We are pleased to have the following individuals joining us for the 2014-2015 year:
JENNA BARON (Wilkes Barre, PA/ University of Pittsburgh ’13)
Jenna Baron is no stranger to region, having spent her college years at the University of Pittsburgh. She studied Anthropology, with a minor in Global Studies and African Studies. During her time in college, she co-founded the Pittsburgh Refugee Youth Summer Enrichment Academy and was active in the Keep It Real, a student group that provides after-school tutoring to Somali Bantu refugee youth. Currently, Jenna lives in Nairobi, Kenya as a Fulbright Research Scholar. Outside of her work, Jenna loves to salsa dance and to explore new places.
BRENDAN ERB (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite University ’14)
Brendan Erb, a native of Harrisonburg, VA, graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a degree in English and license in Secondary Education. Brendan has much experience working with youth, including several student teaching experiences, and several years as a camp counselor at Camp Hebron. In addition to teaching, Brendan has represented his senior class as co-president. Brendan is excited to get to know the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh better during his year. You may find him out and about in Pittsburgh, running, playing volleyball and tennis, or playing board games.
CHAD GREEN (Butler, PA / Waynesburg University ’14)
Chad Green, a Western PA native from Butler, graduated from Waynesburg University with a degree in Communications and a focus in Electronic Media Discipline. During his college years, Chad spent a semester at the Contemporary Music Center in Nashville, TN, further exploring his love of music. Chad has much experience in the world of Audio and Digital Recording and Engineering. Outside of school, Chad loves being outdoors, taking photographs, and playing music.
NIC MARLTON (Pittsburgh, PA/ Carnegie Mellon University ’14)
Nic Marlton graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Ethics, History, Public Policy and Art. Nic is Project Manager and Treasurer for the Margo Lovelace Project, a Mediator for the Program for Deliberative Democracy and a member of the Larimer Green Team. He has also been involved with the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club, Students with a Goal and the James River Mural Project. Nic is excited to live in community with others while doing a year of service.
KEVIN MARTIN (Lancaster, PA/ Eastern Mennonite University ’14)
Originally from Lancaster, PA, Kevin Martin has spent the last four years at Eastern Mennonite University completing a degree in History. Aside from his degree, Kevin also completed a semester-long trip to South Africa and Lesotho. At EMU, Kevin was surrounded by statistics as a Sports Information Assistant, and helped run a campus-based Community Supported Agriculture program. Kevin is an avid Frisbee player and was one of the organizers of the EMU Ultimate traveling team. He is looking forward to finding a new team in Pittsburgh.
MOLLY RECKA (Weston, MA / The College of Wooster ’14)
Molly Recka comes to Pittsburgh via the Boston area, with a stop in Wooster, Ohio, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. Molly was extremely involved on Wooster’s campus; she served within the Student Government Association in different capacities as well as the Director of Special Events for Wooster Activities Crew. Molly is also a traveler, having completed two study abroad terms in Denmark and in India.
SARAH SCHNEIDER (Arcola, IL / Southern Illinois University Carbondale ’14)
Sarah Schneider comes to Pittsburgh by way of Illinois. Much of Sarah’s time at Southern Illinois was spent as Editor-in-Chief at the Daily Egyptian, the student newspaper. Sarah’s love of writing has opened the opportunity for her to intern with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette this summer, where she will start to get to know Pittsburgh. Outside of writing, Sarah loves animals. She is looking forward to volunteering at an animal shelter in Pittsburgh.
PROVIDENCE SMITH (Arlington, VA/ Messiah College ’14)
Providence Smith, a Washington, D.C. metropolitan native, made her way to Pennsylvania four years ago as a student of Messiah College. There, Providence chose the major Sociology & Anthropology. Providence traveled during her college career, spending a semester in India, living in intentional community. Providence has a range of service experience, from afterschool programs, to childcare and camp counselor positions, to planning life-skills classes. Providence enjoys singing, dancing, taking photos and playing basketball.
