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.  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.  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.  See Stephanie as part of the First Bank Richmond marketing campaign!  These billboards were up in Richmond in 2010.  Thanks for including CEC, First Bank.

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, grant-seeking/writing, major gifts, and annual fund development.  Alison contributes to our community through the Women’s Fund of the Wayne County Foundation, the Wayne County Alternative Gift Fair, and the Treehouse Children's Museum as well as volunteering for many other community not-for-profits.  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.

Emily Bobrowich is the Resource Coordinator and the newest addition to the CEC staff!  Her job entails taking care of our many talented volunteers.  She excels in matching organizational needs with the talents of community members.  When not working with volunteers, she handles the day-to-day bookkeeping at CEC as well as website and newsletter work.  Emily is a recent graduate of Earlham College where she majored in Comparative Languages and Linguistics.  Before becoming a CEC employee, Emily worked as a summer intern developing a decision-making matrix for sustainable product selection.  We are thrilled to not only have Emily as a member of the team, but also have her as a permanent member of our community.   In her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors and especially, running on the CEC trail system!

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.

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.  She specializes in making those who are new to CEC feel welcome and eager to explore the property!  Jan is originally from the east coast, but now calls Centerville, IN home where she owns the Denison House Bed & Breakfast.  Jan has been with the Center for several years...and we love it!

Board of Directors

Cope Environmental Center has an amazing volunteer Board of Directors!  They work well with the staff and are passionate contributors to the community and the programs of CEC.  All board members can be reached via email using the following address equation: firstinitial.lastname@copeenvironmental.org    

Karen Black
Jill Borchers
Jackie Carberry
Gail Clark
Ed Cope
Marianne Cope
Donna Geddes
Catherine Frank
Susie Ferrell
Adam Forrest
Robert Green
Teri Grossman
Kate Johnson-Keep
David Jose, Emeritus
Randy Kirk
Francie Klinge
John Kuhn
Marie Cope Nicholson
Phil Quinn
Tim Smock
Alan Spears
Jim Tanner
Bill Thistlethwaite
Brad VanVleet
Shannon Vatter