Bourne House
Kelsey Boyd
I am 21 years old and am from Andover, NJ. I recently graduated from Lafayette College in Easton, PA with a degree in Geology and Policy Studies. Before joining Americorps Cape Cod I interned for the Environmental Protection Agency in Atlanta where I worked for the Water Protection Division. The internship focused on stream testing and establishment of third party monitoring through community outreach. In addition to my love of the environment, my interests include swimming, reading, and cooking. I look forward to working on the Cape and getting to know the other Americorps members.
Rob Emmett
I am 21 years old and from Barrington, New Hampshire. I just finished my ten month commitment with AmeriCorps NCCC this past May. I love being outdoors and being active by playing sports such as baseball, basketball, disc golf, anything that gets my heart rate up. I graduated in 2008 from Coe-Brown Northwood Academy and attended Plymouth State University for a year. I intend on returning to school after AmeriCorps Cape Cod to study Environmental Science.
Katherine Houstle
I am currently 22 years old and a recent graduate of Tufts University, where I majored in Child Development and Music. In my first year of the post-college “real world,” I have worked a few odd jobs (including a 6 month stint in Disney World), done some traveling (a few weeks of Alaska in the winter to contrast the constant summer of Florida), and learned about the beauty of paying back student loans. I love living with lots of people and, although I grew up in Massachusetts, never spent that much time on Cape Cod. I am excited to live in the Bourne House working with Americorps before moving on to graduate school and wherever else my life takes me!
Stefanie Kramer
I am 25 years old and I am originally from Southern California. I recently graduated from Southern Oregon University with a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. During my time at school I became involved with Civic Engagement and Alternative Spring Break programs. Upon graduating I joined AmeriCorps Cape Cod as a member of the Year 12 corps to purse my interests in the conservation biology and volunteering. Last year was such an amazing experience that I decided to return for a second year as the member leader of the Bourne House. I am excited for a second year to continue learning about preserving the special place called Cape Cod that I have come to enjoy and appreciate.
Matthew Lepere
I’m 23 years old and from Lakeland, Florida. I graduated from Florida State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. I love to be outdoors, which is what drew me to AmeriCorps Cape Cod. I’m a second year member of AmeriCorps Cape Cod and am excited to experience another year here on the Cape. I enjoy pretty much anything outdoors, so the ability to make an impact on the environment and educate the community is much anticipated. My love for the outdoors comes from my family and my time as a Boy Scout where I earned the rank of Eagle Scout. I had so much fun last year here on Cape that I decided to sign up for a second. My experience and knowledge of the program, the Cape, and its natural resources will be an important tool not only to myself, but to my fellow members.
Ethan Moskowitz
I am from Westchester, New York. My love for the outdoors and the environment in general has been the driving force throughout most of my life. This past May I earned my B.A. in Environmental Studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida with minors in Anthropology and Spanish. My time at Eckerd and other outside work have provided me with the skills and knowledge to seriously pursue my passions. I have volunteered with other AmeriCorps programs in Kentucky and Washington, and this summer I worked in Reno, Nevada at the Galena Creek State Park.
In Florida, I worked at an organic farm as a supervisor of a recycling program. I love to explore and immerse myself in new projects. Whether hiking, biking or camping, I take advantage of the outdoors and everything it has to offer.
Meghan Quirk
I am 22 years old and hail from a western/upstate (depending on who you talk to) town in New York called Fairport. I recently graduated from Gettysburg College with a major in Anthropology and a minor in French. Community service has always been a priority in my life. I first gained an appreciation for service through the Girl Scouts. Eventually, I branched out and got involved with other communities through Group Workcamps (week long service projects which took me to KY, NH, IL, and WV) and various service projects through the coed service fraternity at Gettysburg, Alpha Phi Omega. In addition to getting involved with the community, I love to go hiking with my pup, travel with friends or family, read, play tennis, play nerdy word games, and listen to music. As a member of AmeriCorps Cape Cod Year 13, I am excited to combine my passion for service with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with various environmental issues while working with interesting people in a wonderful place!
