LCBP Staff

LCBP staff group photo

Grand Isle Office

Head shot of Eric Howe.

Eric Howe
Program Director
(802) 372-3213
ehowe@lcbp.org
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Eric became the Director of the Lake Champlain Basin Program and Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership in 2016. Eric joined the LCBP in 2009 as the Technical Coordinator, where he managed LCBP-funded research projects and coordinated the LCBP Technical Advisory Committee. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and an M.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont, and undergraduate degrees in environmental biology and ecology from SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry and Paul Smith’s College. His research experience includes examining the effects of shoreline development on the quality of shallow-water habitat in Vermont’s inland lakes and ponds, sea lamprey management in Lake Champlain, acid deposition on numerous Adirondack ponds, aquatic plant management, and extensive water quality monitoring experience in New York and Vermont. Eric lives in Williston, VT with his wife, two children, and a dog where he is an avid gardener and explores the art of freestyle cooking. Eric is also a member of the Williston Conservation Commission.

Head shot of Jim Brangan

Jim Brangan
Cultural Heritage and Recreation Coordinator
(802) 372-0213
jbrangan@lcbp.org
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As the Assistant Director of the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) and the Cultural Heritage & Recreation Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Jim Brangan’s work focuses on facilitating collaboration among Vermonters, New Yorkers and Quebecers on efforts that improve appreciation and understanding of the natural and cultural resources of the Champlain Valley and beyond. His work includes building partnerships to advance the mission of the CVNHP; marking the semiquincentennial of the American Revolution, where he serves as vice-chair of the Vermont 250th Anniversary Commission; promoting the Western New England Greenway and Lake Champlain Bikeways; enhancing and expanding the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network, where he serves co-chair; and developing interpretation of all sorts. Jim’s path to the Champlain Valley led him though West Virginia, Idaho, Montana, and Connecticut. Some of his previous experience includes serving as a wilderness/snow ranger in the Clearwater National Forest, developing interpretive programs/exhibits and establishing partnerships for the Monongahela National Forest’s Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, and working as a regional planner in Chittenden County.

Head shot of Mae Kate Campbell.

Mae Kate Campbell
Associate Scientist
(802) 372-0220
mkcampbell@lcbp.org
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Mae Kate joined the Basin Program in 2020 and is excited to be working on watershed science and contributing to water quality improvement across the basin. She holds an MS in geology from the University of Vermont and a BA in geology from Oberlin College. Mae Kate is interested in how an understanding of human-landscape interactions can help us solve environmental problems. She has completed research projects studying how tile drains affect erosion, and on understanding erosion in Cuba. Mae Kate lives in Burlington, she loves getting outdoors and hosting homemade pizza nights for her friends.

Kerry Crowningshield
Office Manager
(802) 372-3213
kcrowningshield@lcbp.org
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Kerry provides administrative support to staff and ensures smooth office operations. A native of the Adirondacks, Kerry has worked in the nonprofit community in northern New York and Vermont for over 15 years, inspiring others to explore and protect the region’s landscape and working to address food access in the North Country. She earned an A.A.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Paul Smith’s College, a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University, and a Master in Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. She spends her free time kayaking, birding, gardening, and crafting. Kerry lives in Port Kent with her menagerie of animals.

Head shot of Katie Darr

Katie Darr
CAC Coordinator/CABN Coordinator
(802) 372-0219
kdarr@lcbp.org
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Katie Darr serves as a liaison between the New York, Vermont, and Quebec Citizen Advisory Committees, LCBP, state agencies, and stakeholder groups. Katie is an interdisciplinary social scientist with a focus on collaborative natural resource management and community empowerment. Before joining the Basin Program, Katie completed a Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship with NOAA’s Marine Protected Areas Center in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. She earned a B.A. in Biology and Environmental Studies from Wesleyan University and an M.S. in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University. She also holds a professional certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management from The George Washington University. In her free time, Katie enjoys birdwatching, block printing, and embarking on culinary adventures.

