Meet Hammerstone’s Board of Directors
Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of individuals brings experience, insight, and passion to help guide the organization forward—meet the Hammerstone Board of Directors.
Each of our board members brings a unique perspective to the table, shaped by diverse professional backgrounds and lived experiences. What unites them is a shared belief in the power of craft skills education to transform lives.
Ann Ellsworth (she/her) President
Ann working on her sawhorse during our BCS 101 Class
Ann came to Hammerstone looking for carpentry skills and found a community of empowerment. “As a former domestic violence shelter director, I've seen how power and control being taken away can diminish self-worth. Hammerstone restores it,” she shares. Now the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam Counties, Ann lends her deep nonprofit leadership experience to support Hammerstone’s continued growth and visibility.
Kelly Cobb (she/her) Treasurer
Kelly says Hammerstone’s theme song would be “We Built This City” by Starship, and now it is stuck in our heads!
Kelly works in corporate finance and first found Hammerstone while trying to repair her first home during the pandemic. What started as a practical decision turned into something much more meaningful. “I love breaking down walls and barriers so underrepresented communities can learn new things in a safe space,” she says. As Treasurer, Kelly helps translate the organization’s dreams into sustainable plans and keeps Hammerstone growing responsibly.
Sarah Grunberg (she/Her)
Sarah working on her Adirondack Chair
Sarah is a senior instructional designer at eCornell and Hammerstone teaching assistant. “Hammerstone is one of the most empowering spaces I’ve ever encountered,” she says. She brings her knowledge of educational design, tech, and community engagement to strengthen our impact and deepen our local connections. Sarah dreams of a Hammerstone with twice the staff and double the community reach.
Suz Newman (THEY/THEM)
Look at Suz’s sweater! They made that!
Suz works as an event coordinator for Research & Innovation at Cornell and is a long-time fiber artist with a passion for handcraft. They joined Hammerstone shortly after the 2016 election and have remained deeply involved ever since, drawn to the school’s empowering, inclusive environment.
For Suz, creating a safe space for students to try, fail, and try again is key, often modeling vulnerability by sharing their own mistakes. Their favorite tool is the speed square (“I learn something new about it in every class!”), and if Suz had a superhero alter ego, they’d be the Empowerment Beam, “spreading courage, skills, and self-reliance with a single smile or gesture.” Their advice to anyone considering a Hammerstone class? Do it—it will be the best investment you make in yourself!
Mimi Baveye (she/her)
Mimi first crossed paths with Hammerstone during a sauna-building collaboration that boosted her confidence and launched her into her first house build. Now she’s joining our Board, ready to channel her lived experiences in male-dominated spaces into something powerful, positive, and community-building.
With a love for building science and insulated screwdrivers, Mimi brings vision, humor, and a whole lot of can-do energy to the Hammerstone community. We’re thrilled to have her on the team!
Beth Alimena (she/her)
Beth and the trusty jigsaw, during her Build a Bookcase class in 2025.
Beth is a strategic thinker, big-picture builder, and organizational problem-solver who brings serious spark to the Hammerstone Board.
Her Hammerstone journey began in October 2024, where she immediately felt the strength of this community. Each time Beth steps into the workshop, she leaves feeling more empowered which she explained is what made her say “yes” to joining the Board.
Beth has big dreams for Hammerstone (too many to list, she says!) For now, we’re simply thrilled to welcome her energy, insight, and enthusiasm as we continue building a stronger, more empowered community together.
Hammerstone’s board members are advisors, collaborators, visionaries, and champions of our mission. From crafting budgets and strengthening partnerships to dreaming up new opportunities for outreach and expansion our working. Our Board continues to live our mission daily. If you are interested in becoming more involved with Hammerstone please email us at info@hammerstoneschool.com
