The NAPS Student Leaders are part of the CLiA Elementary Outreach Program. This group of students, led by Molly Polk, meet weekly to plan professional development opportunities for students who are interested in the field of education. These opportunities include workshops, presentations, discussions, and trainings (see the pages on Social Identity, Dr. Benson, and the Teaching Lunch for more).
Hi! I’m a sophomore from Bordentown, NJ, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I started working as a NAPS Science Fellow last semester and can truly say that it was a rewarding experience. I loved every interaction I had with the kids and teachers at Brayton. After each work day I could say that I laughed and learned something new about either myself or the kids. I look forward to working as a NAPS Student Leader this year and hope to help to create more nuanced interactions between the Williams students and the North Adams Public Schools.
ctr1@williams.edu
Hi! My name is Helene, I am from Albany, NY, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I’m a sophomore studying psychology and studio art. I love playing cello in music groups at Williams, am a member of RASAN (Rape and Sexual Assault Network), and volunteer with the Berkshire Doula Project. I worked as a NAPS Second Grade Buddy at Brayton Elementary last year and found that developing relationships with the students and teachers was a truly special way to get to know the Berkshire community outside of our “Purple Bubble.” Connecting with the kids over sandwiches and games of tag was always one of the highlights of my week! As a Student Leader for the NAPS program this year, I’m excited to spread the love and help more Williams students get involved!
hkr4@williams.edu
Hello! I’m a junior from New Haven, CT and I use she/her pronouns. I am a biology and psychology major, with an interest in neuroscience. This year I’m excited to help with research on neonatal opioid exposure and withdrawal on campus. Outside of academics, I am a member of the women’s swim and dive team, on the board of RASAN and a Junior Advisor to Willy CD. I became involved in the Science Fellow program as a first year after participating in a similar program in high school. I am grateful my work at NAPS has helped me step outside of the “Purple Bubble,” and as a Student Leader I look forward to helping other students do the same.
gcm3@williams.edu
My name is Emaun, and I use he/him/his pronouns. I am a senior majoring in chemistry and English, and I have worked in North Adams as a Science Fellow and a tutor for emerging bilingual students. Outside of teaching, I am a tour guide and work as a student ambassador for Integrative Wellbeing Services. I also love to sing; I have been a member of the Williams Octet since my freshman year. I care deeply about teaching, learning from, and empowering students with science and language. This is my first year as a NAPS student leader, and I am incredibly excited to help build a strong community of passionate, culturally responsive Williams educators!
eai1@williams.edu
Hello! My name is Taylor, I am from Boston, and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I am a sophomore, currently beginning my third semester of working as a Science Fellow. Other than NAPS SF, I also work with WRAPS and Circle of Women on campus. For me, the program provides an engaging opportunity to escape the Purple Bubble and experience an environment different than that of Williamstown. Interacting with the students and faculty at Brayton has allowed me to learn about the community through forging new relationships. Also, playing with elementary students is a very effective method of destressing. In continuing to work with CLiA this year as a NAPS Student Leader, I am excited to get more involved and help facilitate other students’ participation in the program.
tm8@williams.edu
We would also like to acknowledge our previous NAPS Student Leaders, who paved the way for our engagement with topics of equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching and who created a welcoming and dynamic team that we were invited to join.
Chris Avila '21 Izi Torres '19
Kiri Peirce '20 Emma Reichheld '19
Jacob Justh '20 Joseph Wilson '19