Americorps*VISTA Alumni
 |
Hollie Adair Instructional Development Coordinator, Phoenix School (August 2004-2005) |
Hometown: Enderlin, North Dakota
Before becoming a VISTA: Graduated with a degree in secondary education; student taught in Ireland and the Czech Republic.
Joined VISTA because: She wanted to help out a community.
Hobbies: Volleyball, being a chocolate connoisseur, making up words to songs she doesn't know.
 |
Jeff Akins Resource Developer, UCAN South Service Center (January 2007-2008) |
 |
Nikki Bernier Post-Graduation Transition Program Coordinator, Phoenix School (August 2004-2005) |
Hometown: Homewood, Illinois
Before becoming a VISTA: Graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Family Studies
Joined VISTA because: She wasn't ready for graduate school.
Hobbies: Line dancing, crafty-type things, a mean game of croquet.
|
Benjamin Brady Education Development Coordinator, Douglas County Museum January 2007-2008 |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? New Hampshire
Why did you choose VISTA service? I wanted to give New England a break for a year.
Hobbies: I like to ride my bicycle.
 |
Matthew Braun Resource Developer, Phoenix School of Roseburg January 2007-2008 |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? West Lafayette (Purdue University), IN
Why did you choose VISTA service? I wanted to gain some non-profit work experience while contributing to the sustainability of a meaningful project in rural Oregon.
Hobbies: cooking, fishing, reading, martial arts, film
Email: mbraun@roseburgphoenix.com
 |
Johanna Brezina Resource Developer/Volunteer Coordinator, Casa de Belen January 2007-2008 |
 |
Gabriel Burian-Mohr "Oregon Crafted" Coordinator, Umpqua Valley Arts Association January 2007-2008 |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Brooklyn, New York
Why did you choose VISTA service? Work in a rural area, for an arts organization that's mission is to train artists/artisans on how to promote and sustain themselves through their art. The job would offer plenty of grant writing , promotion, etc. experience. In your off time you would have one year to really focus on your own work, peruse various hobbies, build a very strong body of work and self-promotion strategy. You would probably have less contact with the veins of contemporary art that you are familiar with *read: probably no sound-art. The closest major-ish city would be about 100 miles away, though, you would have a car, so, on occasion you could venture to that city for an outing or whatever. You would be in an extremely beautiful foresty area, so, if the urge struck you, you could hike, camp, maybe fish?! You wouldn't really know anyone there. The weather would be mild, but, dark and rainy part of the year.
Email: gabriel@uvarts.com
 |
Regina Castellon |
|
Sam Engel Food Bank Outreach Coordinator, Josephine County Food Bank January 2007-2008 |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? I didn't have to relocate, I just applied to a promising-looking job in the newspaper that described helping people in Josephine County meet their food-security needs.
Why did you choose VISTA service? To be cliche, because I want to help. Its true, I want to help people now, and VISTA is providing me with training and experience that I'll be able to use to help people and communities in the future.
Hobbies: I'm an avid reader and I love the out-of-doors in general. Snowboarding, gardening, kayaking, hiking, backpacking and the like. Funny, I don't really like books about the outdoors... I also play a lot of cards and spend a lot of time fixing up my house.
Email: hms.engel@gmail.com
 |
Evan Fransted UCAN Head Start |
 |
Lynn Frost Resource Developer, UCAN Head Start |
 |
Krystal Gauthier-Bell Great Afternoons |
 |
Sarah Gibbs Phoenix School |
 |
Maxine Gish VISTA Team Leader (August 2006-2007) |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Been in Roseburg for the last twenty years, Minneapolis before then.
What do you feel best about having accomplished while serving with our team? My VISTA Project. I wrote a 200-page manual on business practices for child care providers.
What are you doing now? As little as possible. Catching up on my reading, fixing up the house with paint, and stain, etc.
 |
Erin Greever Douglas C.A.R.E.S. |
 |
Al Jenkins Life Skills Coordinator, Phoenix School (August 2003-2005) |
Hometown: Roseburg, Oregon
Before becoming a VISTA: Earned his Masters Degree in School Counseling; owned a restaurant and tavern in Eugene.
Joined VISTA because: He wanted to work with at-risk youth.
