Bourne House
Samantha Alarie-Leca
I am 22 years old and proud to be from the great little state of Rhode Island. I recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Biology French Biology and Francophone studies, a minor in European Studies, and an unofficial concentration in Psychology. While at Notre Dame, I was an active member of both the Irish Dance and Women's Boxing Club and was also occasionally forced to learn about college football. I spent my sophomore year abroad in Angers, France where I taught English to seven-year-olds. During my final semester in South Bend I interned at a local child advocacy center. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, trying strange new foods, and challenging myself to do things that are completely out of character. I look forward to learning a lot, working hard, having a few adventures, and above all serving the Cape Cod community with the AmeriCorps team this year.
Andrew Brown
I am 24 years old and originally from a small town in the cornfields of Ohio. I graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2005 with my B.S. in Biology and a minor in Field Biology. Upon graduation, I began an internship as a zookeeper in Florida, which subsequently led to a full-time position. I was fortunate enough to have most of my work concentrated in the primate area. Working with a dozen of the world’s most endangered or threatened species of primates was truly a unique experience. As much as I enjoyed my stay in Florida, I ultimately decided that I wanted to do work that had more of a concentration in environmental issues. After taking some time to travel through Europe, I researched various opportunities around the country before deciding the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program was best in line with what I wanted to do in life.
Tara Di Giovanni
I grew up in Havertown, a thriving suburb of Philadelphia, PA. I have a large family that is very close which completely masks the fact that I'm an only child. After attending high school, I enrolled in Salisbury University where I studied Environmental Health Science and minored in English. At Salisbury University, I had the chance to experience a ton of things and meet some of the most wonderful people that I've ever been in contact with in my life. Being a part of the Ultimate Frisbee team opened up many doors of traveling with me, so after college I took advantage of going overseas and making a cross-country trip. For some time, I stayed in Oregon then moved back to the east coast to figure out where I wanted my life to go for the next few years. The question still racks my brain, and will hopefully be answered in a few different ways, but I like taking one day at a time and am thankful every morning that I wake up. In time, I would like to open up my own small business coffee shop and am always on the lookout for places that would be successful locations. Some things I like to do with my spare time are knitting, reading, hiking, biking, playing ultimate, discovering new singer/songwriters, traveling and writing.
Natalie Dinki
I am 22 years old and am from Buffalo, New York. I recently graduated from SUNY Geneseo where I majored in English and minored in Psychology. This past winter, I traveled to Biloxi, MS to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief and clean up. The trip further confirmed my passion for helping others and providing service. Some of my interests are traveling, writing, running, and meeting new people. In college, I was in a dance club, wrote for the school newspaper and worked at a pizza and pasta shop. I’ve also worked at a summer camp for several years as a camp counselor and this past summer I became the Arts and Crafts Director of the camp. Although I lack an environmental educational background, I have always had a strong passion for the field. I’m really looking forward to assisting the community of Cape Cod, and I can’t wait to begin what I know will be many great adventures in the year ahead.
Chase Fuller
I was born 23 years ago by two great, loving parents. Raised in RI, I feel more like a native Southern California. The Marines stationed me in San Diego for almost four years, and I recently left active duty. Afterwards I began pursuit of my bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. While philosophy interests me greatly, music is my passion. I frequent jam band concerts around the country and have been playing guitar for about 11 years. With any luck, I’ll make music my job someday. I’ve been fortunate thus far to play with bands like Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Other interests include obsessing over the Red Sox, hating the Yankees, and more importantly, helping others. I am beyond excited to be a part of this year’s AmeriCorps program in my very own backyard, Cape Cod, and am very much looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
Samantha Hayes
I was born in Appleton, Wisconsin and have since lived in Wisconsin my whole life, aside from spending last summer in Missouri. While in Missouri, I worked for their Department of Conservation with work that involved prairies, under the incredibly hot and humid sun. I finally graduated college this past May from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay after many transfers. I graduated with a BS in Environmental Planning and Policy. I spend a lot of my free time reading, writing letters, biking, cooking, and spending time with my ever-expanding family. I've traveled throughout the U.S. to pick up friends in California or just to take road trips. I am looking forward to experiencing Cape Cod and all that it has to offer.
Angela L’Heureux
I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of Bryant University with a BA in Communication and a minor in Sociology. I was born in Rhode Island, grew up in North Carolina and then came back home to RI after 7 years of being surrounded by the most beautiful environment a kid could ask for. My love of nature came from weekend family trips to the Appalachian Mountains and the beaches of NC, but as a true New Englander, I will always have a soft spot for Cape Cod. In my spare time, I enjoy singing, dancing, and playing Frisbee golf. I am really excited for the AmeriCorps program to share my love of the outdoors, give back to the community, and work with some amazing people. Cape Cod is a place that I have always loved and I am honored to be a part of a group that can have such a positive impact on its future.
