collaborative effort of combining innovative construction methodology and materials with the expertise of the best available artists, artisans and engineers enables ACM to deliver the greatest possible achievements.

The tremendous vision and capacity of Mark and his team in conjunction with a sound commitment to pure architectural expression by employing the most rigorous and precise construction practices is the driving impetus of ACM.

Shawn Fagen

Shawn Fagen is project supervisor for Cloud Computing  at e-Labs.

Shawn has a background in both information technology and semiconductor processing.  He served in various positions for eight years at Advanced Photonix, starting out as a semiconductor process engineer, and working his way up to product manager.  At PricewaterhouseCoopers, Shawn was the global director of semiconductor consulting.  More recently, Shawn was Senior Solutions Manager for the Networking Division of the cloud computing pioneer  EMC Corporation.  Shawn holds a degree in physics from Cornell University, and is completing another degree in information technology at Harvard University.

Lenny Langford

Started his programming career back in 1982 at the age of 5 with his Atari 800 in the language of Basic.  Since then, he has created an automation company for both residential and commercial systems. 
He started a Southern California home theater company in 2006 and quickly came to the realization that the future was in automation.  ZHiFi Automation was born.

Automation enables commercial or residential buildings to act as autonomous beings.  By creating a smart grid within a home, commercial building or place of learning, automated systems not only distribute audio and video to their intended destinations, but also nurture the idea of power harvesting.

Lenny says: “By programming intelligent logic into control systems, we’re able to automate centralized lighting systems, HVAC, shade control, monitor power consumption and the retention of solar power as well as monitor and control irrigation.  By automating everything into a cohesive system, we start conserving energy and our environment; decreasing our ecological footprint.”

Using green building materials help a building’s efficiency.  When you couple an efficient building with automation, you have a structure that can benefit the environment. 

If it’s hot outside, a building’s temperature sensors, photocells and astrological time clock can monitor the external environment as well as track the sun.  This allows us to close windows and shades to keep the sun’s heat out.  By blocking the greatest form of heat (our sun), we don’t have to pump as much cold air into a building; which inadvertently decreases the amount of fossil fuels needed to run HVAC units and lowers emissions.  And since we’re not using as much energy, this enables solar panels to harvest power from the sun during optimal times.

The same principles apply if it’s cold outside.  Our systems can open windows, shades and allow solar energy to warm a building.  This also allows sunlight in.  By using photocell technology, we can monitor the level of ambient light in a room and automatically lower lighting levels accordingly; which in turn lowers consumption where a building expends most of it’s energy; lighting.  These are just a few examples of how automation can save energy and our planet.

Sheri Sinclair – Green Landscaper for e-Labs

Master's Degree in Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz
Master's Degree in Earth Sciences from UC Santa Cruz
with an apprenticeship in Sustainable and Organic Farming and Gardening.

Master’s studies in Organic Farming and Gardening at the Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center in Sausalito, CA
10 Years Environmental work as a Geologist with New Mexico State Government, in an EPA Superfund Program

Management and oversight of large-scale, multi-million dollar environmental clean-up and reclamation projects

Maintenance Manager for a large Los Angeles Landscape firm

Current and recent projects:

·       4 acre classical estates in Pasadena and Bel-Air

·       Urban Succulent garden in Venice Beach

·       Rolling Malibu Estate  

·       Challenging hillside garden in Palos Verdes

Landscape maintenance for some of Los Angeles' architectural Gems including homes by:

·       Frank Lloyd Wright

·       Lloyd Wright  

·       Richard Neutra

·       Clifford May

·       Pier Koening

Landscaping approach:

• Soil up understanding of a garden
• Organic approach  
• Understands the bigger landscape picture - how plants, soil, and irrigation interact with the other  
• Sustainable, organic approach to a healthy garden that is safe for  the environment and the user  
• Strong attention to detail and form
• Sculptor with solo show in Santa Monica Gallery  

Mark Sheppard

Mark  Sheppard has been interested in electronics ever since winning first place in the district science fair in 3rd grade. He studied electronic engineering in high school and at UC Irvine. His talents with electronics were recognized early.  At 16, he was hired as a paid classified employee of the BH Unified School District during his junior and senior years of high school to work in the district TV broadcast center.

