Claire Barnett is a seasoned environmental and public health advocate, with a focus on promoting healthy and sustainable practices in schools. As the Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Collaborative for Green Cleaning and Healthy Products in Schools, she has been a driving force in improving indoor air quality and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals in educational settings.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Collaborative for Green Cleaning and Healthy Products in Schools, Claire Barnett works to educate and empower schools to adopt green cleaning and healthy product policies. In this role, she has been instrumental in developing national guidance and resources, as well as advocating for legislative and regulatory changes to support these initiatives. Barnett also serves as a National Adviser for the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and a member of the National Coordinating Committee on School Health and Safety (NCCSHS).
Career Progression
Barnett's career has been dedicated to environmental and public health advocacy, with a particular focus on issues impacting children. She founded the Healthy Schools Network in 1995 and has since held various leadership positions, including Co-Founder of the EPA's Indoor Environments Division/IAQ in Schools Program and Coordinator of the Coalition for Healthier Schools. Barnett's extensive experience and expertise have made her a respected voice in the field, leading to her appointment to the National Advisory Committee on Children and Disasters at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Academic Background
Barnett holds a Bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, where she also served as the Special Projects Director for the Economic Development and Technical Assistance Center.
Areas of Expertise
- Indoor air quality and environmental health in schools
- Green cleaning and sustainable product policies
- Advocacy and education for healthy school environments
- Collaborative leadership and coalition building
- Policy development and implementation
Professional Impact
Through her work with the Collaborative for Green Cleaning and Healthy Products in Schools, Barnett has played a crucial role in raising awareness and driving change within the education sector. She has worked tirelessly to develop national guidance, provide technical assistance to schools, and advocate for legislative and regulatory changes to support the adoption of green cleaning and healthy product policies. Barnett's efforts have resulted in tangible improvements in indoor air quality and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals in schools across the country.
Conclusion
With over two decades of experience in environmental and public health advocacy, Claire Barnett has established herself as a respected leader in the field of healthy school environments. Her unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy practices in educational settings has made a significant impact on the lives of students and staff nationwide. Barnett's expertise, collaborative approach, and passion for her work continue to drive positive change and position her as a valuable asset in the ongoing efforts to create safer, healthier schools.