Hobbies: Building, working on cars, racing his truck, spending time with his kids.
 |
Seth Kirby Volunteer Coordinator, Umpqua Community Action Network |
 |
Kristen Lie Resource Developer, Umpqua Community Action Network (January 2004-2005) |
"It's been good meeting with you, and I hope that you don't feel that you've wasted your time. I leave you with this pen."
Actually, I leave the team with this website. Which will definitely waste someone's time. (Editor's note: The website has undergone a major renovation to relect the changes and growth of the program and to integrate with the rest of UCAN's site, but much of Kristen's work was incorporated into the new site. We miss the white bowl with the blue lid, Kristen.)
 |
Harvey Lopez Outreach Coordinator, Umpqua Community Action Network |
 |
Lauren Marshall Mentoring Program Developer, UCAN Transitions (August 2003-2004) |
I was raised in Eugene and moved to Roseburg after high school to play basketball for Umpqua Community College. I'm finishing my Bachelors in Sociology with a minor in Journalism from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. I have one brother, Evin, who is 27, and one sister, Carley who is 23. I joined AmeriCorps*VISTA to give back to my community and help the underserved.
I am developing a mentoring program that will benefit both current and past Transitions Programs participants. The goals of Wise Women are to broaden participant support systems, encourage personal growth and professional development, and foster positive and healthy learning relationships for our participants.
Wise Women will initially focus on participants transitioning to Umpqua Community College after completing their GED and/or graduating from a Confidence Clinic session. We will establish a peer mentoring community on campus in order to maintain the clinic connection created during participant's time in the day program. We will offer career support by developing a network of community professionals willing to donate their time and expertise.
 |
Patrick Meehan Post Graduation Transitions Coordinator, Phoenix School |
 |
Lupita Mendez Transition Coordinator, Umpqua Training & Employment and Umpqua Community College |
 |
Jessica Milligan |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? I moved from Severna Park, Maryland, although I had been living in Delaware for the last four years, going to school.
Why did you choose VISTA service? I chose to become a VISTA because I was interested in working at a non-profit, but knew I needed more experience to get into the field. VISTA provided a great opportunity to learn important skills like management, program development, and grant writing necessary to be hired on at a non-profit. Also, it was the perfect opportunity to move across the country, live in a rural community, and have an adventure for a year.
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, camping, traveling, taking road trips, planning more traveling.
 |
Emily Molter National Forest Service (August 2005-2006) |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Lafayette, Indiana
What do you feel best about having accomplished while serving with our team? Attempting to implement more education programs with the Forest Service.
What are you doing now? AmeriCorps Northwest Service Academy in Ashland, OR with Klamath Bird Observatory as a Wildlife Education Specialist and looking for a job because my service is almost over
 |
Kelsey Olson Life Skills Coordinator, Phoenix School |
 |
Heather Orchard Volunteer Coordinator, Family Development Center (August 2004-2005) |
Hometown: Boise, Idaho
Joined VISTA because: "I would like to gain the experiences and skills necessary for me to be a great social worker, mother, and member of a community."
Hobbies: Going to the beach, reading, playing Playstation, hiking, playing with my dog Sol.
What do you feel best about having accomplished while serving with our team? Helping develop a sustainable volunteer program for the Family Development Center.
What are you doing now? Graduate Student at OSU. Will be receiving a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling. Also working as a Skills Trainer at Old Mill Center for Children and Families.
 |
Haley Overton Boys & Girls Club (January 2005-2006) |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Dallas, TX
What do you feel best about having accomplished while serving with our team? I was proud of myself for moving so far away from home and actually making my own life in Oregon. While I was a VISTA I helped with the Club’s capital campaign and I started the Winemaker’s Dinner fundraiser.
What are you doing now? I am still at the Boys & Girls Club as the Marketing & Resource Development Coordinator. I write grants, and produce all Club newsletters, flyers, and press releases. I also plan three major fundraising events and one community event with the help of event committees.
Email: If anyone would like to e-mail me I would prefer they get my address from Jane.
Picture: Look in the dictionary under Awesome! Just Kidding...
 |
Roger Proctor Research/Outreach Coordinator, Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network (January 2004-2005) |
I've been a resident of Douglas County for over 51 years now. I've attended Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, OR and Portland Community College in Portland, OR. I'm married with four grown children and I'm currently doing my VISTA project at Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network. I have enjoyed the challenge of my project and feel honored to be a team member of such prestigious orgainzations as AmeriCorps* VISTA and UVDN.
