Our Core "Water Bear" Team

Alyssa Newlon started Tardigrade to support and uplift small/grassroot non-profits who often struggle due to a lack of resources. 

She has worked for years in prosocial startups, both internationally, and in the US. Besides growth and development strategy, Alyssa also worked in Social Psychology research for years and believes in a hearty connection between academia and nonprofits. 

Alyssa chose the name Tardigrade Development after directly experiencing the impact that a lack of resources and the "silo mentality" can have on small but mighty movements, leaders, and social enterprises. Her mission continues to be a connector and amplifier for the little guys that keep on building no matter if a moon is in their way! 

 Ryan Murphy is an innovative communications coordinator passionate about making the world a better, happier place. He entered the non-profit space through Chabad Lubavitch of NW CT, where he helped organize the Light up the Northwest menorah parade that brought songs and gifts to hospital workers and patients across Connecticut. 

Excited to serve and give back to his country, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves after high school. He went from earning his place as a humble private to stepping into a battalion communications leader role and earning the Hero of the Battlefield medal on his 2nd field training. He was equally thrilled and honored to reach the rank of Sergeant at age 23 and continue to grow as a leader. He achieved this while attaining a bachelor's degree in economics from Central Connecticut State University. Following graduation, he worked as an editor and writer for the online study help website Studysmarter.

Ryan is now a communications strategy consultant and a traveling pet sitter who loves cooking, cycling, dancing, LGBTQ community, and playing team strategy games.