Bourne House
Amanda Baranowski
I'm 21 years old and from Milford, Michigan (I can show you where it is on my hand - just ask.) I recently graduated from Michigan State University - Go Green! - with degrees in International Relations and Social Relations & Policy. After graduation, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to head out to Colorado where I worked as a wrangler on a guest ranch for the summer. That experience confirmed both my love of the outdoors and my newfound Michigander pride, though I miss the mountains already. In college, I spent a summer interning at a young women's organization and studying Spanish in Madrid, Spain, and have since picked up some Portuguese as well. I love to travel, watch movies, eat good food, read, ride horses, stargaze, and spend time with my friends and family. I can't wait to meet my fellow Corps members and staff and experience life and service on the Cape!
Davis Brush
I am 23 years old and recently graduated from St. Lawrence University with a B.A. in environmental - sociology and a minor in educational studies. I grew up in the suburbs of Rochester, NY and have had a green thumb for as long as I can remember. While at school in the North Country I was a guide for the SLU Outdoor Program and lead many trips, from trail work to snowshoeing, in the Adirondack Park. One experience that has drastically changed my views was a semester abroad in Kenya; I now realize that there is little that has not been influenced by globalization (and climate change) and see sustainable development and forest restoration as key goals for reaching global equality. My passions besides outdoor activities include the Buffalo Bills and volunteer service, which is why I completed the Institute of Philanthropy and Volunteer Service through The Fund for American Studies in Washington D.C. in 2006. I am eager to become part of the Cape Cod community and experience all that it has to offer. Knowing the community you live in is essential to being a good active citizen.
Jennifer Burkhardt
I am 22 years old and originally from Rochester, NY. I just graduated from the University of Rhode Island where I majored in biological sciences and minored in Leadership Studies. While at URI I was fortunate to be able to participate in so many different opportunities. I was involved in the Student Senate, the student alumni association, different mentoring programs, and a local sorority by the name of ZETA. I also spent a semester studying abroad at James Cook University in Australia where I discovered a love of learning about new cultures and backpacking to new places. Some of my other interests include sailing, skiing, camping, meeting new people, reading, spending time in coffee shops, and learning how to play the guitar. My environmental background is mostly concentrated in the area of marine biology. I have been working in a marine ecology lab for the past two years where I have participated in research mainly focused on algae and the different roles it plays in the environment. I never thought that I would like working with algae, since I was terrified of it as a child, but I have come to love working with it and would like to continue to do so hopefully in graduate school. I have visited Cape Cod as a child and I always wanted to return there and am so happy to be doing so now. I am really looking forward to being a part of this incredible program and working with the community of Cape Cod this year.
Maria Downs
I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I recently graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in December of 2007 with a major in biology/ecology. During the spring semester of 2007, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Australia and also visit New Zealand. It was an experience of a lifetime that has forever changed me. I have now become officially addicted to traveling and seeing the world. For the past several months, I have been working as a naturalist in Custer State Park of the Black Hills. This opportunity has made me realize how passionate I am about the environment and how important environmental education really is. I know the experience that I am about to embark on will provide many challenges but I also know that I will grow to be a better person for becoming involved with such a wonderful program. I am really looking forward to living and working in an environment that is much different than I am used to!
Nicole Frame
After completing my undergraduate degree at Keuka College, NY in Elementary and Special Education, I moved to Rochester, NY. Moving to Rochester was a big adjustment, since I grew up in a very small town. I love the city life now. For the past six years, I have worked as a special education teacher. During my time in teaching, I have been able to help create and implement a life skills curriculum for students with severe disabilities. During this time, I also completed my M.S. in Education at SUNY Brockport. I have spent several summers working as a summer camp counselor teaching campers about nature. I enjoy being outside: walking, biking, hiking, gardening, or camping. I also love to take pictures of nature and everyday things, especially trees and families interacting. During the past six years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many different types of volunteer work in and around Rochester, NY. Recently, I had the chance to spend ten days in New Orleans helping rebuild homes that were damaged by Hurricane Katrina. This trip helped reinforce a growing idea and desire in me to help other people and my environment. I have always been interested in nature, the environment, and the ocean. After some research, I decided that joining the AmeriCorps would fulfill this desire. AmeriCorps Cape Cod was a great match. I look forward to the upcoming year of service.
