About SELP

Marissa DeGroot, Grasstops and Powerbuilding Coordinator (email: mdegroot at selp.org)

Marissa received her degree in International Studies focusing on the global environment from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  After graduation, she worked with the National Park Service at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area where, in San Francisco, she was able to diversify her resume with such jobs as conservation intern, crab fisherman, and Segway tour guide.  Before joining SELP, Marissa served as the State Outreach and Friends Group Coordinator for the Wisconsin Bureau of Parks and Recreation where she directed the nonprofit group Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.  At SELP, Marissa will be coordinating the Federal Budget and Grasstops Programs.

Emily Eggleston, Office Assistant (email: eeggleston at selp.org)

Emily graduated from Iowa State University in August 2009 and holds a degree in Agronomy and Environmental Studies. She has a love for soil and a passion for national and international cooperation. Throughout college Emily held leadership roles in the International Association of Agriculture Students and also prioritized community service and promoting volunteerism. Her experience varies from working for a summer as co-manager of a community supported agriculture (CSA) farm to completing a project in Rome with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Emily handles many roles at SELP including helping to plan the SELP conference, membership outreach, research, fundraising and programmatic work. 

Melissa holds a Masters of Public Affairs degree from the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she focused on nonprofit management.  She completed her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at Florida International University.  An active member of the community, she has been a regular volunteer for Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, a mentor for Take Stock in Children, a Girl Scout troop leader and a fellow for Citizens for a Better South Florida. Melissa keeps busy with her toddler daughter and preschooler son, but as an avid gardener, spends her spare time working in her plot at the community garden as well as working alongside her fellow gardeners to organize a community gardening revolution.  Melissa has been with SELP since spring, 2004.

Tabasco, SELP Mascot

Tabasco has been with SELP since spring 2004.  His primary role at the organization is to facilitate a relaxed office environment.  He leads by example by sleeping all day.  His other duties include left-over cleanup from staff lunches, manhandling dust bunnies, and chasing off the mailman.  Try contacting him at Tabasco at selp.org.