Stephanie Hays-Mussoni 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, serves as a board member for the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, is a member of Tri Kappa and is a 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. She has her certificate in Fund Raising Management from the Fund Raising School (Center on Philanthropy) and has completed training in planned giving, major gifts, and annual fund development.  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., 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 Blue 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, school and summer programs. She also assists CEC’s Executive Director in developing curricula to provide the best possible educational experience for visiting students. 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.

Mary Freeland joined Cope Environmental Center as Program Educator and Facilities & Grounds Assistant in February of 2010.  Mary has been teaching for 29 years, most recently at Seton Catholic School in Richmond, IN. She has always had a interest in and passion for the environment. "Mary worked here during the 2009 Fall Program season, and she was an excellent addition to the staff with her experience and enthusiasm. The students absolutely love her!" said Aubrey Blue, CEC’s Program Director.  Great to have you here, Mary!

 

 

 

Not pictured:  Jan Denison is CEC's Office Assistant and works hard to keep us in line!  She spends her time greeting guests, answering the phones, and assisting with administrative work.  Jan owns the Denison House Bed & Breakfast in Centerville, IN and has been with the Center for over two years.

Board of Directors

Jill Borchers
Jackie Carberry
Gail Clark
Ed Cope
Marianne Cope
Donna Geddes
Susie Ferrell
Adam Forrest
Robert Green
Teri Grossman
Julia Jensen
Kate Johnson-Keep
David Jose
Randy Kirk
Marie Cope Nicholson
Phil Quinn
Tim Smock
Alan Spears
Jim Tanner
Bill Thistlethwaite
Shannon Vatter

All board members can be reached via email using the following address equation:
firstinitial.lastname@copeenvironmental.org