Jaime McLaren
I am a 22 year old graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Bachelor's in Environmental Science. I grew up in Adams, MA, located in the beautiful Berkshire County. This is where I first gained an appreciation for the environment at a young age. After traveling to several national parks out West and spending time in Costa Rica on an eco-teach tour, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the environmental science field. I learned a broad range of knowledge about the environment at UMass, ranging all the way from toxicology to environmental history. While attending college I became an intern at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and worked in the National Wetlands Inventory, where I gained experience in GIS applications. I am now looking to further my experience in the field and focus on environmental education as I serve the Barnstable community as a member of AmeriCorps Cape Cod.
Iman Olguin-Lira
I am 22 years old , I was born in Lima, Peru but I left at an early age to moved to Asuncion, Paraguay with my family where I spent five years. Seven years ago, I moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where I live and enjoy the wonderful weather and the beautiful beaches. I recently graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. While in college, I worked in an Animal Hospital for 5 years where I learned many things about the field and I developed growing love for the profession. I got involved with the environment while volunteering for Clean Water Action for a couple of semesters, which reminded me of the importance of conservation. I enjoy biking, kayaking, snorkeling…pretty much any outdoor activity. I also like reading, watching movies and playing games. Now I am excited to start this new experience helping the community of Cape Cod and meeting new people.
Sanjoy Paul
I am originally from upstate New York. I graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with a major in Business Studies and a minor in Economics and English Literature. This background prepared me for several interesting jobs, including prep chef, bartender, Christmas tree vendor, bicycle messenger, and bookstore clerk. I moved to Massachusetts a few years ago and have worked for the membership department of a Boston-based health club and the horticulture department of a Cape based landscaping company. My interests include traveling, reading, loud music, cycling, the New York Yankees, cooking, and sleeping. I spend the rest of my time collecting books and postcards, and lamenting the cancellation of Veronica Mars. My future plans include attending graduate school or getting a dog. I am excited for this opportunity with AmeriCorps Cape Cod. I am looking forward to be of service and to work with others with similar goals.
Rebecca Prosser
I am a 22-year-old adventurous female from Indianapolis, IN. I recently graduated from Earlham College with a degree in Biology and a minor in Music. At Earlham I participated in various biological research projects, sang in the concert choir and in a student-run a cappella group, and performed with a dance troupe among other activities. During the summers, I assisted with research at a few unique, protected areas: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge (IN), and Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NE). I spent my semester abroad in Tanzania, where I lived with four home-stay families who permanently altered my worldview. My interest in biology and environmental issues was placed in a greater context with this experience, and I am inspired to find a way to use ecology and science to achieve sustainable living and resource conservation. I am eager to join the AmeriCorps team to learn how to be a better steward for Cape Cod's natural resources and to meet other passionate, conscientious individuals. Having vacationed in Woods Hole, MA, almost every summer with my family, I am excited to learn more about this region and to live by the ocean for a whole year! Some of my other interests include women's rights, public health, mountain top removal, botany, birding, herping, hiking, swimming, biking, SCUBA diving, and ping-pong.
Nikki Toner
I am a 22 year old recent graduate of Temple University, where I majored in Education. While at university, I enjoyed taking classes all over the spectrum and found a passion in politics and environmental policy/ science. I come from a small Massachusetts town a half hour from the Cape Cod Canal and am excited to spend quality time enjoying Cape life and giving back to the community. There are many things that I love doing, most of which are exceptionally enjoyable on the Cape such as running, rowing, hiking, biking…really anything outdoors. I also have a deep love of traveling both abroad and exploring what New England and the rest of the country has to offer. In conclusion, I’m always up for an adventure and look forward to having quite a few while in the program.
Seth Williamson
As recent B.S. recipient and not so recent culinary arts graduate, I am excited to be involved in community service through AmeriCorps. I've spent many of my years in Michigan growing up, with a sprinkle of years in the crisp airs of Northern Wisconsin. Go Badgers! A few years ago, I spent a summer interning in a kitchen in Denali, AK, which was spectacular. Additionally I spent two seasons in Maine as a Sous Chef and finally three years working as a chef for a premier catering company in Ann Arbor, MI. Although I have a great gift as a chef and enjoy cooking, it is important to follow my heart and actively participate in volunteer community service for a period of time. I've always had a great appreciation for those that spend time in service to others and the environment. A little more about me: I'm an avid camper, with a love for backpacking, I ran (jogged) the Chicago Marathon in Oct. 2006, and am looking forward to riding my bike around the area. As can be seen by my other travels, I love to be with new people in new places and I'm extremely excited for this upcoming adventure with AmeriCorps Cape Cod.
