Elissa, formerly the Community Engagement Specialist for FEMC, is currently the Interim Director for the Cooperative. She comes from a background of field ecology research and has transitioned into outreach and science communication. She uses her scientific understanding and background to connect academia, state, and local agencies, community stakeholders, and the general public to research findings and program outcomes.

Prior to working with FEMC, Elissa was staff in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources as research and communications coordinator for the Lake Champlain Sea Grant program, Northeastern States Research Cooperative, and Vermont Water Resources and Lake Studies Center. At home in Burlington, Elissa is most often playing make-believe games with her two young children.