Jaclyn Hochreiter
I am 22 years old and originally from Niagara Falls, New York, where I lived with my amazing mother until I was 8. She then married a Coast-Guardsmen and I became an older sister as well as a 'military brat' traveling every couple years until my family settled in Corning, NY. For college I moved on up to the rolling hills of Binghamton University where I earned my degree in music and a minor in environmental studies. While at college I was involved in a student run 80's a cappella group (shout-out to Rhythm Method!) as well as a University choir and a student environmental group. Activities I enjoy include singing, eating, meeting new people and anything outdoors such as running, biking, hiking, yoga, and playing ultimate Frisbee. In the future I hope to go to grad school for either one of my passions as well as become an extremely well traveled, environmental guru with two big dogs. I have already fallen in love with the New England area and look forward to learning about and exploring more of it in the coming year!
Megan Horbin
I am 24 years old and was born in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up I dreamed of seeing the world and, almost as soon as I graduated high school, I moved to Orlando, Florida and worked at Walt Disney World. Since then I have attended school in Marquette, Michigan, studied art and German in Vienna, Austria, and volunteered with the Montana Conservation Corps (AmeriCorps) in Billings, Montana. I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University where I majored in English & Writing, minored in German, and was active in my sorority as well as a teaching assistant for freshman seminar. Though I do not have any direct experience with disaster relief or water conservation, I taught youth a number of outdoor ethics while in the Montana Conservation Corps: Leave No Trace, trail rehabilitation, tree planting, fire restoration, habitat rehabilitation, team building skills, and outdoor living. Furthermore, I plan to work on receiving my Master's in Teaching as soon as I complete the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program and, eventually, my doctorate in English, in order to become a college professor. As an individual, I have many quirks, passions, obsessions, and loves: When I need to think, I clean. When my life has lost its direction, I organize. I like to listen to oldies on the radio, drive with the windows down, and dance only when no one is looking. My weaknesses are milk chocolate and free books. My favorite seasons are autumn, when I recreate the world on a canvas with acrylic paints or charcoal fingers, and winter, when I take long walks and return with pink cheeks for hot mint chocolate. I love to watch old movies, rummage through thrift stores, and snack on maraschino cherries. I hate when people waste paper and leave on the lights. I adore my dog, Gracie, and would do anything for my little cousins. Above everything else, I know that this life is mine to live and I will continue to fill it with opportunities, adventures, and smiles.
Harry Johnson
I am from Westborough, Massachusetts. For the past two years I have been studying for a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I recently worked as a Resident Assistant for the last semester, which I found to be a greatly rewarding leadership experience. Some interests I have include reading, music, being a health nut, the sciences, nature, kayaking, and exploring new things. I do not have a formal background in environmental science, but I have a strong personal interest in the field and its related issues. I'm excited about working in the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program as I see it as a way to be more involved in environmental issues I care about.
Nichole Long
I am a 24 year old hailing from the shores of the great Lake Michigan. A native to the community of St. Joseph, I have recently graduated with a bachelors' degree in organizational management from Bethel College, Indiana. An outdoorsy type of gal, I love to vegetable garden, hike sand dunes, and play along the waves and water. I am often found reading or at the gym. My work experience includes proctoring exams to students as college administrator and assisting entrepreneurs' and business owners with retreat learning programs. While pursuing my undergraduate degree I became ensued in the study of environmental science. A few friends later, my campus had a green club that focused on recycling and environmental awareness. Awaiting graduation, I searched for a position that would further my connection to environmental issues and give me the opportunity to serve. AmeriCorps Cape Cod was a perfect match! I am so eager to work with the AmeriCorps Cape Cod, sharing this year with like-minded, earth conscious people that play an active role advocating and assisting the local community.