Wellfleet House
Danielle Craft
I am 23 year old and grew up in Holt, MI. I attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a dual degree in Environmental Studies and Geography. While searching for my dream job, I have been an active volunteer for the Sierra Club Mackinac Chapter. I have always been very passionate about the environment. My goal as a young child was to one day save the world and having this AmeriCorps Cape Cod opportunity may put me one step closer. Some of my favorite pastimes are camping, mountain biking, swimming, traveling, and going to concerts. Although I love my home state of Michigan, I am ready to start a new adventure in Massachusetts.
Erin Der-Mcleod
I am 22 years old and was born and raised in San Francisco, California. In June, I graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in History and Sociology. Though I have spent most of my life in California, summer internships have brought me to the east coast. Two summers ago, I worked as an intern at the New York Historical Society in New York City. Last summer, I served as an intern for the Matthews Museum of Maine History in Union, Maine. I am looking forward to my year of service on Cape Cod, where I can learn new skills, meet new people, and experience life in a different part of the country. In my spare time, I like to run, play softball, spend time at the beach, go sailing, and watch Oakland Athletics baseball games. I also enjoy traveling to new places. This past summer, I was fortunate enough to go to India and Scotland for vacation.
Heidi Fuchs
I'm a 22-year-old Colorado native and a recent graduate of Amherst College. I grew up with a passion for the outdoors; especially that of the Southwest, but also found places to play in western Massachusetts. Though my very liberal artsy degree of European Studies does not lend itself easily to gainful employment, I have some experience with atmospheric chemistry field research in Harvard Forest and with coastal conservation policy in Texas. This past summer I was able to indulge my personal interests of travel, biking, photography, EU politics, and good food by working on a small-scale organic farm in West Cork, Ireland. I somehow avoided setting foot on the Cape during five years in Massachusetts, but am excited about living and serving here.
Christina Imrich
I am 21 years old and from Westchester County, New York, where I was raised with my parents and two older brothers. I recently graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA with a degree in Biology. My environmental interests really began during my semester abroad in Costa Rica where I studied tropical ecology through the Organization for Tropical Studies with Duke University. These interests continued to grow when I saw firsthand the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. This past spring break I led a group of students on a service trip to New Orleans where we helped gut homes that were destroyed. In June, I spent two weeks on an immersion trip in Mexico where I witnessed the poverty that affects so many in our world and where I came to see more clearly the challenges that face our society as we work for change. Also, I love all things having to do with King Arthur and have a beta fish named after him – “Arturus.” You can call him Arthur.
Austin Krcmarik
Since graduating from Colorado State University in 2006 with a degree in Natural Resource Management, I have been splitting my time between climbing, traveling, and managing the Loch Vale Watershed Project. The Loch Vale Watershed Project is a long-term ecological study that has been measuring the changes in water quality in Rocky Mountain National Park over the past 25 years. After quick stints climbing in Argentina and living in New York City, I found myself in the remotest parts of Wyoming mapping sagebrush habitat for the United States Geologic Survey. I am very excited to be working and living in the Cape Cod area and experiencing the New England culture. I hope that this opportunity to work on a variety of projects will help me focus my interests and decide what areas I want to pursue in graduate school.
Casey Lutz
I am 22 years old and have been a resident of Dallas, Texas all my life. I went to Texas A&M University and graduated with a BA in History and a minor in French. I love to travel and I studied abroad in the summer of 2006 in France around Paris, Caen and the Loire Valley and also traveled to Italy. Much of my family has experience in the healthcare profession and I worked for 4 years at an infertility specialists' office. I was also President of the Texas A&M ice hockey's booster club for 2 years. During my senior year, I decided to pursue service work since I have had so many amazing opportunities offered to me. I can't wait to live in the Cape and serve such a unique community. My interests include my gorgeous godson Ethan and his sister Colette, SCUBA diving, Christmastime, and I hope my family of Yankees fans will forgive me for living so close to Boston.
Christin Marshall
I am 22 and was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. I recently graduated from Maryville College, a small, liberal arts school, with a B.A. in International Business. While the college I attended was close to home, I spent a fair amount of the last 4 years living in new and interesting cultures. I spent one summer of service in a rural village in Ghana, and I spent a month of the next summer working in an urban area of Peru. In addition, I studied for a semester at Tec de Monterrey, a lively university in a city of 3 million. I enjoy being outside, and after a childhood of playing soccer, it was natural to continue the pursuit at the college level. I spent the past four years participating in a scholarship program that provided funding for school in exchange for volunteering. After working for environmental agencies, Habitat for Humanity, nursing homes, and AYSO, I developed a familiarity with non-profits and the kind of work that I enjoy doing. Being sure that I didn't want to exit college to enter a cubicle, I decided to pursue AmeriCorps Cape Cod in hopes of a year of hard work, learning, and new friendships.
