Melissa is currently serving as the Interim Executive Director at NEWMOA. She manages the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2), including alternatives assessment and equity initiatives, PFAS projects training, and governance. She joined NEWMOA in 2020. In addition, she is also the Program Manager for the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH). Melissa is a former Maine state representative, having served two terms on Maine’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Melissa sponsored multiple environmental bills in Maine including product stewardship, paint, medical sharps, pharmaceuticals, compact fluorescent lamps, electronics expansion, and beverage containers. Melissa holds a B.A. in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine. Melissa lives in Auburn Maine with her husband Jason and their dog Brody, where they can often be found walking, kayaking, and enjoying rides on their motorcycle.
Krishana Abrahim-Petrie
Project Manager & IMERC Coordinator
(617) 367-8558 x304
kabrahimpetrie@newmoa.org
Pronouns: she, her, hers
they, them, theirs
Krishana Abrahim-Petrie is a Project Manager at NEWMOA. She joined NEWMOA in 2021 as a Project Staff before becoming a Project Manager in 2023. Krishana currently manages the Interstate Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC), as the IMERC Coordinator, and helps its 13 member states implement mercury education and reduction legislation and initiatives. She also assists with supporting the activities of the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2), leads various wasted food projects and projects focusing on environmental justice (EJ). Krishana holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Northeastern University and a Master’s of Environmental Law and Policy from Vermont Law School. Prior to joining NEWMOA, Krishana completed internships with the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance and Division of Conservation Services focusing on incorporating EJ in each agency’s daily work. She also worked with the City of Boston’s Greenovate Boston program to further community engagement in the City’s Climate Action Plan. Krishana enjoys hiking with her husband, traveling, and reading.
Stephanie Frisch is a Project Manager who joined NEWMOA in December 2022. She manages the High Priority Chemicals Database System (HPCDS) and the information technology (IT) infrastructure of the Association, overseeing many of NEWMOA’s IT assets and its various online resources. She supports a variety of solid waste initiatives, including projects on PFAS in consumer products, plastic waste reduction and recycling, anaerobic digestion and food waste reductions in health care facilities. Stephanie graduated with distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.S. in Environmental Science, Biology and Conservation Biology along with a Sustainability certificate and was inducted into The Phi Beta Kappa Society. Prior to joining NEWMOA, Stephanie worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant surveying the health of the Apostle Island black bear population and as an Antibiotic Discovery Student Researcher addressing the global health threat of antibiotic resistance. She also contributed to the City of Madison’s Sustainability Plan review and presented suggestions to the Madison City Sustainability Program Coordinator. Stephanie enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time outdoors hiking, snowboarding, and rock climbing.
Jennifer Griffith is a Project Manager at NEWMOA. She joined NEWMOA in 1995 and is responsible for waste site cleanup and solid waste projects, including training and research. She manages a variety of initiatives, including those focused on construction and demolition waste, municipal solid waste, food waste, Brownfields redevelopment, and mildly contaminated soils. Jennifer has a Master’s Degree in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining NEWMOA, she worked as a consultant at firms involved with landfill design and waste site investigation and cleanup. Jennifer most enjoys being active outdoors: gardening, running, riding her bicycle, hiking mountains, and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Lois Makina is the Office Manager at NEWMOA. She joined NEWMOA in 1986 and manages the NEWMOA office, handles accounts receivables and payables, develops projects to green the office, posts information on NEWMOA’s website, develops and maintains spreadsheets, helps with organizing meetings and events, and assist staff with projects. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Belmont University. Lois enjoys travelling with her granddaughter, hiking, and reading.
NEWMOA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
