Staff

Susan Boeri

Administration Specialist
Email Susan | 914-234-6992 ext. 20

Susan provides administrative and reporting support to the fundraising, grant writing, and event initiatives at Westchester Land Trust. Prior to joining WLT, Susan volunteered in WLT’s office, and she spent most of her professional life in cash management roles at GE Capital, Ion Group, and BNY Mellon. She holds a bachelor’s in business from SUNY Oswego and an MBA from Pace University in finance and information systems.

Michelle Dellorusso

Community Relations Coordinator
Email Michelle | 914-234-6992 ext. 17

Michelle assists in donor relations, fundraising and events at Westchester Land Trust. Previously, Michelle volunteered for several years as president in the Somers School District PTA where she was committed to enhancing students’ experiences at school through programs and events. Earlier in her career, Michelle worked as a program coordinator with the White Plains Business Improvement District. This laid the foundation for Michelle’s passion to create, beautify and sustain open spaces for communities to enjoy. Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from the University of Scranton and a master’s degree in public administration from Pace University.

Gentian Falstrom

Land Project Manager (she/her)
Email Gentian | 914-234-6992 ext. 14

Gentian handles the identification and management of new land acquisition and conservation easement projects. She previously managed various high-profile programs and change initiatives for New York City public schools. Gentian is a New York Master Naturalist and leads DEC’s Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings project in Bedford. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in public and nonprofit management and policy from New York University.

Carissa Gospodinoff

Operations (she/her)
Email Carissa | 914-234-6992 ext. 21

Carissa leads in maintaining, developing, and implementing organizational systems, and managing Sugar Hill Farm. As the administrative hub, she supports WLT in a magnitude of ways.

For the last decade, Carissa has worked in land conservation in California in areas ranging from the mountainous Lake Tahoe to the rural Eastern Sierra. She grew up in Greenwich, CT across from Babcock Preserve on a 10-acre family run landscape nursery and attended Hunter College in NYC. Carissa has always had a desire to protect and preserve our natural world and wide-open spaces, which is what led her to the land trust world. In her free time, you can find her exploring the local woods and riding her bike. 

Jody Hughes

Easement Steward and Educator (he/him)
Email Jody | 914-234-6992 ext. 11

Jody oversees Westchester Land Trust’s portfolio of 200+ conservation easements, manages the Pollinator Pop-Up program, and assists in preserve stewardship projects, programs, and events. Jody previously volunteered with WLT’s stewardship team and served as a consultant for the Pollinator Pop-Up. Prior to joining WLT, Jody worked in education in NYC, most recently as a director at a learning center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Manchester.

Ben Kleist

Preserve Manager
Email Ben | 914-234-6992 ext. 27

Ben works to maintain and enhance preserve health through invasive species management, habitat restorations, infrastructure maintenance, and overseeing summer conservation apprentices. Before coming to work for the Westchester Land Trust team, Ben assisted farmers in implementing sustainable farming practices in Washington state and led conservation crews throughout Minnesota. In his free time, you will likely find him snowboarding, camping, hiking, and biking. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental geography from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. If you see him working in one of the preserves feel free to stop by and say hi!

Susan Leighton

Director of Development and Engagement (she/her)
Email Susan | 914-234-6992 ext. 23

Susan oversees all fundraising and events at Westchester Land Trust and creates a strong culture of appreciation and inclusion in our community, while also managing the grant writing process for the organization. Prior to joining WLT, Susan worked in development for the Historic House Trust of New York City and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. She currently sits on the Advisory Board of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust in Maine where she and her husband raised their family. Susan holds a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA.

Jes Parker

Director of Communications (she/her)
Email Jes | 914-234-6992 ext. 22

Jes leads strategic communications and marketing efforts, ensuring the organization’s messaging stays clear, consistent, and true to its mission. She focuses on strengthening connections with donors, engaging the community, and supporting fundraising—all while promoting values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jes also plays a key role in weaving equity into both internal practices and how the organization communicates with the public.

Before joining Westchester Land Trust, Jes worked as a freelance communications strategist and held roles at marketing agencies and conservation nonprofits. She’s on the board of the Norwalk River Watershed Association in Connecticut. Jes has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a master’s in strategic communications.

Janelle Robbins

Vice President of Conservation (she/her)
Email Janelle | 914-234-6992 ext. 16

Janelle oversees Westchester Land Trust’s land protection and stewardship teams, ensuring land is actively protected and managed for biodiversity, water quality, and public access. Prior to joining staff, Janelle served on WLT’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Janelle is a longtime environmental professional, working with Hudson Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper Alliance, Bedford Audubon Society, and most recently as a consultant with Carpenter Environmental Associates and Woodard & Curran. Her experience ranges from developing environmental education programs to site design review and construction oversight to litigation support for environmental advocacy organizations. Janelle holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in biological systems engineering from Virginia Tech, and is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Stella Vercesi

Conservation Technician
Email Stella | 914-234-6992 ext. 15

Stella works to support the stewardship of our preserves, focusing on trail maintenance and managing ecosystem restoration areas. Prior to joining the Westchester Land Trust team,  Stella was getting her bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries biology at the University of Vermont. Her past work experiences include working at nature centers in Westchester, as well as assisting with research on Lake Champlain at UVM. In her free time, Stella loves skiing, fishing, and hiking. If you see her in any of the preserves, don’t hesitate say hello!

Kara Hartigan Whelan

President (she/her)
Email Kara | 914-234-6992 ext. 12

Kara became president in 2022 after joining the staff in 2012 as the director of conservation programs before becoming vice president in 2015. She has experience negotiating land acquisitions and directing WLT’s fundraising, communications, and community engagement programs. Kara works locally and regionally to advance conservation projects that strengthen community health, wellness, and resilience. In 2016, she helped launch and coordinate the Hudson to Housatonic Regional Conservation Partnership (H2HRCP). Prior to joining WLT, Kara held research and leadership positions at the Greenwich Land Trust, US EPA, Trustees of Reservations, and City Parks Foundation. A native of Westchester, Kara is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School and Voyageur Outward Bound School. She holds environmental degrees from the University of Michigan and Boston College.