She received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Principia College and a Master of Science in environmental science from Rutgers University. Bellenger was a recipient of an ASHRAE Exceptional Service Award, a Distinguished Service Award, two first-place ASHRAE Technology Awards, and the Lincoln Bouillon Membership Award.
According to ASHRAE, Bellenger was a recognized expert in energy management, with a strong focus on the need for energy modeling to help create and refine more efficient buildings. She was a partner at Pathfinder Engineers & Architects, Rochester, N.Y.