He now applies his knowledge and talents as a systems and networking consultant specializing in computer and communications systems, both wired and wireless, anywhere from a simple small business application  to large wireless wide area networks in remote and rural locations, and full multiple site school district data and communications infrastructures.

He has extensive training and certifications  in computer, RF design ( WiFi, short and long range microwave) and other communications.

He now is putting his talents and expertise to use as part of the e-Labs design team.  Mark says "over the years I have worked for schools and districts that 'understand the need for forward looking technology to help their students advance closer to their full potential and I want to carry that goal forward to our current generation of students. Without that kind of foresight and educational opportunities, I would not be where I am today. "

Ned S. Goldstein

Ned S. Goldstein is currently engaged as the principal of NSG ESQ LLC, a legal and business consulting firm.  Mr. Goldstein is also the General Counsel of Stone Canyon Entertainment Corp., the largest operator of mobile amusement parks in North America. In addition, Mr. Goldstein is a Managing Partner of DreamTeam Entertainment Group, a theatrical production company.  Mr. Goldstein has previously served at various times as the President & Managing Director of M?CAM, Inc., as a member of the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors and as its General Counsel.  Mr. Goldstein was also the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Stone Canyon Entertainment Corp. from December 5, 2004 through January 31, 2007.  Mr. Goldstein has also served on the board of directors of Ampex Corporation.

From March 2000 until June 2003, Mr. Goldstein was the Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Key3Media Group, Inc. (“Key3Media”), a company that was the owner and operator of various tradeshows including Comdex, Networld+Interop and Seybold Seminars.

Prior to joining Key3Media in March, 2000, Mr. Goldstein co-founded The Etechnology Companies, L.L.C. (“Etech”), a consulting, investment and lobbying firm specializing in new economy companies and issues.

Prior to establishing Etech, Mr. Goldstein was the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Ticketmaster Group, Inc. (“Ticketmaster”). During Mr. Goldstein’s 11 plus years with Ticketmaster, he oversaw all legal matters, business affairs and governmental affairs for the Company worldwide. Mr. Goldstein represented the Company before the United States Congress, United States Department of Justice, the California State Legislature and various state and local governmental agencies and courts. During his tenure with the Company, Mr. Goldstein was instrumental in the phenomenal growth of Ticketmaster, which included overseeing more than twenty (20) acquisitions and the initial public offering of the Company’s stock. Prior to coming to Ticketmaster, Mr. Goldstein was Associate Counsel for Hilton Hotels Corporation and in private law practice.

Mr. Goldstein graduated Magna Cum Laude from the State University of New York at Albany in 1977, and received his J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from U.C.L.A. in 1981, where he was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honorary Society, the Moot Court Honors Program and was the Associate Editor of the U.C.L.A.-Alaska Law Review.  Mr. Goldstein has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of Cities in Schools in Inglewood, California, a National Literacy Program, the Board of Directors of Public Counsel in Los Angeles, the Board of Directors of Coro Southern California, and as an active member of the Advisory Board of the Sports and Law Program of the Constitutional Rights Foundation. He has been a major contributor and active fundraiser for the City of Hope supporting its National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute and has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the City of Hope Music and Entertainment Industry Section.

Mr. Goldstein has been active in political and legislative issues at the local, state and national levels. He was a member of the California Senate Blue Ribbon Task Force on Shareholder Litigation, The Civil Justice Task Force of the American Legislative Exchange Council and on the Advisory Council to the California Senate Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry. He has written on the subject of legal reform in the Wall Street Journal, written the foreword to "Counterattack: Fighting Back Against Unfounded Litigation" published by the Washington Legal Foundation, appeared in the ABC News Special "The Trouble With Lawyers" and delivered a speech on cutting edge issues at the 1998 summer meeting of the American Bar Association. Mr. Goldstein has lectured at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and at the UCLA School of Law.

Additionally, Mr. Goldstein represented Etech as a member of the Advisory Board of the Congressional Internet Caucus and has served as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Children’s Alliance, located in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Goldstein lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Marcia and their two (2) children, Elana and Sasha.

Top of Page