Hometown: Akron, OH
College attended:
Ohio State University
B.S. Environmental Policy and Management
Minor: Public Health
Fun fact: I have played six different instruments, but the only one I really stuck with for more than 3 years was piano
Favorite quote: "If you’ve come here to help me, you’re wasting your time. But if you’ve come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." - Lila Watson
What you did before AmeriCorps?
I had a previous AmeriCorps position with Public Allies Chicago, which provided weekly leadership development trainings and placed its members in non-profits across Chicago. Through Public Allies, I was a Project Coordinator for Uptown United's "Litter Free Uptown" program, where I mainly coordinated with schools in Uptown to improve recycling programs and general environmental education. At the same time, I was continuing to help with a current research project at Ohio State University; the project sought to identify the range of existing programmatic activity to address climate change adaptation and mitigation in U.S. Environmental Health Departments.
Did your past work and school experience apply to your year of service?
Yes. I decided to continue with another year of AmeriCorps, but this time with a position that had more of a
focus on public health, which was my minor in undergrad.
Why did you choose to do AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is giving me the hands on service experience I have been looking for, and this experience was
something I wanted to do before I go back to school for my Masters.
What are you doing as an AmeriCorps member?
I am serving as a Program Specialist with the Westside Health Authority (WHA), a non-profit whose mission
is to use the capacity of community residents to improve the health and well-being of the community. At WHA, I provide support to families seeking healthier lifestyles around nutrition, physical activity, and disease
management. I also help lead health education and promotion activities, outreach, and other supportive
services intended to assist adults and youth in accessing health care.
What are your plans after AmeriCorps, and how does your year of service apply to your future plans?
After my term of service, I plan to go to graduate school to receive my Masters in Public Health. My time
with AmeriCorps directly applies because it has not only given me the experience that many public health
schools require before applying, but it has also allowed me to further confirm my passion for working with
communities to improve public health.
Favorite part of CHC so far?
Being amongst the other Chicago Health Corps members - we all share a common passion, and it is so refreshing and inspiring to be supported by a group of people who are also committed to improving public health within Chicago's communities.
Deep Thoughts by Chicago Health Corps: If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
My theme song is constantly changing, but for today it's "Shake it Out" by Florence + The Machine
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