Staff
Emily Pritchard
Program Director and Grant Specialist
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Emily graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Science in Park and Resource Management with a focus in environmental education. Emily’s previous work experiences include serving as the Environmental Education Coordinator for the Erie County Conservation District and Interpretive Park Ranger for the National Park Service in Grand Teton National Park. In addition, Emily was awarded “Environmental Educator of the Year” by the Delaware State Parks AmeriCorps Program for her work at Killen’s Pond State Park.
Emily is an education volunteer for Asbury Woods Nature Center and a volunteer member for the Flagship Niagara. She is passionate about our environment and takes pleasure in spending time out of doors hiking, bird watching, and practicing nature photography. As a supporter of local agricultural and sustainable farming practices, she also enjoys spending free time seeking-out farm markets and road side stands.
Sister Pat Lupo
Education Director
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Sister Pat is the Education Director for Environment Erie. Sister Pat has been involved in environmental and conservation issues for over 30 years. After receiving her M.Ed. in Science Education at Clarion University, she taught for over 20 years at the elementary and high school level.
Sister Pat’s awareness of environmental and justice issues led to involvement in programs such as Earth Action that stress action to change the local reality as well as affect global conditions. She serves on local, state, regional and national boards. She has been recognized for her environmental education efforts by the Three Rivers Awards Program, the Pennsylvania Alliance for Environmental Education, the Sierra Club, Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management and the Council for Elementary Science Instruction. She was honored by Governor Rendell as a Pennsylvanian who is “Lighting the Way through her positive impact on our Commonwealth's environment.”
As the Education Director for Environment Erie, Sister Pat works closely with over 100 educators each year as they facilitate projects with their students. She provides in-service and pre-service training, and coordinates environmental events such as the International Coastal Clean-up.
Jessica James
Program Director
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Jessica graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, an emphasis in Anthropology, and certificates in Geographic Information Systems. Prior to working at Environment Erie, Jessica completed her field experience at the Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology in Linesville, PA and served as the Conservationist Intern at the Erie County Conservation District. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys coaching middle school cheerleading.
Jessica’s hobbies include walking around Presque Isle with her shelter dog and restoring furniture found at flea markets and estate sales.
Angela Porfilio
Administrative Manager
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Angela spent the last twenty five years working for a local nonprofit as a community educator, program manager and development director. She attended Gannon University and Mercyhurst College to study early childhood education and special education. She received a paralegal certificate from Penn State Behrend. Angela is active with several women's organizations, is a fair-weather golfer and enjoys walking, reading and watching movies. Angela brings her varied and extensive experience to Environment Erie to help with accounting, human resources and fund development.
