Ben Bahorich, President of Nest Living and Rice alumni (Will Rice 2010), loves to learn and grow, so it’s important to him that Nest Living is never done improving. As a proud Rice grad, he takes joy in providing students with the best possible off-campus experience. Nest Living has become the largest off-campus provider of housing for Rice students, and Ben is excited to continue serving the Rice community for years to come.

At heart, Ben is a family man. He and his wife Alyssa (Hanszen 2010) are raising three sweet kids together, and their home is always full of energy and laughter. When he’s not with his family, you’ll often find him playing music, exploring the outdoors, or driving up into the mountains for a little adventure. Houston — and especially the Rice Village area — holds a special place in his heart, since that’s where his passion for housing first took root. From his early days as a student living on Bolsover Street, Ben has loved creating spaces where students feel at home, supported, and part of a community.

Allison Malone, Senior Property Manager & Leasing Agent for Nest Living, has always loved working with people and getting to know their stories. She says that if she can make someone feel more understood and loved than before she met them, then she’s done her job. While in school, Allison was a Resident Assistant for 3 years, living with and helping other residents build community and figure out this wild thing called adulthood. Her time as a RA taught her how to empathize with people from different walks of life. “I want our residents to know that if they’re ever having issues or just don’t understand something, I’m always here to listen.”

Originally from Dallas, Allison developed a passion for dance at a young age and went on to get her BFA in Dance from West Texas A&M University. After school, Allison moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of being a professional dancer and living the starving artist life! She is so thankful for her time in NYC, as it made her grow in ways, she never thought possible. Now back in Texas, Allison is thankful for days spent with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and having quality Mexican food again.

Tess Picone, Leasing Agent for Nest Living, loves connecting with people and helping them find a place they can truly feel at home. She believes that everyone deserves to feel comfortable, safe, and confident in where they live, and she enjoys being part of that journey for each resident. With strong communication skills and a genuine passion for working with others, Tess strives to make every interaction welcoming and supportive. Whether she’s guiding someone through the leasing process or simply checking in with a resident, her goal is to create a positive experience and help people feel good about the place they call home.

Additionally, as a native Houstonian, Tess has a deep love for her city. And even though the summers are warm here, it’s her favorite season because it means spending time enjoying days out on the lake. When she’s not working, you can usually find her spending time with family and friends, trying out a new coffee shop, or taking a stroll through Memorial Park. She appreciates the simple moments — good conversation, time outdoors, and making the most of everything Houston has to offer.

Cynthia Boase, Property Manager & Leasing Agent for Nest Living, works closely with Rice students to help them find a place that feels like home. She enjoys building connections with students, learning their stories, and making sure they feel confident and cared for throughout the leasing process. One of the best parts of her job is seeing the relief and excitement on a student’s face when everything comes together, and they know they’ve found the right spot.

Outside of work, Cynthia loves staying active on the tennis court, both for the competition and the chance to unwind. She’s always experimenting in the kitchen — trying new recipes, perfecting old favorites, and sharing meals with friends and family. Also a book lover at heart, she enjoys getting lost in a good novel or discovering a new author. When she wants to recharge, she heads outdoors with her dog, Winston. The two of them can often be found exploring local trails, enjoying long walks, or catching the sunrise by the beach. Those moments in nature, paired with Winston’s company, are some of her favorite ways to find balance and joy outside of work.

Poul Lopez, Maintenance Technician for Nest Living, is originally from Colombia and brings a warm, family-oriented spirit to everything he does. He values connection and community, and he’s always looking for ways to make residents feel welcome, comfortable, and supported. Known for his positive attitude and easygoing nature, Poul enjoys building trust with others and making sure people feel respected and cared for.

Family is at the center of Poul’s life, and that sense of loyalty and care carries over into his work. He knows that a home is more than just a place to live — it’s where people build memories and feel safe. Poul’s goal is to make sure every resident has that sense of belonging.

Outside of work, Poul has two big passions: motorcycles and soccer. Riding gives him a sense of freedom and adventure, while soccer reflects his love for teamwork and staying active. Both hobbies have taught him lessons about discipline, patience, and balance — qualities he brings into his daily work and life.

Kip Bowen, Maintenance Advisor for Nest Living brings more than 45 years of hands-on experience to our team. A proud U.S. Navy veteran with a degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Kip combines technical know-how with a steady, can-do spirit that makes him the perfect person for keeping our properties in top shape. He’s not just focused on fixing problems — he’s passionate about teaching and empowering residents, taking the time to show students how to troubleshoot and handle common issues so they can feel confident in their first homes away from home.

Kip’s heart for service and mentorship has made him an invaluable part of the Nest Living family. His patience, skill, and willingness to go the extra mile ensure that our residents always feel supported and cared for. When he’s not on the job, Kip treasures time with his wife and kids, enjoys fishing on a quiet day, and rarely misses a chance to cheer on the Houston Astros. Whether it’s maintaining a property, mentoring a student, or sharing a laugh with his coworkers, Kip embodies the reliability and warmth that Nest Living is all about.