Cope Environmental Center Staff

Marcy Crull

Executive Director

Marcy grew up in Wayne County and has proudly called Centerville home for the past 20 years. With more than 20 years of leadership and nonprofit experience, she brings a passion for community, education, and environmental stewardship to her role at Cope Environmental Center.

Marcy earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Indiana and completed fundraising courses through the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She previously served as Executive Director of Junior Achievement and Girls Inc. of Wayne County, gaining extensive experience in fundraising, leadership, and nonprofit growth.

Marcy is a proud mother of three and co-owner of the family business, Advanced Duct Cleaning. She loves animals, traveling, hiking, spending time outdoors, and teaching yoga. She also completed the Red-Tail Conservancy Master Naturalist Course, further strengthening her love of nature and conservation.

Email: Marcy@VisitCope.org

Jeremy Proeschel

Program Coordinator

I grew up in Liberty Indiana and graduated from Union County Highschool in 2015. I Graduated from Indiana University East in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Minors in Environmental studies and Chemistry. I have been involved with youth outdoor and environmental education now for 11 years. I was very active in the BSA and worked as a camp counselor and Program Area Director for 7 years. I worked as an Interpretive Naturalists for Indiana State Parks for 5 years, @ Brookville Lake and Whitewater Memorial State Park. Through IDNR I got my Certified Interpretive Guide Certification through NAI (National Association of Interpretation) in 2019.  I completed the master naturalist course at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary last year and became a member of the Indiana Audubon Society and the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary committee this year. I am an avid birder in the Wayne, Union, and Franklin county areas, and other outdoor hobbies include wildlife photography, mycology, and Paleontology. 

Email: Jeremy@VisitCope.org

Brent Evans

Facilities and Grounds Coordinator

Brent serves as the Facilities and Grounds Coordinator at CEC. He earned his associate degree in Conservation Law from Vincennes University and his bachelor’s degree in General Science from Indiana University East. He has also completed forestry coursework through Purdue Extension, expanding his knowledge of natural resource management. Brent began his career at CEC as a summer intern before transitioning into a year-round position. With over 15 years of experience, he brings extensive knowledge of natural resources, grounds management, and equipment maintenance to his role. Outside of work, Brent enjoys farming and spending time with his family. He lives in Centerville with his wife, Courtney, and their two children.

Email: Brent@VisitCope.org

Dawn Weiss

Public Engagement Specialist

Dawn has been our Reservation Specialist for over a year now. She enjoys meeting all our clients with each reservation. She works hard to ensure each event at Cope is stress-free and enjoyable. Dawn has also been a part of Cope’s cleaning crew for over 3 years. She loves our Living Building and the fantastic views!

Deana Kidd

Operations Director

 Deana joined Cope as the Director of Operations in December of 2024. She is a dedicated mother of three, and a proud pet owner of three dogs. She resides in Richmond, Indiana, with her husband and family. Deana earned her Associate in Science in Human Services/Social Work from Ivy Tech Community College and holds certificates in Human Resource Management and Addiction Studies. She is also a certified Community Health Worker with the State of Indiana. Throughout her career, Deana has worked and collaborated with numerous non-profit organizations, bringing a wealth of experience to her role. Outside of her professional commitments, she cherishes spending quality time with her family and friends, enjoys basking in the sunshine, and has a fondness for comedies.  

Email: Deana@VisitCope.org

Becca Vance

Administrative & Marketing Coordinator

Becca is a long-time Centerville resident, proud to have called the community home for over 30 years. She brings a passion for her community and a love for connecting with people to her role as Administration and Marketing Coordinator. Becca holds a degree in Organizational Leadership and Supervision from Purdue Polytechnic and currently serves on the Main Street Centerville Board. In her role, she supports day-to-day operations, coordinates community events, and helps share the organization's story through marketing and outreach efforts. Outside of work she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets. She looks forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships, bringing people together, and making a positive impact in the community she loves.

 

Email: Becca@VisitCope.org

Sharon Oler

Senior Outreach Program Assistant

Sharon is also the owner of Hannah’s Creek Farm in Union County, Indiana, a Monarch sanctuary and Airbnb. Sharon’s past accomplishments include being a long-time lead teacher for St. Paul’s preschool and founder of Hannah’s Creek Farm Camp, enjoyed by many over the last 20 years. Sharon is a cheerleader for children, animals, and our planet. Sharon enjoys spending time as a grandmommy to twins, exploring Maine, and researching ways to get rid of bush honeysuckle. Sharon is excited to join the cope team and all the possibilities it will bring.

Cope Environmental Center

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.

Board Member Roster

  • Pam Merchanthouse- Retired, Friends Fellowship

  • Ed Cope, Ex-Officio - Retired, Cope Family Member

  • Ted Gilman - Retired, National Audubon Society

  • Kim Goble - Retired, Librarian

  • Mandy Reckers - Naturopathic Physician

  • Kim Reid - Earlham College

  • Janet Robinson - 3 Rivers Credit Union

  • Marcia Stiens - Stiens Property Management

  • Jackie Vanderpool - Retired, Hill's Pet Nutrition

  • Kelly Witte - Golden Engineering

  • Shelley Mauger - Retired, Teacher

  • Michelle Malott - Indiana University East

  • Tyler Stewart - Reid Foundation

  • Taylor Goss- Family Representative

  • Stephen Chidester- Family Representative, Madison Metropolitan School District

  • Michele McCormick- Primex Plastics

  • Sean Stevenson- Centerville-Abington Community Schools

  • Teresa Kinder- Chubb Insurance

  • Annette Warfel- Retired Journalist & Business Owner

Lifetime Trustees