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Where did you graduate from? I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a B.A. in Religion and Luther Seminary, an M.A. in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
Tell us a fun facts about yourself! I currently live in South Minneapolis with my dog, Oliver. I have lived/studied abroad in three different countries; Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Argentina. Living abroad gave me the opportunity to travel extensively all over the world. Day to day, I enjoy spending my time cooking, working in my yard, walking around the lakes in Minneapolis, and reading.
Why did you want to work as the McVay Coordinator? I really enjoy working with youth, so the title of the position got my attention right away! I connected with the threefold vision of the McVay Youth Partnership:
To offer leadership and mentoring opportunities to undergraduate students
To offer a safe and welcoming place for all youths
To assist urban churches in serving their neighborhoods.
The dynamics of the partnerships that make up the McVay Youth Partnership were very intriguing to me. I think I was drawn to this position because it seemed to bring together pieces of my past work experiences at summer camps, in church settings, school settings, and even in aquatics, as a swim teacher and coach. I knew this would be work I deeply valued, that it would be impactful on individuals and communities in the moment, but also into the future and that was important to me. I felt energized by the opportunities of working in this role! I am very happy to be getting started here.
What are some plans you have for the McVay program or future goals you would like to accomplish? One of my goals for the McVay Youth Partnership program is to continue to evolve the program so that the threefold vision of this program remains active, important, and impactful to everyone involved. I'm inspired by the possibilities of what could be for the future of the McVay Youth Partnership program. I am eager to collaborate with students, youth participants and their families, Wesley Center staff, and church partners in what we envision for the program and bring to life. For now I'm excited to keep learning more, experience the summer activities and getting to know all the wonderful people, past and present, involved with McVay programming.
Anything else you would like the community to know about you? I'm so grateful for the warm welcome I have received since starting at Hamline as the new McVay Youth Partnership Coordinator. It has been wonderful getting to know staff and students as they teach me all the things I need to know as I get started.
Anything else you would like to share? I've been known for keeping chocolate in my office, so if you're around please stop by to get a piece of chocolate and to say hi!