A team of passionate practitioners who volunteer their time to guide the Northeast Bonsai Association’s growth and education. The board ensures both novice and experienced growers have the community support needed to master the art of bonsai.
The Board
David Furman
PresidentI got into bonsai after becoming obsessed with houseplants during the pandemic. Since I was running out of space indoors, I was delighted to learn that most bonsai are kept outside. I began learning a lot from online resources but quickly found the need to engage with and learn from real people.
The Northeast Bonsai Association helped satisfy this need by providing me valuable access to the local bonsai community. Today, I am happy to give back to that community as president of this wonderful organization.
Michael McLaughlin
Vice PresidentI discovered bonsai YouTube in 2018. After watching everything I could, I finally bought my first tree from Home Depot in mid 2019. Now 7 years later I was voted in as the VP of NEBA, taken dozens of classes, visited bonsai nurseries on both coasts, and amassed a collection of a few dozen trees. My current goal is to grow my collection of New England native bonsai.
Ryan Joyce
TreasurerAfter driving past Bonsai West countless times in my youth, I finally convinced my parents to stop in and attend my first Intro to Bonsai class in the late 90's. For the next two decades, I kept 1-2 trees "alive" until I had a house with a yard. In 2016, I visited my first bonsai exhibition (MABS) and attended my first meeting with Northeast Bonsai Association on the same weekend, and I have enjoyed taking part in workshops, demos, lectures, and sharing a love of bonsai ever since. In 2020, I was asked to take over as the Treasurer and have enjoyed helping fund the amazing opportunities provided by this club.
Julie Manoogian
Member Engagement ChairI discovered bonsai in 2019 at the Topsfield Fair with my brother and have been learning ever since through formal schools, talented artists, and fellow enthusiasts. Known to “travel for bonsai,” I’ve been fortunate to visit beautiful bonsai gardens around the world, combining my love of bonsai, travel, nature, and art. I value bonsai as a grounding practice that brings balance and inspiration to my daily life. As Member Engagement Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to give back to NEBA and work with the Board to make the membership experience even better each year. If you have ideas or want to get involved, please let us know!
Nate Ostberg
SecretaryI happened upon bonsai online in 2021, and I dove in - quickly, and deeply. I've spent the last 5 years reading every book I can find, watching videos, and taking classes at our local nurseries. What I really love, though, is sitting down with other practitioners to talk ideas and work on trees together — which is a big part of why I joined the Board.
Alex Manoogain
Librarian…
Jessi Jaramillo
Social Media DirectorAs NEBA’s Social Media Director, I enjoy sharing our club’s events, member activities, and the art of bonsai to help connect and inspire the community.
Oliver Chong
WebmasterInspired by a visit to the 2006 New England Spring Flower Show where the Arnold Arboretum displayed specimens from the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection, I jumped into bonsai in 2020, and haven't looked back since.
I have a soft spot for flowering and fruiting trees, loving the seasonal interest they bring to the bench. As the club’s webmaster, I’m excited to grow our online presence and welcome newcomers to the joy of bonsai.