JULIA SMUCKER (Goshen, IN / Kalamazoo College ’13)
Julia Smucker, originally of Goshen, IN, graduated from Kalamazoo College with degrees in English Writing and French. Currently, she is a teaching assistant at a high school in France. Some of Julia’s skills include acting, singing, playing cello, and creating documentaries. Some of Julia’s other experiences include transcription and archival work at the Southwest Michigan Black Heritage Society, and working as a Service-Learning Tutor at Woodward Elementary School.
JESS SPRUNGER (Goshen, IN / Goshen College ’14)
Jess Sprunger, a native of Goshen, IN, attended Goshen College where she majored in Art. Always looking for something creative, Jess was leader of the art club and worked at The Hershberger Art Gallery on campus. Her other interests include creating community through good food and shared meals. She worked at the local bakery, Rachel’s Bread, and enjoys baking and cooking. Jess is excited to dive into the creative energy in Pittsburgh.
ABE STUCKY (Moon Township, PA/ Goshen College ’13)
Abe Stucky, a Pittsburgh native, graduated from Goshen College with a degree in Physics and Art. Besides spending a semester abroad in China, Abe served as a Resident Assistant and Student Technology Assistant on campus. Abe recently returned from a 10,000 mile bike ride from Paraguay to Indiana, living and working on an organic farm in Ecuador among other things. Abe is excited to get to know the city of Pittsburgh better. You may find him out and about in Pittsburgh riding his bike and advocating for bicyclists through Bike Pittsburgh.
KEVIN TANG (Deer Park, TX / University of Pittsburgh ’14)
Kevin Tang came to Pittsburgh from Deer Park, TX four years ago to attend the University of Pittsburgh. He studied Ecology & Evolution and Urban Studies, with a minor in Studio Arts. Already involved in nonprofit community, Kevin worked for Tree Pittsburgh while volunteering with GlobalPittsburgh, and has worked with Phipps Conservatory, Magee-Women’s Research Institute, and the Collegiate YMCA. Kevin loves to ski and draw and is excited to continue to get to know the Pittsburgh nonprofits.
LINDSEY WAUGAMAN (Cumberland, MD/ Allegheny College ’14)
A native of Maryland, Lindsey come to Pennsylvania by way of Allegheny College. There, Lindsey earned a degree in Environmental Studies. In addition to her studies, Lindsey worked hard in the Learning Commons, where she provided academic, social and emotional support to students. Outside of Allegheny, Lindsey spent a semester in Costa Rica’s School for Field Studies & Sustainable Development. In her free time, Lindsey plays the flute, skis, runs, and mountain bikes.
CHASKA YODER (Plain City, OH/ Eastern Mennonite University ’14)
Originally from Plain City, OH, Chaska made Harrisonburg, VA her home for the last four years, as a Social Work student at Eastern Mennonite University. Chaska has been extremely involved on campus, having been a member of the Admissions Office staff, EMU’s Summer Conference staff, Residence Life staff, and Campus Ministries staff and participating in intermurals and Women’s Soccer, to name a few. Chaska has spent time abroad, including a cross cultural semester in the Middle East. During any spare time that is left, you might find Chaska cooking, painting, or relaxing outside.
PHIL YODER (Bird-in-Hand, PA / Eastern Mennonite University ’14)
Originally from Bird-in-Hand, PA, Phil Yoder is coming to Pittsburgh from Eastern Mennonite University. Phil has earned his degree in Biology, with an endorsement in secondary education. Phil was a student teacher this year and has also worked with youth during summer camp. On campus, Phil is a Community Advisor to those in his building. For his international studies, Phil spent a semester in South Africa and Lesotho, getting a broader international perspective. In his free time, Phil loves making music or playing any sports.
CIERA YOUNG (Columbus, OH/ Chatham University ’14)
Ciera Young, an Ohio native, has been in Pittsburgh for the last four years as a student at Chatham University. There she earned two B.A.s: one in Cultural Studies with African American Concentration, and one in International Studies with African Concentration. She also studied Film & Digital Technology. At Chatham, Ciera is a Resident Assistant, co-president of the Black Student Union, and co-chair of the Green Horizons Environmental Club, to name a few. Ciera has a number of experiences linked to public policy, to add to her resume. When Ciera is relaxing, she might be playing the violin or cello, or creating a film.