Ashleigh McCord
I am 22 years old and am originally from Georgetown, Texas, outside of Austin. I recently graduated from Bard College in the Hudson Valley of New York, where I majored in film and electronic arts, with a concentration in anthropology. Attempts to combine these two interests have led me to focus on documentary filmmaking, which I hope to continue to pursue while working with Americorps and in the years to come. Even though I was raised in the hill-country of Central Texas, I somehow managed to develop an irrepressible love for the ocean which has not only sent me running to the coast at every opportunity, but also has been largely responsible for my interest in environmental work, and environmental education in particular. In my third year of college, I spent a semester with Sea Education Association which included some time at their campus in Woods Hole. I loved the community and environment of the Cape, and am excited about the opportunity to spend some time living in and helping to protect this unique area. My other interests include kite flying, ice cream eating, enjoying live music, 90s TV shows, and watching or reading anything related to Jacques Cousteau.
Meredith Titterington
As a recent graduate of Ithaca College I was faced with the usual senior "what am I doing with my life?" dilemma: Here I was, 22 years old, with a degree in Community Health Education trying to figure out the next step for myself. I have been an environmentalist since birth (my SIGG bottle is a constant companion) and a lover of service projects for a very long time, so Americorps Cape Cod seems like the perfect combination for me! I have been lucky to do many interesting things that allow me to explore my interests. I have gone on many service trips, the most recent to New Orleans. I also had a great internship at the Tompkins County Health Department that let me get incite in so many career paths that I can go after. I learned to repel last summer (next step is learning how to rock climb) and I love going hiking (or most things outdoors for that matter). I love getting to know new people (heart-to-heart's are a hobby) so I am really excited to move to Cape Cod and enjoy all the experiences that the program will bring!
Korinda Walls
My mom raised me to be a Treehugger. She put me on a healthy regimen of John Denver albums and Marty Stouffer nature shows when I was in preschool. Combined with a heavy dose of my dad's leadership traits, I've grown up to become a 21 year old advocate for ethical environmental action. For the past six years I have been working to build the movement toward a sustainable future. I've taught sailing and waterfront education at a Girl Scout camp, instituted recycling programs in the dorms at my undergraduate school, apprenticed in Permaculture at The Farm Ecovillage Training Center, and worked for Energy and Environmental Services for the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. I recently graduated from Indiana Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Ecopsychology and I'm ready for another adventure! As an Indiana native, I'm pretty excited to be moving to the coast, and even more excited to serve the Cape Cod community alongside a group of like-minded, energetic young people.
Philip Wegert
I am 28 years old with a BA degree in Environmental Studies and Community Leadership from Aquinas College, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have lived in Medellin, Colombia; Miami, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Michigan. After graduation from college, I joined the Peace Corps and served in Buff Bay, Jamaica mon! My experience there gave me a new perspective of my life, the world and my role in it. I learned to make chicken foot soup and to wash my clothes in the river with a rock when we lost electricity (very often). I experienced Category 4 Hurricane Dean at the U.S Embassy in Kingston and after assisting with relief efforts, the experience reinforced my desire to do public service. My interests include distance running, road races and triathlons. I completed two Reggae half- marathons in Negril and now I would like to do a full marathon. I have an interest in foreign affairs especially of the Caribbean basin. My favorite quote is by Minor Myers Jr. who said,- "Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good." I am very excited and looking forward to next year as an AmeriCorps Cape Cod member.
Wellfleet House
Lisa Buchs
I'm 22 years old and a recent graduate of Bethany Lutheran College in Minnesota where I studied Communication and English. I've spent most of my life in Minnesota, except for a few years in Missouri and a semester in the UK. Early on in college I decided I wanted to be a lawyer, so much of my work experience has revolved around law. After several years of cubicle life and some serious introspection, I realized that law was not the career for me. As a result, I've decided to pursue my true passions: creative writing and the environment. My particular interest is in the developing field of creative nonfiction and lyric essay-writing, especially place-based writing. At some point in the future I hope to attend a Masters in Fine Arts program in Creative Writing. Although I don't have a background in science, I love to be outdoors and I'm incredibly excited to spend the next year living and working with a group of people who are passionate about the environment and service. Some of my other interests are: reading, running, hiking, Welsh culture, traveling, folk music and sustainable living.
