Our Co-Leadership Team
Our Board is the expression of our allied communities. We engage in the work of listening and learning, co-designing with our watershed communities and our superb staff, and taking action together toward our mission.
Please let us know if you would be interested in becoming a Board alternate, a Board member, or in joining our small but determined staff. We also welcome structured academic internships!
Maggie Favretti, Co-founder, Chair of the Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Co-founder Maggie Favretti grew up in the woods in Storrs (her parents are Rudy and Joy), and fell in love with the Mystic River as a child visiting her Nonna in the house her grandfather built on Bruggeman Place. Now she thinks the best way to start the day is with a row on the river. There is no more beautiful sound than the wetland peepers heralding spring, but Maggie still enjoys a good startle at the drawbridge warning. Maggie is a lifelong learner and educator, with specialties in holistic wellbeing through nature-aligned pedagogy, in food systems, in cultural history, and in whole community resilience and disaster readiness & recovery. She has recently published Learning in the Age of Climate Disasters : Empowering Teachers and Students Beyond Futurephobia.
Brenda Geer, Collaboration Coordinator
I’m the Vice-Chairwoman for the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation. This position I have held for 9 years. I have held a position on our Tribal Council for the past 33 years. In this position, I assist the Chairperson, write correspondence, serve as Liaison to several tribal committees, record minutes, attend meetings & events, network, and assist in writing policies & procedures. I also serve as Chairperson of NAHAC (Native American Heritage Advisory Council), a position I have held for the past 10+ years. This is a state-appointed Agency where all 5 Tribes are represented. We work closely with the CT SHPO office (State Historical Preservation Office) & NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) Office of Archeology at UCONN. We also work with the State’s Archeologist and many other Agencies. We are responsible for ensuring that Native artifacts, Native bones and the like are taken care of in a culturally respectful way. We are tasked with determining which Tribe the above-mentioned belong to and reaching out to the appropriate Tribe to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the artifacts so that Native American ancestors and belongings can be returned to their communities. In 2014 I was appointed by the Tribal Council to be the Tribes Historical Preservation Officer, a position I still hold today.
Mary McFadden, Interim Operations, Finance & Development Manager
Mary McFadden serves as Interim Finance and Development Manager for the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed, bringing both leadership experience and a lifelong connection to the Mystic River. A sailor for more than 50 years, Mary has spent much of her life on the waters off Mystic. The river and surrounding coastline have long been central to her daily rhythms, shaping a deep appreciation for the natural systems that define the region. Mary’s professional background spans operations, technology, and organizational leadership, with a focus on helping teams create clarity and momentum during periods of transition. In her interim role as Finance and Development Manager, she is focused on supporting the Alliance’s staff, volunteers, and mission to protect and restore the Mystic River Watershed.
Betsy Graham, Co-leadership Board of Directors
Greetings from Long Pond in Lantern Hill Valley, in the northwest part of the Mystic River Watershed! I’m Betsy Graham, a Ledyard resident for over forty years, a veterinarian, former RN, and an active member of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed, the Lantern Hill Valley Alliance, the Ledyard Conservation Commission, and the Connecticut Federation of Lakes. I am grateful for having lived so many years in Lantern Hill Valley with its three lakes and surrounding hills. Living on Long Pond Bush and observing the changes through the seasons and years has only strengthened my appreciation for nature’s resilience and increased my commitment to human, animal, and environmental well-being. The Mystic River depends heavily on water from Lantern Hill Valley, which includes lakes, streams, and wetlands that provide essential water sources. This diverse ecosystem is a crucial ecological resource for all living beings in the watershed, including humans, plants, and animals. Due to the environmental threats caused by changing climate conditions, I encourage all residents of Southeastern Connecticut to join me and the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed in safeguarding the Mystic River Watershed’s resources and adapting to these challenges.
Jelani Fletcher, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Jelani is an Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation citizen and serves as a Tribal Council Member and Co-Leader on our Board of Directors.