David Quinn
I am 24 years old, and a native of Waltham, Massachusetts. I graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2005 with a major in Political Science and a self-designed minor in Environmental Studies, which combined hard science with courses in environmental policy. This interdisciplinary approach allowed me to gain an understanding of the field from several perspectives. Throughout my life, I have always had a great love for the outdoors and I continue to spend much of my free time camping and hiking. These interests fueled my academic pursuits at Holy Cross and have now led me to join AmeriCorps Cape Cod. I look forward to working on environmental issues and making a lasting impact in the Cape Cod community. In addition to environmental issues, I am also passionate about world travel and have been very fortunate to visit some incredible places. While at Holy Cross, I was co-chair of the college’s Habitat for Humanity International program, which organizes month-long house building missions throughout the world. During my two years with Habitat, our group traveled to the African nations of Ghana and Zambia where I had the opportunity live and work alongside villagers while constructing houses. The experiences that I gained on these trips have been a huge influence on how I view the world today.
Caroline Schmittdiel
I'm 23 years old and I grew up in Marquette, the largest city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I graduated in August 2006 from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Psychology. While in college, I spent two years working on research on topics in domestic violence, first collecting data as a research assistant, and later conducting my own study. During my time at MSU, I also studied abroad in Nicaragua and volunteered at Clean Water Action, a national non-profit. After graduating from college, I worked various jobs, but eventually decided that I wanted to spend a year serving in AmeriCorps, specifically in a position where I could devote myself to making positive changes for the environment. My long-term plans are to attend law school, where I intend to specialize in environmental law. I am excited to return to Cape Cod after spending a few summer vacations there as a child, and cannot wait to do my part to help protect the Cape's unique environment.
Amber Stonik
I am from the DC metropolitan area. In high school, I attended a special four-year program focused on environmental studies. Growing up in the nexus of U.S. government gave me a curiosity about politics and its influence on the environment. In this pursuit, I moved to the Pacific Northwest where I graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning. I have interned with nonprofit groups in the past including one group focused on U.S. forest issues. Coastal environments and the issues affecting these places have always fascinated me. I look forward to working on environmental issues with AmeriCorps in one of our Country’s finest coastal environments.
Michael Towle
For the last twenty-three years, I have spent every summer building sand castles, rolling in seaweed, life guarding and swimming past the salty buoys and I still can’t get enough of it. I love the beach. Maybe that is why I went to school at UMass Lowell to obtain a B.A. in Environmental Science but the moment I was out of school I was a bit lost on how I should apply myself. I found myself teaching Physical and Environmental Sciences to freshmen and juniors at Norton High School here in Massachusetts. Going from the role of student directly to being a teacher was daunting. Nonetheless, I learned a lot from the overload of responsibility, ranging from organizational techniques to disciplinary action. I’m a peaceful, laid-back guy so becoming the boss was a tough change. When the year finished I saw myself getting stuck into the role of a teacher, which is a pleasant occupation but I wanted to explore alternative opportunities. Now I hope to experience the plethora of options in environmental science. With the beach on both sides of me and plenty of work to keep me entertained, I expect to see a rewarding and fulfilling year.
Caitlin Welsh
As a lover of the outdoors, I have relished the privilege of growing up near the Great Lakes in Southeastern Michigan. However, after spending the past four years landlocked by endless cornfields while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, I was eager to find some space to breathe once more while exploring my interests in environment-related community outreach. Enter AmeriCorps Cape Cod. In both Michigan and Indiana, I took the opportunity to explore the field of urban forestry professionally and academically, and I have been anxious to pursue further involvement in environmental stewardship. I am a bit surprised to find myself in this situation, being that my degree is in the liberal arts – specifically English – and most of my extracurricular interests revolved around music and the arts, but I am still eager to support the movement towards “greenness” and assist in conservation and preservation of the environment. Of course, I also aim to spend ample time playing along the Cape’s many beaches, learning to surf, exploring the maritime history and culture of the East Coast, and seeing how many new people I can meet and different states I can visit over the course of the next year.
Ben Winterhalter
I am 22 years old and was born in Ithaca, NY. At the age of 3 or 4 (I can’t quite remember which), my parents separated and I moved with my mother to Rochester, NY, where she finished her Ph.D. in English at the University of Rochester. She later found a job teaching in Savannah, GA, which I have called home since the age of nine. I went to college at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, and double-majored in Philosophy and French. To be honest, I don’t have much experience in environmental or disaster-related areas, however I’m eager to learn and help, as what I did learn while studying philosophy (particularly ethics) is that working to improve the environment is undoubtedly important. I’ve done volunteer work with the chapter of Habitat for Humanity at Wesleyan, and look forward to the upcoming year of service. I like spending my free time listening to music, playing card games, perusing funny stuff on the Internet, playing tennis or badminton (though I’m pretty bad at both), reading books or watching TV. I used to spend summers on the Cape visiting my dad: I’m looking forward to spending a whole year there working and living with y’all.
