LIISMA TEAM
Abby Bezrutczyk Marino
LIISMA Program Manager
Abby joined the LIISMA team in March 2021. She received her B.S. in environmental science from Cornell University, where she worked in the Blossey lab studying invasive plant-soil interactions. Her work as the communications coordinator for the NY Invasive Species Research Institute gave her experience in communicating research findings to invasive species managers. In 2025, she completed a Master of Science in Energy & Environmental Management at the University of Connecticut. She currently serves on the board of directors of the North American Invasive Species Management Association.
Email: abby@liisma.org
Melody Cerniglia
Early Detection and Rapid Response Manager
Melody Cerniglia joined the LIISMA team in April 2022 and was promoted to Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) Manager in December 2022. She monitors, prevents, and manages early-emerging invasive species across Long Island, working with municipalities, landowners, and conservation partners to identify and address populations of concern.
She holds a B.T. in Horticulture Technology Management with a minor in Business Management and a credential in Sustainable Land Management from SUNY Farmingdale State University, and is a New York State Certified Wetland Delineator and Certified Pesticide Technician.
Melody transitioned from the horticultural management to the conservation ecology fields out of a passion for fostering ecologically responsible land stewardship. She supports native plant restoration and focuses primarily on rapidly identifying early-emerging invasive species populations, and collaborating with landowners to implement prevention, monitoring, and management strategies.
Email: melody@liisma.org
Kassidy Robinson
Conservation Area Manager
Kassidy joined the LIISMA team in December 2022. She graduated from Binghamton University with a B.S. in Environmental Science and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Natural Resource Stewardship, focusing in Ecological Restoration, from Colorado State University. Kassidy developed an interest in ecology while exploring natural areas and noticing human impacts on our landscapes. As crew leader for the Lower Hudson PRISM’s Terrestrial Invasive Strike Force, she gained experience in invasive plant management, leadership, and science communication. She has also worked at Vassar Preserve and the Central Pine Barrens Commission on survey and restoration projects, and worked previously as LIISMA’s education and outreach manager. Kassidy is passionate about protecting the natural communities she loves by applying her skills to habitat restoration.
Email: kassidy@liisma.org
Cassandra Moise
Education and Outreach Manager
Cassandra joined the LIISMA team in May 2025. She graduated from Fredonia State University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. A passionate advocate for native ecosystems, she brings four years of conservation experience from her work with the New York State Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. Her background in invasive species management has fueled her dedication to community education and ecological restoration. Cassandra particularly enjoys transforming complex environmental concepts into engaging outreach programs that inspire action. Whether training teams or connecting with communities, she believes every interaction is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Long Island’s natural heritage.
Email: cassandra@liisma.org