Karla Rossini – Executive Director
Karla joined the CU Maurice River team in 2015 as the Program Manager. At that time, she was responsible for the planning, organization, and management of programs and activities. She created many outdoor education and recreation opportunities, developed new outreach initiatives, incorporated CUMR in national citizen science initiatives, and built the foundation for large-scale stewardship projects.
In January of 2021, Karla began her new position as CU Maurice River’s Executive Director. Having lived half her life in other countries and as a world traveler, Karla speaks three languages fluently: English, Spanish, and German. She brings many important skills to this new role. Primarily an educator, she taught English Literature and Language Arts at an Italian high school in Peru. Prior to this Karla taught business English to executives in Argentina. Her Bachelor of Arts degrees at Colorado State University were in Political Science and German Literature, Culture & Language, while her master’s studies involved human rights and equity.
Although she enjoys visiting new places, Karla has always had an affinity for South Jersey, where she attended high school and where her mother and grandparents have lived. Karla became familiar with the issues facing agricultural laborers while at South Jersey Family Medical Center, educating migrant farmworkers on healthy living and local medical services. She learned about the region’s environmental resources while working as a naturalist for the Wetlands Institute, providing a natural bridge to her current position.
Karla resides in Millville with her husband Julián, their daughter Vera, their baby boy Valentino, and their golden retriever Pappo Killini.
Julia Cassaday – Program Manager
Julia Cassaday joined CU Maurice River in June of 2023 as the Program Coordinator. She is charged with planning and organizing outdoor activities and volunteer opportunities that aim to increase awareness of the region’s local natural and cultural resources. In this position, she most enjoys working alongside knowledgeable and enthusiastic life-long students of nature. One of Julia’s professional goals is to benefit from the collective knowledge of CU Maurice River’s team of Naturalists and staff to grow her working knowledge of Down Jersey’s remarkable values. As a native of Vineland and an aspiring outdoor educator, Julia is working diligently to connect the next generation of stewards to the wonders of the out-of-doors and to empower them to make a difference for a greener tomorrow. Working at CU Maurice River, Julia is taking advantage of the opportunity to combine her love of the environment, education, and event planning.
Through her personal and professional exploration of New Jersey’s ecosystems, Julia has grown a deep love and respect for her home state. She first gained working experience in the natural world during two seasons at Parvin State Park. Benefiting from the teachings of Parvin Naturalists, Julia was inspired to return to school in pursuit of an environmental degree. Julia completed her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with summa cum laude distinction in August 2024. As Julia learns and grows in the position, she hopes to protect and preserve the environment that she loves and to educate others on its importance, uniqueness, and beauty.
Julia also has experience in the classroom working with special education students as a Teacher’s Assistant. If she isn’t reading or baking, she enjoys being outdoors, specifically hiking, kayaking, and camping during her free time. Julia spends much of her time volunteering at and organizing events for her local church in Vineland.
Gregory Kears, Jr. – Administrative Assistant
Gregory Kears joined CU Maurice River as the Administrative Assistant in January 2024. He and his family have resided in Millville for multiple generations. As a youngster Greg spent countless hours of his youth exploring the wild places of the Maurice River Watershed and the river, especially along Buckshutem Creek and the Menantico River. Growing up with deep love of local history, this led to his becoming a trustee of the Millville Historic Society as well as being board secretary. He is delighted to work for an organization that seeks to protect the places that molded his appreciation for the great out-of-doors and the history that built his hometown. His passions include kayaking, hiking, gardening, birding, biking, working out, nature photography, and – building Lego! At CU Maurice River, his duties involve the day-to-day oversight of business operations, grant administration, membership outreach and correspondence, and donor file management.
Greg started his career working in multiple states for political candidates ranging from the municipal to the Presidential level. His work as field staff included event production, opposition research, policy research, communications, and rapid response. He has also worked for the State of Pennsylvania, where he assisted in the oversight of the Help America Vote Act and state Campaign Finance compliance.
He attained his BA from Widener University in 2006. A brother of Pi Lambda Phi International Fraternity, PA Kappa Eta Chapter, Greg is also a member in good standing of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa International Scholars Honor society. His senior thesis was a comparative analysis of the democratization of Ukrainian and Russian elections from the fall of the Soviet Union until the Orange Revolution. He also attended Nova Southeastern University where he pursued graduate studies in International Conflict Resolution. He has also been awarded the bronze, silver, and gold levels of the Congressional Award. Greg resides in his native hometown of Millville with his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Severus Leto on Yellow Breeches.
Cyndie Hornblower – Membership & Special Events Cooordinator
Cyndie Hornblower joined CU Maurice River in September 2024, bringing with her a deep passion for people, community, and the natural world. As Membership & Special Events Coordinator, she fosters strong relationships with members by listening to their needs, celebrating their contributions, and creating meaningful opportunities for connection through outreach, events, and fundraising. She collaborates closely with volunteers and committee members to ensure every event is not only successful, but genuinely enjoyable for all involved.
Cyndie’s connection to CU Maurice River began more than a decade before she joined the staff, when she and her daughter Madelin became active volunteers. They explored nature and volunteerism together through programs like Tuesday on the Fly, Frog Slog, the Dragonfly Mercury Project, Elevate and reTURN the Favor—many of which became cherished parts of their homeschooling journey. Today, she’s thrilled to be reconnecting with longtime members and welcoming new faces into the fold.
A lifelong resident of southern New Jersey, Cyndie is a passionate butterfly conservationist who has raised and released thousands of monarchs, along with eastern black swallowtails, and other native species. She delights in sharing her butterfly experience and educating others to inspire conservation efforts. As a fan of life’s simple, beautiful moments, Cyndie enjoys spending time with family, wildlife gardening, exploring the outdoors, and dressing up for any occasion. She expresses her love of butterflies through captivating photos and videos. She has an eye for candid photography as well, some of which has been featured in CU Maurice River publications. In everything she does, Cyndie brings a sense of wonder, warmth, and creativity.