My project is to research rural Douglas County's disability populations and services to determine the disability needs in areas including North County, South County, and Reedsport. After assessing the disability needs in these communities, we will work to implement the appropriate new programs.
 |
Emily Reiman VISTA Team Leader (August 2004-2005) Post-Graduation Transition Program Coordinator, Phoenix School (August 2003-2004) |
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
Before becoming a VISTA: Worked in research at Project Vote Smart, a non-partisan voter information agency.
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, baking, and horseback riding when I get the chance.
 |
Emily Rhyner VISTA Team Leader, Umpqua Community Action Network (August 2005-2006) |
 |
Jill Rosinsky Volunteer Manager, Umpqua Community Action Network |
|
Joseph Schulz Volunteer Management Coordinator, UCAN South Service Center January 2007-2008 |
 |
Evelyn Smith (August 2006-2007) |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Ann Arbor, Michigan
What do you feel best about having accomplished while serving with our team? Increasing awareness of the needs in South County.
What are you doing now? Moving back to my home state of Michigan, researching graduate schools, and pursuing a yoga therapist’s certification.
|
Nancy Hope Southerland Food Security Coordinator, UCAN Head Start (August 2007-2008) Food Security Coordinator, UCAN Head Start (August 2006-2007) |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Roseburg already--Native Californian born and raised.
Why did you choose VISTA service? Applied to Peace Corps but family situation made that impossible at this time, desired to do more Volunteer Service.
Hobbies: Gardening & Master Gardener volunteer, Clay (trainee) making things for my community gardens and self with clay, reading & PBS, facilitating my CALM classes to a homeless women's shelter in Roseburg.
Email:nancy.southerland@ucancap.org
 |
Caitlin Standish Family Development Center |
 |
Kimberly Stapleton Volunteer Coordinator & Fundraiser, Safe Place for Kids (August 2004-2005) |
Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana
Before becoming a VISTA: Graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Art (Pottery)
Joined VISTA because: To explore the non-profit sector a bit; Kimberly hopes to "gain the sense of accomplishment that comes with creating an effective program.
 |
Sherry Theroux Volunteer Coordinator & Fundraiser, Douglas C.A.R.E.S. |
Hometown: Drain, Oregon
Before becoming a VISTA: Sherry has over twenty years of experience in various non-profit and social service fields and as a community volunteer.
Joined VISTA because: She thought it would be a good chance to put her volunteer experience to work!
Hobbies: Volunteering, helping others, spending time with her kids
 |
Adrienne Trunk |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? Denver, CO
Why did you choose VISTA service? Because serving as an education outreach coordinator at a museum in my home state of Oregon was an opportunity I could not pass up. My background is in museum education and my goal in joining VISTA was to make alternative learning (i.e. outside the classroom) not only available, but also engaging for Douglas County kids.
Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, hiking, camping, playing board games (Scrabble & Mahjongg are favorites), movie-watching, etc.
 |
Anne Tyler "Oregon Crafted" Coordinator, Umpqua Valley Arts Association |
 |
Jeannetta Wilde Fundraiser Coordinator, Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network (January 2004-2005) |
I'm the Fundraiser Coordinator for Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network. My job is to raise money for people with disabilities, whether it is a noticeable disability or a hidden disability. I coordinate disability awareness activities and major fundraisers such as the Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction in the spring. I am also responsible for the quarterly newsletter, pictures, advertisement, developing the draft and editing the newsletter. If you have an article or advertisement that is disability related and would like it to possibly be put into our newsletter please contact me at work. (Editor's note: Jeanetta is a past VISTA and no longer at Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network)
|
David Zeman Poverty Educator, Umpqua Community Action Network January 2007-2008 |
 |
Maggie Zeman Outreach Coordinator, Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley January 2007-2008 |
Where did you move from to serve in Douglas County? I'm from Virginia but had been living in Cleveland OH for the last year and a half.
Why did you choose VISTA service? David [Maggie's husband - above] and I were drawn to the idea of volunteering for a year and helping those in need through non-profit work. I am planning on getting my masters degree and teaching licensure after VISTA, so I was very interested in a position that dealt with children.
Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, hiking and camping, bird watching, cinema, and music.
Email:maggiehalpern@hotmail.com