Hallie Rajkovich
I am 23 years old and was born and raised in Idaho. I love everything outdoors: skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, camping, biking, canoeing and rafting. Some of my other hobbies include playing guitar, crocheting, playing cards, Frisbee, bocce ball, running, reading, card games, cooking and music. I recently graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science. After graduating I spent a year volunteering for AmeriCorps at the McCall Outdoor Science School in McCall, Idaho. During my year of service I was a classroom and field instructor for students in 6th-8th grade. I was responsible for the design and implementation of hands-on lesson plans in ecology, hydrology, geology, and snow science. In addition to teaching, I was taking graduate classes through the University of Idaho. I plan on returning to the U of I to finish my masters after my time on the Cape. I am looking forward to another year of service and am excited to explore the Cape and other surrounding areas.
Daniel Schell
I am a 22 year old from Sharpsburg, MD. I graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland in May of 2010 with degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies. Most recently I have served with AmeriCorps as a team leader in the National Civilian Community Corps. This program provided me with a wide variety of experiences including building houses in Baton Rouge, LA, working on a farm in Tucson, AZ, working at an outdoor education center in the Jamestown, CO, and working in Joplin, MO, coordinating volunteers and removing debris to help the community recover following the devastating F5 tornado that went through the town. When I am not working, I enjoy playing rugby, playing guitar, hiking, and reading.
Dana Sobel
Hello! I’m 23 years old, originally from New Jersey, and I just graduated from Montclair State where I studied English and journalism. After graduation I was not sure what path I wanted to travel down and since I participated in an AmeriCorps program after I graduated high school, I figured I would look into another one post college. I love the outdoors and the environment but didn’t have the chance to study it in college so AmeriCorps Cape Cod sounded like the perfect fit. In my free time I love to go see live music and have a serious passion for it. In college I got the opportunity to intern for a music magazine where I interviewed various artists and bands and had a number of articles published. I also love making jewelry, traveling and exploring. Can’t wait to gear up with Year 13!
Tom Vohoska
I am back for a second year! A big change over this past year is the fact that I now reside in Northern California which is a little farther away from the Cape compared to my old home in Arlington, MA. I earned a B.S. in environmental science from UConn (2010 national champions!) I am passionate about sports (both playing and spectating) but can honestly say I just like being outside anytime I can, especially when it involves the ocean. I also enjoy listening to music, reading and laughing. I have experienced a lot in the past year on Cape Cod and look forward to discovering more adventures that is has to offer. I guess working with some great people in Year 13 will not be bad either.
Hannah Court
I am 23 years old and from Burlington, Vermont. I graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in Environmental Studies and minors in Anthropology and Global Studies. I love hiking, fishing, snowshoeing and anything else that involves being outdoors and was fortunate to live in a community that encouraged these activities from a young age. I spent two summers working as a summit caretaker on the beautiful Mount Mansfield educating the public while helping protect rare alpine vegetation. My two other life passions are traveling and baseball. I love to experience other places and cultures while having fun adventures. I am excited to be a member of AmeriCorps Cape Cod and look forward to working in such an amazing place.
Janet Zarate
Hi there! I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. In this beautiful area I had the opportunity to engage with the outdoors through: hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, and snowboarding. Thus, the roots of my commitment to preservation and conservation were formed. Recently, I graduated from Swarthmore College with degrees in Engineering and Gender and Sexuality Studies. Through my Engineering degree, I have learned methods for environmental monitoring and ways to create more sustainable communities. This summer I had a wonderful experience working for Utah Conservation Corps and developed interests in running, drawing, photography, and knitting. Additionally, I became hopelessly addicted to ice cream. I am looking forward to continuing my great AmeriCorps experiences with AmeriCorps Cape Cod.
