As we enter 2026, TWRA is privileged to welcome and introduce you to our two new staff members, Melissa Benjamin, TRWA Coordinator, and Abby Abrahamson, Bruce Spooner Education Center Program Manager.
Melissa Benjamin comes to TRWA with a background in wildlife management/conservation, office management, environmental education, and communications. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Maine in Machias. She has previously worked for other conservation organizations such as Mass Audubon and the National Park Service.
She is a life-long nature-lover and is thrilled to work for TRWA. She is excited to bring more attention to the important work that TRWA does, support environmental advocacy and conservation efforts, as well as assist with expanding educational programs.
Already she has expanded TRWA’s social media presence with a TikTok account, adding more dimension and followers to our Facebook account with other plans in the works.
When she’s not running the TRWA office, you can find her looking at birds, listening to music, taking photos, and going on adventures with her seven-year-old daughter.
You can reach her at 508-697-5700 and director@savethetaunton.org
For office hours please call ahead: 508-828-1101
Abby Abrahamson is equally thrilled to join TRWA. 
She looks forward to connecting with community members across the Taunton River Watershed to explore the vital role the watershed plays in our lives and how we can all enjoy, learn about, and protect it.
She is an environmental educator and community engagement professional dedicated to sharing her love and awe of nature in ways that inspire meaningful local environmental action. With experience spanning nonprofit outreach, program design, and education, she is bringing a dynamic blend of scientific knowledge, communication skills, and on-the-ground leadership to her work.
Abby holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. In her free time, Abby enjoys photography, reading, and cycling. In 2025, she cycled the full 41 route in the annual Buzzards Bay Watershed Ride. She hopes to complete her first triathlon in 2026!
We will be cheering her on.
Watch for innovative new programs and traditional favorites at Taunton River Watershed Alliance – A Voice for the River since 1988
It’s TRWA’s growth and success that have required additional staff. Abby’s position as the Education Center Manager is new. The education center’s growth has outgrown its volunteer and office management. Melissa’s position has added hours as well.
TRWA’s members, our office coordinator, our multi-faceted officers and board of directors, the volunteers who are the backbone of the organization’s work, donors and sponsors whose contributions are so important to the financial support of the organization, and our social media followers who spread the word are all essential to TRWA. We are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Thanks to all.
– Sally Spooner, TRWA Board Member
Pictured left to right: Coordinator Melissa Benjamin, Bruce Spooner Education Center
Program Manager Abby Abrahamson, TRWA Board Member Sally Spooner.