Erin Der-Mcleod
I am 23 years old and was born and raised in San Francisco. After graduating from UCLA with a B.A. in History and Sociology, I had a great experience doing a year of service with AmeriCorps Cape Cod. As the saying goes, after having Cape Cod sand in my shoes, I decided to return and do another year of service. In the coming year, I'm looking forward to learning more about land use and natural resource management, while meeting new members. I also plan to discover new running trails, watch more Cape League baseball games, and spend as much time as possible at the beaches and kettle ponds.
Brian Dinizio
I was born in Germany in 1986, and 9 months later after my dad was transferred, ended up on Cape Cod. I lived in Mashpee until just a couple of years ago and now live in Duxbury, MA just 25 minutes from the Sagamore Bridge. Now at 21 years old, with a recently earned B.A. in Political Science from Merrimack College and a disdain for suits and commutes (acquired through my internship at the State House), I decide to do something different. Fueled by my love of the place I grew up on, appreciation for the great outdoors, and innumerable viewings of every episode of Planet Earth, I hope to give something back to Cape residents and of course, the environment. Since I essentially wandered through my college career with vague life plans and a confused look on my face I'm starting to become a little more focused, and plan on this upcoming experience to help open doors and set me on the right path to a career that involves my most sincere interest, the environment. Oh and by the way I can throw a Frisbee pretty well and grow one heck of a mustache.
Timothy Duggan
I am 22 years old and I have lived in Andover, MA since I moved from Philadelphia at 3 weeks old. I graduated from Holy Cross this past May, majoring in English and New Orleans (in my 3rd year of participation), and started a moderate left-wing journal with my friends. My recent summers have been spent coaching and teaching soccer, leading summer and fall gateways orientation at Holy Cross, and teaching at Northfield Mount Hermon, a private high school in Western Mass. When I'm free for a day, I enjoy bike-riding, movies, video- and board- games, and lounging. When I'm free for vacation, I enjoy traveling. Last summer I drove across the country and back in 19 days with three friends, surviving on dry-foods and fast-foods, and by couch-surfing and camping. I'm very excited for Americorps Cape Cod: to serve Cape Cod and to learn more about myself and how I can help the global community.
Monica Farmer
I am from Tucson, Arizona and received both my B.S. and M.A. in Geography from Northern Arizona University. Through internships I have gained experience in data collection for scientific studies and in environmental conservation. In Alaska, for an internship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I monitored seabirds to assess their breeding success. Also in Alaska, I collected data for an Environmental Protection Agency air quality study. This summer, while working as an intern at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, I collected water samples from Lake Michigan to determine E. coli levels. I also assisted in removing exotic plant species, which is similar to work I did in Australia. As part of a volunteer group, I helped to remove exotic plants from a wetland. I also have an interest in history and volunteered at the Arizona Historical Society Library, organizing newspaper archives. My hobbies include biking, swimming, traveling, and playing the piano.
Meghan Letts
I am 23 years old and from Charlotte, North Carolina. I am a recent graduate from Appalachian State University in Boone, a beautiful mountain town that is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I received my degree in Communications with a minor in World Religions. My goal is to work my way towards a PhD in World Religion. It was in the Appalachian Mountains that I found my passion for the outdoors and preserving the environment. I also have a strong passion for traveling. I have utilized my passion for the environment and traveling by participating in various service opportunities in Belize, Costa Rica, and Bolivia. I ran on the women's cross country team at Appalachian, so much of my free time is spent running the mountain trails, hiking, kayaking, or simply reading outside in the shade. I cannot contain my excitement to be part of the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program. I look forward to the adventure of helping the community, environment, and meeting new like-minded individuals.
