We’re thrilled to introduce Becky Callegan as the newest member of the Change the Air Foundation team! Becky joins us as a part-time Assistant Program Coordinator, bringing both personal passion and professional expertise to our education and outreach efforts. Our connection with Becky began several years ago when she and her husband, AJ, courageously shared their powerful health journey with us—a journey that revealed how years of unexplained seizures, and even a looming brain surgery, were ultimately traced back to mold exposure in their home and through AJ’s work as an HVAC technician. That life-altering discovery propelled Becky to pursue a Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development degree from Tulane University, deepening her commitment to healthier indoor environments. With her lived experience, technical insight, and heart for advocacy, Becky is a perfect fit for the Change the Air family. 

Please take a moment to get to know Becky better in the Q&A below—we know you’ll be inspired by her story, her passion, and the heart she brings to this work.

Question 1: Why are you so passionate about mold, water damage, and poor indoor air quality?

I’m passionate about mold, moisture issues, and poor indoor air quality because they nearly took my husband’s life. As some of you may remember from an earlier podcast, my husband, AJ, developed epilepsy—something that almost claimed his life. He was being exposed to mold every day, both on the job in the hot, humid South Louisiana HVAC industry, and from hidden mold inside our home.

Before this experience, I had no idea how much our built environments could impact someone’s health. But once I saw it firsthand, everything changed. Many people struggle with these issues, often in silence, feeling alone and hopeless. That’s why I’m passionate about this work. I fought for answers, and I fought alongside AJ through what we were told was an incurable condition. Today, I get to share the hope that came from his complete healing—and help others find that same light.

That’s what led me here, and it’s why I’m so committed—because I know what’s at stake, and I know what’s possible when people finally get the answers, support, and the safe environments they need.

Question 2: What excites you most about working with Change the Air Foundation?

I’m excited to be part of the Change the Air team because we all bring different experiences, gifts, and perspectives—but we share the same deep passion for making a difference. I come from the HVAC industry, so I bring a tradesperson’s point of view, with real, hands-on experience working in buildings and seeing how these issues impact people’s health and homes every day.

I get excited when our team comes together because we each see the problem through a slightly different lens, and that makes our work stronger. While much of the policy work has focused on mold-related legislation, I bring a perspective rooted in the building side of things—HVAC, moisture control, and contractor responsibility. I love that the team genuinely respects and values that insight. I’m excited to help bridge that gap—to connect what’s happening in the field with what needs to change at a national level. That connection is what makes this work so impactful.

I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of something bigger than myself, leaving a legacy through the work that Change the Air is doing. To know that our work is educating people and helping to save lives is more than I ever imagined or dreamed of. I am incredibly grateful to be here, working with our team. 

Question 3: What project or initiative are you most looking forward to working on?

I’m looking forward to the HVAC mini-class series I’ve developed—it’s something I’ve poured a lot of heart into. From day one, I hit the ground running on this, attending an HVAC symposium to connect with and learn from some of the industry's leading professionals. The series will launch in the fall, so be sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter so you don’t miss it. Programs like this excite me because they give homeowners the knowledge they need to ask the right questions and make confident, informed decisions about their homes and health. 

I’m also passionate about expanding our content on building science. There is a gap in public awareness about how our homes are built and how that directly impacts our well-being. I’m excited to help create more programs that make that information easy to understand and practical for everyday people—not just professionals. I hope it empowers people to take ownership of their indoor environment and see the connection between their home and their health outcomes.

Beyond that, I’m looking forward to helping establish a stronger public presence for Change the Air—attending conferences, networking with others in the field, and ensuring our message reaches even more people. The more we participate in those spaces, the more we can raise awareness, build partnerships, and advance our mission.

Question 4: What book, podcast, or resource has influenced how you think about health and wellness?

Honestly, it’s hard to choose just one. My master’s training in Sustainable Real Estate Development helped broaden my perspective and audience. It helped me see the connection between buildings, policy, community design, and long-term health in a new way. Additionally, I’m committed to ongoing learning. I attend multiple conferences each year focused on building science, home performance, HVAC systems, and health—and I walk away with something new.

One of my favorite educators is Dr. Joseph Lstiburek. His articles and videos on BuildingScience.com are all free and incredibly insightful. He has a way of making complex concepts approachable—and he’s funny, which I love. He always says, “It’s not rocket science, folks. It’s building science.” That approach makes it feel accessible, even when learning some fairly technical concepts. I also gain a lot from The Build Show network—it’s an excellent resource for everyone, and seeing people who are building better is refreshing and encouraging.

Recently, I attended a session on person-centered, trauma-informed home repair programming—and it stuck with me. It’s something I hadn’t seen formally taught before, but it reflects what we do every day when working with individuals and families affected by mold or environmental illness. It reinforced that how we show up for people matters just as much as what we know, and I’m excited to see that approach making its way into professional housing conferences. 

Question 5: What’s something unrelated to work that you love doing?

I love traveling with my family. Of course, it can be a bit of a challenge because we’re always trying to find places that are safe and healthy—which ties back to our work in a way. However, we’ve learned to make the best choices we can, and we’re not afraid to walk away from places that feel toxic.

I especially love exploring new places I’ve never been—immersing myself in the local culture, visiting markets and shops, trying the local food, and talking with the people who live there.   That’s my favorite part.

I also enjoy watching food shows, and I really love a good laugh. I love plants, flowers, and gardening. My grandmother's name is Flora, and I like to think a green thumb runs in my blood. Another fun fact about me: I’m a big fan of talk radio, especially Christian talk radio. Being in the car and listening to that kind of content feels like my version of watching the morning or evening news—except it keeps me informed and encourages me.