Samantha R.
Serving with the Beverly Heritage Center!

I am originally from Olney, Maryland. I graduated in 2020 from the University of Mary Washington with a major in Historic Preservation and a minor in Museum Studies. I wanted to join AmeriCorp to gain more experience in the field of Historic Preservation, meet new people, and experience all that West Virginia has to offer.

Adam O.
Serving with the Beverly Heritage Center!

I am from Middleboro Massachusetts and last year I graduated from St. Olaf College in Minnesota with a degree in history. I spent the past year managing the used and antiquarian department of an independent bookstore on Cape Cod. I am looking forward to serving with the Beverly Heritage Center. I am also looking forward to exploring the historic and natural beauty of West Virginia. I was given a national parks passport when I turned 11, and have made it a life mission to visit and collect stamps from as many parks as I can.

Amylynn E.
Serving with the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge!

I’m originally from Chicago but have spent the past few years exploring the hills of Arkansas. I recently graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science and a minor in Chemistry. Hiking, taking photos, knitting, reading, and playing Dungeons & Dragons are my favorite pass-times. I’m excited to work and play in the Mountain State!

Ellen W.
Serving with Monongahela National Forest!

Hi! I’m Ellen and I just graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors' in Environmental Studies. I spend most of my days outside hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. But I'm also a huge nerd who loves playing video games and reading fantasy novels. Hoping to go to Graduate School after getting a few years of experience, excited to be joining the AFNHA team.

Kaitlyn O.
Serving with the Nature Conservancy!

Hello! My name is Kaitlyn and I’m from Southeastern Wisconsin. I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a bachelors in biology and a minor in environmental science/sociology. I’m excited to get hands on experience in the field of conservation and to get to explore West Virginia!

Shefa B.
Serving with the Hardy County Convention and Visitors Bureau!

Born in The Bronx, raised in Connecticut, I spent 20 years living, working, and raising my family in Washington, DC before moving to Hardy County WV in 2018. I spent nearly 30 years as a youth development and program professional, including posts as Director of Programs, Mission Director, and Chief Executive Officer. Now I am serving the country as a community organizer using personal narratives, local heritage, and tourism to develop grassroots community portraits. Besides all that, I have 4 grown children, 2 grandbabies, and I LOVE living in WV with my goats, sheep, ducks, chickens, Guinea fowls, dogs and cats.

Josh W.
Serving with Elkins-Randolph County Public Library!
Josh Wanstreet is serving at the Elkins-Randolph County Public Library in Elkins, WV. His primary project is digitizing material from the library's West Virginia collection and making them available to the public on the library's website as well assisting with planning live music events during 2023. Josh is a 2007 graduate of Fairmont State University where he majored in Sociology. His previous work experience has included serving in the US Air Force from 1997-2003, teaching online high school, working as an interpretive park guide for the National Park Service, substitute teaching, serving as an AmeriCorps Vista at YouthBuild North Central West Virginia and serving as an AmeriCorps member with Appalachia Health Corps and the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia. Josh’s interests include playing guitar, fiddle, and banjo, kayaking, and improving his cooking skills.

Griffin N.
Serving with the Beverly Heritage Center!

I’m from Morgantown WV, and graduated in May 2022 from West Virginia University with majors in Sculpture and Art History. I enjoy many types of arts & crafts, but work most with quilting and recycled plastics. I’m excited to get hands-on experience in the museum field at the Beverly Heritage Center before I go on to grad school. I’m also excited to get connected with the local Elkins artist community and participate in more shows and events. I’m looking forward to my year living and working in the Potomac Highlands and all it has to offer!

Ezmie T.
Serving with the Monongahela National Forest!

My name is Ezmie Trevarrow and I’m serving with the Forest Service as the North Zone Interpreter on the Monongahela National Forest providing education and outreach support. I’m from Eugene Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s in biology and a minor in chemistry. Since graduating I have worked on natural resource projects in California and Georgia and am looking forward to exploring the Appalachians and east coast more.

Isabela P.
Serving with Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

I am originally from Washington, Pennsylvania and I recently graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA with a Bachelor's in Biology and Environmental Science and Sustainability. I have spent the last 6 months completing my first AmeriCorps term at Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Guys Mills, PA. I loved my time there so I am excited to continue working with the National Wildlife Refuge System at Canaan Valley NWR. In my free time I enjoy kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding, so I can't wait to explore all that the area has to offer!

Maddy F.
Serving with Camp Pioneer and the Randolph County Museum

I grew up in Green Bank, West Virginia. After studying abroad in Ireland and graduating from Shepherd University in August 2022, I wanted to pursue hands-on opportunities in the cultural heritage and history fields beyond the classroom before continuing my studies. In my spare time I enjoy creative writing, digital art, long walks, and playing video games. I’m eager to put my love of history and heritage, as well as my creative passions, to work in serving my sites and the community. I’m also so excited to explore more of my Appalachian home while learning all I can from my AmeriCorps experience!

Kristin W.
Serving with ArtSpring and Alpine Festival

I grew up most of my life in the Appalachian Mountains. Originally from Allegany County, MD, I have lived in Tucker County, West Virginia for the past decade as a traveling art teacher in Garrett County, MD. Prior to living here, I attended Maryland Institute College of Art and studied traditional methods of printmaking, painting, and bookmaking in Florence, Italy. In 2006 I earned a BFA in Printmaking and Painting and a MAT in Art Education from Frostburg State University in 2010. I have worked at non-profits in the Washington DC area, taught ESL in South Korea, and taught art in multiple capacities in MD, WV, and NC. I am also a visual artist and I am consistently inspired by the richness of Appalachian Culture and the breathtaking beauty of our natural environment. To me, there is no place like home in Appalachia.

Hannah I.
Serving with the Monongahela National Forest!

My name is Hannah Imhoff and I am the Watershed AmeriCorps member serving with the Greenbrier Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest. I have a BS in Environmental Science and Policy with a concentration in Wildlife Ecology and a BA in Studio Art from the University of Maryland. Since graduation I have worked in trail maintenance, field research, and wildlife rehabilitation. During my service term I will be assisting with stream restoration, monitoring efforts, and outreach events. A large focus of my position will be aiding in a successful river snorkeling season to expose others to the wonders of our forest's watersheds.

Sarah M.
Serving with AFNHA, Appalachian Forest Discovery Center

I'm currently serving with AFNHA in their Appalachian Forest Discovery Center museum. I have a degree in Music from Radford University in Virginia and a passion for folk art. I am excited to gain experience in the world of museums, public history, and interpretation during my time serving with AFNHA. Also, as a native West Virginian that has lived in several places across the state, I am excited to live in a new area of the state and connect with the local community!

Sam LaFerriere
Serving with AFNHA Recreation

Hi! I’m Sam, and I’m from Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from Ball State University’s animation program, I joined AFNHA AmeriCorps to explore humanity’s relationship with the environment and push myself to have more effective conversations about climate solutions through my art. So far Elkins has been comfortably outside my comfort zone, and I look forward to learning more about the history here!