Head shot of Logan Devaney

Logan Devaney
Grants Manager
(802) 810-1418
ldevaney@lcbp.org
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As Grant Manager, Logan oversees the administration and funding processes for the LCBP’s grant programs. He works with grantees from Vermont, New York, and the province of Quebec to ensure efficient management of a variety of research and implementation projects that help protect the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin. Logan is a Vermont native and currently resides in Winooski. He holds a B.A. in Business Management from Northern Vermont University. Before joining the LCBP team he worked in residential lending with a focus on low-income housing programs. In his free time, Logan can be found boating on Lake Champlain, enjoying the music scene in Burlington, or playing the occasional round of golf. 

Sue Hagar
Education and Outreach Specialist
(802) 372-0214
shagar@lcbp.org
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Susan Hagar supports the LCBP’s outreach efforts, delivering public programs at schools and camps in New York. She received her B.A. in Environmental Planning from SUNY Plattsburgh, and also holds an A.A.S. in Environmental Technology from Clinton Community College. She has worked on environmental remediation projects in the Champlain Basin, in outdoor education for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and New York State DEC, and on the study of microplastics in Lake Champlain.

Head shot of Colleen Hickey

Colleen Hickey
Education and Outreach Coordinator
(802) 372-0211
chickey@lcbp.org
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Colleen Hickey has been conducting outreach programs within the Lake Champlain watershed in northern New York, Vermont and southern Quebec since 1991. She has focused on media outreach, school programs, educator training and public outreach programs pertaining to the watershed. Colleen received her M.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy from Tufts University and her B.S. in Community Development from the University of New Hampshire. She also held positions as the Communications Director for United Way of Greater Nashua and was employed as a NH regional planner.

Lauren Jenness Kneen
Environmental Analyst
(802) 372-0223
ljenness@lcbp.org
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Lauren works on collaborative efforts across LCBP programming to communicate technical knowledge about the lake, watershed and water quality best management practices to increase understanding about how everyone can do their part to protect, restore and enhance the waters of the Lake Champlain Basin. Among other responsibilities, she coordinates Stream Wise (https://streamwisechamplain.org), is the Assistant Manager of the Lake Champlain Boat Launch Steward Program, and works with the Lawn to Lake (https://lawntolake.org/partnership). She graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Environmental Studies in 2016 where her coursework focused on the intersections of nature, culture, and justice as well as geospatial technologies. Lauren lives in Grand Isle with her husband and enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, and tending to her backyard garden.

Elizabeth Lee
Communication and Publications Graphic Designer
(802) 372-0217
elee@lcbp.org
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Elizabeth works with the Communications and Publications Coordinator and the Education and Outreach Coordinator to promote a better understanding of the Basin. She has a degree in Human Sciences from Dawson College in Montreal. Her past experience includes work in interior and graphic design for firms in Montreal and Miami. Most recently she has worked in communications and outreach for non-profit organizations in Northwestern Vermont. She lives with her family in the Champlain Islands.

Corrie Miller
Aquatic Organism Passage Restoration Specialist
(802) 810-1416
cmiller@lcbp.org
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Corrie works closely with LCBP partners to restore connectivity in aquatic systems by planning and implementing aquatic organism passage (AOP) projects and enhancing education and engagement. Corrie has worked to advance conservation in Vermont and New York’s land and water for over 15 years – in southern Vermont at Smokey House Center, in the Northern Greens with the Staying Connected Initiative for wildlife habitat connectivity, in the eastern Adirondacks as the Director of the Ausable River Association, and more recently in central Vermont as the Director of Friends of the Mad River. Corrie holds an undergraduate biology degree from Vanderbilt University, a certificate of Environmental Education from University of Minnesota, and a Master of Science degree from University of Vermont’s Field Naturalist Program. In her free time, you’ll find Corrie in her kitchen experimenting with all things sourdough, at a live concert, rambling in the woods—sometimes on skis, or paddling lakes and wetlands. Corrie lives in Fayston, VT, and serves on the Conservation Commission.