Watson Njoku, Living Atlas Coordinator
Greetings, I’m Watson Njoku. I am a member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation and a recent graduate from the MESM (Masters of Environmental Science and Management) program at the University of Rhode Island. I’m a former pre-med student who has found a new interest in both environmental science and landscape architecture, as well as how I can use these things to help rebuild fractured communities. After a long academic career in the biological sciences I felt that I had lost touch with myself and I felt that I wanted to do something that had more of a tangible benefit to people than just working in a lab. I felt like I wanted to make a difference in people's lives. After several years of searching I have found renewed passion in helping people reconnect, not only to one another, but also to the environment around them. Watson serves the Alliance and EPTN as Living Atlas Coordinator, developing a shared knowledge platform, community based process, and visualization space in support of our Watershed Resilience Action Plan.
Sabilah Alibhai, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Hi! I'm a recent Connecticut College graduate with a degree in Botany and Environmental Studies. I have a background in sustainable agriculture, and am passionate about food systems as a way to connect people to the land and each other. I fell in love with Southeastern CT during my time at college, and have been inspired by the many communities working towards resilience, regeneration, and social empowerment in the area. I'm very excited to continue learning with the Alliance, and working to create balance in the watershed and communities we live in!
Science Advisory Team
Watershed care is multi-disciplinary and holistic. Our science advisory network is extensive, incorporating best practices and advice from Indigenous knowledge keepers, UConn Avery Point, SeaGrant, the National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Pathogen Monitoring Network, Save the Sound, and URI Watershed Watch. We are indebted to the expertise of individuals such as Kevin Job, CT State Fish Biologist, John Trucsinski at CIRCA, Jon Vander Werff at Trout Unlimited, Tessa Getchis, UC SeaGrant Shellfish Coordinator, Pete Tebeau, ret. Marine Science, Bob DeGoursey, ret. Marine Biology, Maggie Jones, Ecology,
Powering the Future: Intern Jeff Wu
We could not claim to be good ancestors without seeing the future come to life in the capable hands of the young. We have high school and college aged interns who energize us and serve with our Youth Council. In particular, we want to recognize Jeff Wu, who is in his second year of a science internship with us and is headed off to Brown University in the fall. Warm welcome to Madelyn Kelly, from UConn Climate Corps, who will be helping to identify and publicize the good work that is already taking place. Imagine that! Good news in the climate sphere!
Rahiem Eleazer, Treasurer, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
I am a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, with additional Mohegan, Narragansett, & Shinnecock ancestry. I have lived in southeastern Connecticut my entire life and feel a deep connection to the land, animals, plants, and, of course, water. My work revolves around improving environmental health (from individual species to overall ecosystems), informing and educating the public, and improving human-environment interaction. I have a relatively brief professional background in environmental sciences (roughly 5 years), however, I have always been a nature lover and am raising the next generation to be the same. Whether it is to go for a hike, rock climb, swim, kayak, or just sit, my wife and I will go outside every chance we get, bringing our excited two- and four-legged babies with us.
Lynne Marshall, Co-founder, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Lynne is a rower and has lived in the Mystic River Watershed (in Noank) for 25 years and in Connecticut for 39 years. She walks around Noank and sculls in the Mystic River nearly every day, weather permitting. Lynne followed undergraduate studies in French horn (Manhattan School of Music, NYC; Carnegie- Mellon University, Pittsburgh) with advanced degrees in speech and hearing science (U. of Kansas) and post-doctoral training at Upstate Medical Center (Syracuse) and Boys Town National Research Hospital (Omaha). Her training as a scientist eventually led into a career focus in the Navy that included critical analysis and synthesis of data to inform practical solutions, with an emphasis on advocacy through improved training, screening, diagnostics, modeling, and programmatic tools to prevent military hearing damage. Her professional commitment to scientific rigor paired with advocacy led to her volunteering as a community advocate, which continued after her retirement from the Navy (civil service). Being on the Noank Zoning Commission for many years taught Lynne how poorly-thought-out plans could quickly result in permanent, detrimental changes to a community. She is a member of Groton Open Space Association (because Groton’s development historically has focused on concrete and strip malls, which is not comfortable, inviting, or restorative for people); Groton Conservation Advocates (because she believes that smart development can only occur if it is not injurious to people and the environment – most recently she advocated for strict noise controls for Data Centers, a good example of how important public input is to highlight areas of potential harm to a community); and is a founding member of the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed (because she deeply cares about the fate of the Mystic River and its watershed). Lynne gratefully serves on the Board of Directors of the Alliance for the MRW as her appreciation of what makes up the Watershed and how to protect it grows, and as she realizes that there is a large community in this area who care about it just as much as she does. Her favorite saying is one recently introduced to her by Maggie Favretti. “Nothing is more powerful than a community that knows what it wants,” (Meg Wheatley). The river and its watershed need a community of strong advocates, and that is what this Alliance, with its partners, is creating.