Samantha Miller
I am a 22 year old recent graduate of Calvin College. I grew up in the relatively small town of Aurora, Ohio (former home of the land-locked Sea World), where I lived with my parents, sister, and quite a few pets. At Calvin, I was a biology major and international development minor. I hope to eventually combine these areas of study to do environmental development work, and am exploring what such work resembles. My passions for animals, environmental issues, and cultures have led me to some amazing places and interesting jobs over the years. I worked at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Ohio, helping to reintroduce injured and orphaned animals back into their native habitats. I also had the opportunity to do research on Great Lakes birds and the effects of environmental contaminants on their immune system. While at Calvin, I spent a January term in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. My senior year I traveled to New Zealand and Samoa for a semester, which was an overall incredible experience. I enjoy exploring the great outdoors, playing piano, singing, swimming, cooking up new recipes, creativity, and trying to live more intentionally. I'm definitely looking forward to this next adventure serving on the east coast!
Crystal Morris
I am 20 years old and I was born in Southern California. When I was eight my family moved to Acworth, Georgia where I was raised and graduated from high school. My love of nature and community service came from spending many memorable summers on Cape Cod since I was ten years old. I am looking forward to gaining experience, learning new skills and meeting new people while in the AmeriCorps Cape Cod program. After the program, I plan to use the education award to continue my education in the medical field. In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the beach, bicycling, camping, traveling and new adventures. I am excited about the year ahead and about giving back to the community that gave so much to me.
Jessica Regan
I am twenty-two and I just graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor's degree in English. I've been in Connecticut pretty much my whole life and can't wait to travel more now that I'm done with college. Last summer I went to Costa Rica with a volunteer program for environmental conservation, took a bunch of classes in environmental issues and realized I want to make this my career. I'm looking to somehow combine working with kids, writing, conservation and art too unless that's getting too picky. I also love the outdoors, reading, music, concerts, exploring new places, road trips, kids, sports, and the beach. I can't wait to finally start working in the conservation field after learning so many disturbing facts from my classes and so many simple ways to change things.
Gregory Rompala
Representing the granite state, I am a 22 year old from Concord, NH. Last spring, I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in Psychology. After focusing primarily on counseling and research in my field, I am eager to parlay my passion for the environment on Cape Cod. My hobbies include hiking, gardening, writing, and baseball. Not to boast, but I'm pretty positive this is going to be the greatest year and staff in the history of AmeriCorps Cape Cod-- just being straightforward.
Alex Soper
I have lived my entire life in North Carolina, growing up in the small city of Durham while later attending Wake Forest University which is only about an hour down the road. Although I double majored in History and Political Science at Wake, two majors possibly best for law school, the rewarding work and beautiful Cape Cod area pulled me to this AmeriCorps program. I have never spent more than a couple weeks above the Mason-Dixon line, so this coming year will be both an enjoyable and an entirely new experience for me. Aside from the frigid temperatures, I know I will adapt well to the Cape considering I share a love for all the great things it has to offer - biking, kayaking, hiking, and every other outdoor activity. I look forward to working with a program so dedicated to its community and the surrounding environment.
Amie Vos
I have lived out my 23 years of life in Minocqua, Wisconsin, a small town in the Northern part of the state. I come from a close-knit family of six; I have an older brother, two younger sisters and two amazing parents. I graduated in 2007 from Viterbo University, a college located in La Crosse, Wisconsin with a degree in Psychology. Before coming to Cape Cod I worked at an Outfitting Company in Minocqua called Chequamegon Adventure Company, where I worked as a canoe and kayak guide for 3 summers. Through this job, I got my certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and had many experiences in kayaking in the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior, as well as canoeing in many of Northern Wisconsin's Lakes. With my family and friends I have canoed much of the Boundary Waters Canoe area, backpacked in the Porcupine Mountains, and have camped all over Northern Wisconsin, parts of Northern Minnesota, and Southern Michigan. I am looking forward to serving the community of Cape Cod for a year. Thank you for the opportunity.
Abbey Rae Woods
I am originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin and have lived somewhere in the state all 24 years of my life. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a B.S. in Kinesiology and an emphasis in physical therapy. After graduation, I realized that physical therapy was not the career path I wished to pursue, so I have spent the last year as a study coordinator for the University of Wisconsin, specializing in osteoporosis research. Although I have no formal background in environmental or conservation sciences, I have always been intrigued by the environment and am eager for the upcoming year of hands-on experience. In my spare time I enjoy reading, live music, taking walks, kayaking, and traveling when I get the chance.