Ryan Mitchell
Communications and Publications Coordinator
(802) 372-0212
rmitchell@lcbp.org
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Ryan manages the LCBP’s publications and outreach materials. He coordinates the development and production of print and digital products, including the State of the Lake and Ecosystem Indicators Report, exhibits, video, social media, and the LCBP’s multiple websites. He holds a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Connecticut, an M.S. in Geography from Portland State University, and a Certificate in Environmental Communications from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. He lives with his family in Burlington.

Meg Modley

Meg Modley
Healthy Ecosystems & AIS Management Coordinator
(802) 372-0215
mmodley@lcbp.org
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As the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Meg coordinates management efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the basin. She has worked for LCBP since 2003. Meg has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Geology and a M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Vermont. Her work has included the development of a Lake Champlain Basin Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Action Plan, implementing the Lake Champlain Basin Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan, supervising the Lake Champlain Boat Launch Steward Program, and working with local and regional partners on education and outreach campaigns for AIS. Meg grew up vacationing on Lake George every summer, has a great love for the outdoors, and lives in Burlington with her dog Osa.

Grace Palmer
Communications and Publications Associate
(802) 372-3213
gpalmer@lcbp.org
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Grace joined the Basin Program in 2023 and supports outreach efforts through her work in communications and publications. Grace holds a B.A. in Environment & Sustainability from Barnard College and has completed research measuring soil carbon in a temperate deciduous forest and investigating pollinator interactions in Ecuador. She has written about climate and the environment for a variety of publications including the Earth Institute and Columbia Spectator. In addition to her work at the Basin Program, Grace is an experimental dance artist, backcountry skier, and sourdough bread baker. Grace lives in Burlington.

Matthew Vaughan
Chief Scientist
(802) 372-0216
mvaughan@lcbp.org
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Matthew oversees scientific projects funded by the LCBP and works closely with the LCBP Technical Advisory Committee. He holds a PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont, an MS in Hydrologic Sciences from UC Davis, and a BA in Physics from Middlebury College. His research focuses on the influence of land use and land cover on water quality in the Lake Champlain Basin. Matthew has a love for the outdoors, woodworking, and music. He lives with his family in the Old North End of Burlington.

Sonya Vogel
Assistant Scientist
(802) 372-3213
svogel@lcbp.org
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Sonya joined the LCBP Technical Team as an Assistant Scientist in 2024, and she assists with research and implementation of projects that support clean water and healthy ecosystems in the Lake Champlain Basin. Her dedication to water quality was inspired by her childhood in Michigan, where the Great Lakes sparked her interest in environmental science. After earning her BS in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!!), Sonya relocated to Burlington, VT, and is pursuing her MS in Geology at the University of Vermont.

Resource Room Staff

LCBP Resource Room
ECHO at the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
1 College St.
Burlington, VT 05401
802/864-1848 ext. 109

Kristen Balschunat
Resource Room Coordinator
kbalschunat@lcbp.org
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Kristen Balschunat joined LCBP as the Resource Room Coordinator in 2024. She has a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from SUNY Geneseo. After college she worked for a variety of nature centers, summer camps and school programs across the country providing place-based outdoor education. Most recently she has focused on implementing clean water projects in Vermont as a Conservation Specialist at the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District and Water Quality Projects Manager Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. She is excited about inspiring people to make big and small changes to help improve the health of Lake Champlain. In her free time Kristen enjoys birding, canoeing, painting and going on walks with her dog.

