Stephanie Hays-Mussoni is the Executive Director at Cope Environmental Center. Stephanie began her career with Cope Environmental Center in 1998 as the Program Director and established the curricula of programs offered. Stephanie attended Ball State University for her undergraduate degree in Natural Resources and has her Masters in Biology with an education focus. Stephanie is the creator of the first hands-on environmental education curriculum based on learning styles in the area. With her extensive knowledge of natural science, education, and sustainability, Stephanie has developed curricula for most of CEC’s programs. Most recently, Stephanie has initiated a series of stewardship workshops for the greater east-central Indiana region and guides CEC’s Sustainability Education Program. In April of 2007, she was trained by The Climate Project, Al Gore’s outreach initiative to deliver informational programs regarding Climate Change. Stephanie also serves as the Chair of the Richmond Wayne County Environmental Awareness Council appointed by the Mayor of Richmond, serves on the steering committee of the Richmond City Comprehensive Plan, and is member of the Richmond Noon Kiwanis. Stephanie is a Master Gardener, a Certified Interpretive Guide through NAI and a passionate educator who connects with adults and children of all ages. In her role of Executive Director, Stephanie is working to forge new partnerships to further the mission and impact of Cope Environmental Center’s educational mission and vision.

Alison Zajdel is the Development Director at Cope Environmental Center. Before coming to CEC she attended DePauw University majoring in Studio Arts. Alison’s knowledge and persistence with fundraising and development benefits CEC every day. As the Development Director, she pursues funding opportunities for CEC through our membership program, grants, and other development opportunities. In this capacity, she has created the Sustainers’ Circle, CEC’s major gifts club, as well as a Planned Giving Program. Alison is a Richmond native with a passion for making our community a better place to live. Involved in many local organizations, she maintains an extensive network of friends and contributes to our community through the Women’s Fund, Girls Inc., Wayne County Foundation, Promote Centerville and First English Lutheran Church. Alison received the prestigious Indiana Governor’s Award for Tomorrow’s Leaders in 2004 and has been an avid jump roper for 20 years!

Jeremy Mussoni has been part of the CEC staff in various capacities for several years. In 2006, Jeremy became CEC’s Facilities and Grounds Director, responsible for pursuing sustainability and alternative energy techniques while keeping up the maintenance of Cope Environmental Center’s 102 acre property. Jeremy is skilled at hands-on building and excels in his managerial role. He also manages the majority of CEC’s volunteer corps and ensures the implementation of new sustainability demonstrations and projects. Jeremy serves on the Wayne County Community Corrections Board of Directors and is a long-term managerial volunteer at the Knights of St. John Bingo. Jeremy has a degree in Biology from Indiana University East, and is also finishing up a Business degree. He is in the process of starting a sustainable building products organization with a mission closely aligned with CEC’s. Jeremy’s entrepreneurial and multifaceted skills greatly benefit CEC every day.

Aubrey Wright is the Program Director at Cope Environmental Center. Aubrey has a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University East and helps CEC in both administrative and program capacities. Aubrey became a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) in 2005, and has attended numerous other workshops and programs adding to her experience. Five summers prior to becoming full-time, Aubrey was an integral part of the summer program staff working with pre-K through high school students. Most of Aubrey’s work at CEC is to lead community, family and summer programs. She also assists CEC’s Program Director in developing curricula while maintaining CEC’s membership program, databases and financial record-keeping. Aubrey has classroom teaching experience and truly excels in outdoor and environmental education. Her ability to connect with young students, enhanced by her participation in the Richmond Community Schools Study Buddy Program, benefits CEC through all the program seasons.

Phil Seybold, who previously served as CEC’s Facilities and Grounds Director, and has now assumed the position as Sustainability Educator Consultant. In this role, Phil works with businesses and individuals helping them become more sustainable in their day-to-day activities. Before coming to CEC, Phil was the president of a residential construction business. He is also a certified home inspector. Phil’s degree is from Ball State University (B.S. in Anthropology, with significant coursework in architecture), but he has acquired extensive knowledge about sustainable building, alternative energy, and green remodeling through experience. Most recently, Phil has begun work toward his LEED® certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. At CEC, Phil has been in charge of the construction of the Maple Syrup Sap House (made with reclaimed materials) and the Facilities and Grounds Workshop (built with ultra efficient insulated concrete forms) and has lead many projects bringing CEC closer to being a sustainable organization.