Zoe Wu, Secretary, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Zoe Wu is a Connecticut resident who found interest in environmental and social justice and actions. No longer being able to stand on the sidelines, she jumped into action to try and make a change. Co-founding her high school's Environmental Club was only the start. Together the group quickly realized that they wanted to do bigger things that would have a greater impact on their community. This led Zoe to be one of the co-founders of the Southeastern CT Youth Climate Summit. The importance of bringing together our community towards action is one of the many goals which brought her to join the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Mystic River Watershed. Within this organization she focuses on youth action and soon launched the Alliances Youth Council. This is only the start of her career path. Zoe truly understands that there is so much more work to be done and by recruiting others who share her passion they together will make a difference .
Derrick Strong, Community Outreach Coordinator
Derrick is a member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation working with the Alliance to create strong relationships within the community.
Stephanie Draus, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
I’m Stephanie Draus, a naturopathic physician, somatic practitioner, and yoga and meditation teacher who specializes in post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth. My work is grounded in the healing power of nature. Human beings thrive when we feel connected to the land beneath our feet and to the community around us, a community which includes all of our neighbors, human and non-human. My patients and my own life have taught me that to be truly healthy, we must foster a community of mutual support that goes beyond perceived boundaries and incorporates the earth and the water itself. I am a descendant of immigrants, born and raised in Chicagoland, with stints in NYC and Oregon, before finding my way to Mystic. I am delighted to be living within walking distance of our bountiful estuary. From late spring through fall, I swim at our local beach as often as possible. I am literally immersed in the health of our river, and share space with many of its smaller denizens. My husband and I are rewilding our small yard, slowly replacing the lawn with plants that are native to the region. When I’m not in the water, I can be found surrounded by bumblebees and butterflies in our tiny meadow. I feel a deep obligation to protect and support the natural world, and a deep joy in being part of this work.
Rashad Young, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
I am the Language Director for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, leading efforts to revive the Pequot Language with community support. With a degree in Computer Science from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, I bring a blend of technical expertise and cultural advocacy to my work. As a proud member of the Mashantucket Pequot and descendant of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, I express my cultural identity through crafting Native American Flutes, pipes, bows, and leatherwork, ensuring our traditions endure for generations.
Shubham Nandiwale, Co-Leadership Board of Directors
Shubham Nandiwale, a sophomore at Marine Science Magnet High School (MSMHS) and active Student Ambassador, demonstrates strong leadership qualities by actively supporting his peers and the school community. Passionate about marine science and environmental conservation, he has delved into critical issues like water quality, sustainability, and ecosystem protection through his involvement with Project Oceanology. His participation in the Brilliant Youth Sailing program further honed his teamwork abilities and deepened his connection to the ocean. Beyond his environmental pursuits, Shubham volunteers at his local hospital, showcasing his compassion and dedication to service. He also enjoys capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography and applying his skills in robotics as a member of the Fitch High School robotics team. Combining his interests in science, leadership, and community engagement, Shubham aspires to create a positive impact on both people's lives and the environment.
Cultural Advisory Team
We could not claim to be an Alliance without continually learning what it takes to be a good ally, and relearning what it means to be human among all of our relations. We are deeply grateful to Mike Thomas, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal elder and Director of Cultural Resources, Joshua Carter, Dir of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, Duncan Kelly, Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, artist, Farrah Garland, civic leader and Disability Rights and LGBTQ+ activist for helping us to activate the best in all of us and guide us as we learn together.
Intern Madelyn Kelly,
UConn Climate Corps
Madelyn Kelly, a senior environmental engineering student at the University of Connecticut from Groton, Massachusetts, is dedicated to advancing sustainable and inclusive climate action. She has a specialized interest in stormwater management and has gained hands-on experience through an internship at BETA Group, Inc. and a study abroad program in Zurich, Switzerland. As a Captain of the UConn Women’s Rugby Team, she demonstrates leadership and collaboration. Aspiring to attend law school, she aims to advocate for equitable, sustainable infrastructure and environmental justice.