Head shot of Phil Brett

Phil Brett
Resource Room Specialist
(802) 864-1848 ext. 109
pbrett@lcbp.org
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Phil works as a Resource Room Specialist with the Education and Outreach program. He has a B.A. in Biology with a Coordinate Major in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont (UVM) and a B.A. in Education from Trinity College. He is presently exploring the language and culture of the Algonquian Peoples of North America, predominately the Western Abenaki and the Lenni Lenape. Phil has worked in fisheries and forestry and soils research at UVM and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, computer modeling at the Water’s Center for System Dynamics at Trinity College, and horticultural research at Gardeners Supply. Data collection, management and analysis have been a significant part of his field biologist work. Phil lives in the New North End of Burlington with his wife Andrea and son Ian close to the waters he loves. His daughter lives in Burlington as well.

Head shot of Stephanie Larkin

Stephanie Larkin
Resource Room Specialist
(802) 864-1848 ext. 109
slarkin@lcbp.org
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Stephanie Larkin has been working as a Lake Champlain Basin Program Resource Room Specialist since the opening of ECHO at the Leahy Center in 2003. She answers many questions pertaining to all aspects of Lake Champlain, including invasive species, lake friendly cleaning products, and historical events. A native of Vermont, she attended the University of Vermont for undergraduate studies, and then obtained a graduate degree in Education from University of Colorado at Boulder. Prior to her work in the Resource Room she was a classroom teacher in VT, and also an environmental educator in various California natural areas.

Emma Dannenberg
Education and Outreach Steward
edannenberg@lcbp.org
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Emma is joining the Lake Champlain Basin Program as an Education and Outreach Steward. She recently graduated from Champlain College with a BFA in Creative Media and a minor in Environmental Studies and Policy. As an Eco-Rep at Champlain, Emma fell in love with sharing sustainability knowledge with her peers and connecting with local environmental organizations which is where she learned about LCBP! She is incredibly excited to be helping with outreach at community events and in the Resource Room at the ECHO. In addition to learning about ecology and environmental policy, Emma is a passionate naturalist illustrator. She believes art is fundamental to learning about and loving the myriads of species and ecosystems that surround us, and how we can all be stewards in protecting them. When she is not illustrating detailed depictions of flora and fauna, she enjoys birding, hiking, biking, paddleboarding, skiing, rock climbing, and going on adventures in the great outdoors with friends.

Vivian Shields
Education and Outreach Steward
vshields@lcbp.org
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Viv is excited to join the LCBP team as an Education and Outreach steward for the summer of 2024. She recently received her B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. Viv has spent the past three years working with Sea Grant’s Watershed Alliance through UVM, allowing her to develop a love for Lake Champlain and connect with the communities within the watershed. Outside of her contributions to the Lake Champlain Basin Program, Viv loves photography, reading, collecting plants, and cooking.

Staff at New York State DEC Supporting the LCBP

Myra Lawyer
Agronomist
(518) 897-1387
myra.lawyer@dec.ny.gov
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Myra joined the Lake Champlain Basin Program in 2012. Based in New York State DEC’s Ray Brook office, she plays an important role in implementing LCBP’s efforts to reduce agricultural runoff in the New York portion of the Basin. A certified crop advisor and comprehensive nutrient management planner, Myra has worked as an agronomist in New York for over fifteen years. She holds an A.S. in Agronomy from Purdue University.

Erin Vennie-Vollrath
New York Lake Champlain Coordinator
(518) 897-1241
Erin.Vennie-Vollrath@dec.ny.gov
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Erin works with NYSDEC and the Lake Champlain Basin coordinators from Vermont and Quebec to organize, evaluate and oversee activities for the Lake Champlain Basin Program. She provides oversight and support for the program’s activities in coordination and collaboration with all NYSDEC program areas. She engages with the program’s Technical Advisory Committee, Executive Committee, and Steering Committee, and works closely with program staff on water quality, aquatic invasive species, and TMDLs. Erin joined NEIWPCC in 2020. She holds a M.S. in Water Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Much of Erin’s time outside of work is spent on the small farm she owns with her husband where they grow vegetables and raise chickens, turkeys, llamas, goats and two young children.

