Our Staff:

Executive Director Christopher J. Fox

Christopher J. Fox

Born and raised in Cumberland, RI WPWA executive director Chris Fox was transplanted into the watershed in 1996 after graduating from URI. His diverse studies in soils, geology, forestry, and wildlife biology earned him a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Development. His time at URI's Coastal Resources Center allowed him to work on international projects that focused on the fragile interactions between fresh and salt water. This was just the beginning of his diverse journey to WPWA. After a decade of working in public service and safety as well as construction and other fields Chris was ready for a change.

When approached to lead this premier watershed council he jumped at the opportunity. Here he would be able to unify all his experience and promote his love for southern New England's waterways. The position allows him to employ his unique skills while providing limitless avenues to learn and grow. With the boundless support of Chris's staff, WPWA has made significant headway since he took the helm in March of 2008. Fox often credits his board of directors and staff as the ones who make all the work possible. WPWA has great expectations for this director to elevate the association to a higher level. By undertaking larger initiatives like the Shannock River Restoration project it seems as though he is well on his way. Chris is proud to represent such an outstanding organization and has proven to be an asset to its members.

Chris often recounts the story when, as a child, he paddled by the building that he now works in while attending an environmental camp canoe trip. This experience in part drives Chris's desire to educate children in the watershed about watershed science. The director resides in the watershed not far from WPWA's Barberville campus along with wife Melanie and daughter Cali. In what little free time that he has, he spends with his family. He'll tell you that when they're not around he can't be found outside hunting, fishing, tracking, kayaking, and gardening. Though an outgoing personality, he requires plenty of quiet time.

Program Director Denise J. Poyer with her husband Ed

Denise J. Poyer

Denise was born in the summer of her thirty-fifth year, when she began studying Environmental Management at URI. Her studies of the environment ignited a love for the outdoors that had previously been latent in her. She started exploring outdoor activities and found she had a passion for the mountains and rivers. Since she turned 40, Denise has hiked, backpacked, and paddled some of the most beautiful areas in the country. However, her true passion is for the watershed in which she lives.

Denise became Program Director for the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) in 1994. During that time she has developed all of WPWA’s educational programs and many of the recreational ones. She is also responsible for WPWA’s water quality monitoring and scientific research programs. In addition to an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and Environmental Management, Denise obtained a Master’s degree in Environmental Education from the University of Rhode Island. Her specialty is watershed education.

Denise’s favorite part of working at WPWA is the opportunity to introduce people to the natural world. Through her many projects and interests Denise has taught both children and adults about ecosystems, large and small. She has worked with the Conservation Districts in RI as the exclusive instructor for the Active Watershed Education (AWESome!) Curriculum. In the last ten years she has revamped the curriculum, expanding it into a 32 hour, 3-credit, graduate-level course through the URI College of Continuing Education. Denise’s background in botany aids her discussions when she leads nature hikes and paddle trips for the RI Wild Plant Society and the Narragansett Chapter of the Appalachia Mountain Club, as well as WPWA.

As an avid outdoors woman, Denise shares her skills with as many people as possible. She is a facilitator at leadership development training and other instructional workshops; has presented at local and regional conferences; and sits on the New England Environmental Education Alliance’s board, the RI Trail Advisory Committee, and the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust. Denise holds an ACA Certification for kayak instruction.

Denise has been married to her second husband, Ed, since 2003. They share a passion for the outdoors and a love of hiking. Together they plan to complete the John Muir Trail in CA in 2010. Denise has a son, Chris Burgess, a daughter and son-in-law, Kerrie and Russell Spencer, and an amazing grandson, Jacob.

Program Assistant Danielle R. Aube with David and Piper

Danielle R. Aube

Growing up in the rural area of Hopkinton, RI, Danielle was told on a daily basis to “go outside and play.” When there were no neighborhood kids in the road preparing for a game of wiffle or kick ball she would walk deep into the nine acres of woods and wetlands in her backyard. There she spent countless hours in awe of the plants and creatures that made the woods their home. Whether it was the thrill of picking up a rock and finding a tiny salamander or seeing the pussy willows bloom in spring, there was always something to be excited about. Fortunately she grew up with an older brother, turned Eagle Scout and Special Op’s Army Ranger, who also loved being in the woods. He taught her how to avoid the skunk cabbage, build forts using found objects and use a sling-shot. More importantly though, he ensured that she respect the wild, natural habitat they explored together so often.

In 2004, when the job of Program Assistant at WPWA was offered to her, it seemed a perfect fit. Since she was already an avid outdoor enthusiast the prospect of teaching kids how to fish or to kayak seemed effortless. Though she brought many skills with her, Danielle’s knowledge of the bio-diversity of the watershed has increased greatly thanks to her close working relationship with D. Poyer, WPWA Program Director, and so many others who she has encountered and learned from during her employment. Ms. Aube is always thankful for the opportunity and eager to share her understandings and experiences of the natural world with all who are interested. Leading hikes on the beautiful trails throughout the watershed is her favorite part of the job!

Danielle resides in Charlestown with her fiancé, David and daughter, Piper. She has an AS in General Studies and is currently pursuing her BS in Elementary Education. She aspires to be a Science teacher in order to educate and excite children about the many wonders of our natural world.