NYSDEC
PO Box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977

Elizabeth Whitmore-Stolar
AIS Outreach Specialist
elizabeth.whitmore-stolar@dec.ny.gov
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Beth serves as AIS Outreach Specialist for DEC Region 5 and the Lake Champlain Canal System. She received her M.S. in Natural Resources-Limnology from Cornell University where she worked for 9 years with the EPA on Great Lakes zooplankton monitoring and AIS detection. She also holds a B.A. in Zoology from SUNY Oswego. She has worked on new methods of AIS detection including DNA barcoding and new benthic sampling methods. She is currently working with stakeholders along the Champlain Canal corridor to spread the word about detection and preventing the spread of AIS. She is also facilitating discussion amongst the various stakeholders about any research and prevention efforts they may be conducting. She grew up in the Finger Lakes region on Canandaigua Lake where she developed her love of the water. She looks forward to when her child is old enough to play the ecology and aquatic ecosystem themed board games in she and her spouse’s massive board game collection.

 

Staff at Vermont ANR Supporting the LCBP

Sarah Coleman
Vermont Lake Champlain Coordinator
(802) 272-1491
sarah.coleman@vermont.gov
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Sarah coordinates and helps manage the LCBP funding that comes to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation for a variety of implementation, outreach, monitoring, and inventory projects. She facilitates coordination and collaboration between the Lake Champlain Basin Program and VTDEC across multiple program areas and initiatives. Sarah completed her doctorate at the University of Vermont in Ecological Landscape Design and Environmental Governance. Sarah also holds a Master of Science in the Agriculture, Food, and Environment program from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Food Policy at Tufts University. She credits much of her water resource expertise to her participation in the Water: Systems, Science, and Society graduate certificate program at Tufts. Beyond her work on Lake Champlain, Sarah’s pursuit of water quality, agroforestry, and conservation projects have taken her to Guatemala, the Andean Mountains in Ecuador, and the Bahamas. She has a variety of experiences teaching high school and college students, and has also had the opportunity to develop lessons and courses focused on water resource protection and conservation for multiple ages. Sarah loves being outside, swimming, and sharing meals with friends.

VT ANR
Clean Water Initiative Program
1 National Life Drive, Davis 3
Montpelier, VT 05602

Kelsey Colbert
Long Term Monitoring Biologist
(802) 490-6132
kelsey.colbert@partner.vermont.gov
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“Kelsey coordinates and implements activities associated with the Lake Champlain Long-term Water Quality and Biological Monitoring Project (LTMP) within Lake Champlain and its tributaries. Kelsey collects chemical and biological samples, helps to maintain the LTMP database and various equipment, and assists with data analysis and project reporting. She earned a B.S in Environmental Science from UVM in 2017 and since then has done a variety of environmental related seasonal jobs from Lake Champlain, Alaska and all the way to the South Island of New Zealand. The thing that sparks Kelsey’s interest most in the environmental realm is the watershed-human connection, and any relating system ranging from snowpacks to zooplankton. When Kelsey is not on the lake, she is trail running with her dog, camping in the Green Mountains with her partner or checking out what the ocean tastes like.”

Staff at the Quebec Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change Supporting the LCBP

Daniel Tremblay

Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques
Direction Régionale de la Montérégie
201, place Charles-LeMoyne, 2e étage
Longueuil, Québec CANADA J4K 2T5
(450) 928-7607
Daniel.Tremblay@environnement.gouv.qc.ca

Staff at the US EPA Supporting the LCBP

Bryan Dore

US EPA Region 1
US EPA New England
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100
Mail Code OEP06-1
Boston, MA 02109-3912
(617) 918-1578
dore.bryan@epa.gov

Michele Fafette

US EPA Region 2
Water Division
Watershed Management Branch
290 Broadway
New York, NY 10007
(212) 637-3267
fafette.michele@epa.gov

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