Wellfleet House
Ruby Buchholtz
Howdy, I am a 25 year old adventure seeker, and I am about to start my next big adventure with AmeriCorps Cape Cod. I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, where I attended the University of Oregon and graduated in Environmental Sciences. After graduation, I joined my first term of AmeriCorps in Trout Lake, Washington where I was part of the Fuels Reduction crew, which really just means I got to use a chainsaw all day removing invasive trees from a National Wildlife Refuge which was awesome. Shortly after finishing up in Washington I took a crew supervisor position in Nevada. For the last year and a half I have been working throughout the state in some pretty spectacular places. In a few days I will embark out east to meet my fellow crew members and staff, let the adventure begin!
Matthew Cannon
I am 22 years old and from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where I have lived my entire life. I enjoy playing sports such as: hockey; lacrosse; and squash as well as numerous outdoor activities including: surfing, swimming, sailing, and biking. My love of the outdoors, particularly the beach, coincides with my past employment and hopefully future opportunities. I have taught surf lessons and surf camps, and I have worked at a beach club for seven years — working as a cabana-boy, bus-boy, and security guard.
In regards to service, I have been involved in community service ever since high school where I was involved with coaching youth hockey and teaching kindergarten. At Connecticut College, I was involved in community development as a mentor for underserved, inner-city youths. My summer internship in 2010 at the Attorney General’s Office of Rhode Island piqued my interest in environmental advocacy. I attended judicial hearings regarding offshore wind farms and researched the adverse effects of Liquefied Natural Gas in Narragansett Bay. As a double major in Sociology-based Human Relations and Government, my interests are far-reaching but my love of the environment, its sustainability, and our duty to protect it has pushed me to become involved in AmeriCorps Cape Cod and I cannot wait to do my part!
Andrea Cook
I am a Midwesterner at heart. I have lived in Wisconsin/Minnesota for my whole life. I am 25 years old and have spent the last 7 years in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Engineering. After my final semester, I spent a month in Uganda implementing a water system at Hope Integrated Academy through Engineers Without Borders. This trip affirmed my desire to help people who might not have the resources to help themselves. I learned a lot through my time there and am excited for the experiences I will have in Massachusetts with AmeriCorps. I love having fun outside… biking, volleyball, basketball, rollerblading, hiking, sightseeing… pretty much anything. I am also a big fan of Italian and Mexican food but am ready to add seafood to my list. Visiting new places and traveling is also something I love but haven’t done much of lately; I have never been to Massachusetts, so I’m ready to explore. My favorite place to spend time is at my cabin with my family and our dogs in northern Wisconsin.
Benjamin Fairbank
Originally from Hamden, CT and a lifelong summer visitor of North Eastham, I am embarking on this year of service in the tradition of giving back to the national community. I feel very privileged that I can pursue my interests and use my experience in Cape Cod and, in turn, contribute to the AmeriCorps program at large. I graduated from Skidmore College in 2008 with a major in History, later worked for the Student Conservation Association in 2009, and have been working and living on Cape Cod since 2010. I am very excited to serve the community for another year as a proud Cape Cod ‘wash-ashore.’
Eric Grazia
I am 22 years old and a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Geography. I am originally from Bethany, Connecticut. At UW-Madison I studied many different aspects of hydrology and worked for the UW-Extension Volunteer Water Monitoring Coordinator. I spent this past summer in Homer, Alaska working as a Watershed Monitoring Intern for Cook Inletkeeper. I enjoy a variety of field and lab work involved with monitoring water resources. I am also interested in how water quality can affect human health. In my free time, I like spending time outdoors running, biking, and playing basketball. I am looking forward to living on the Cape, meeting many new people, and collaborating on a variety of environmental projects!
Alexandra Heyn
I am 22 years old, and a humanitarian by nature. From my parents, a firefighter and a director of a non-profit, I gained tremendous insight and respect for those who serve. I recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Community Education, and a minor in Peace Studies and Mediation. I have been able to work with several non-profits and volunteer projects, including Invisible Children, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Rotary International, and multiple homeless and hunger task forces. I love being involved with efforts to improve communities and the lives that comprise them. From Tanzania to Milwaukee — my heart has been spread throughout each person I have been able to help, and I cannot imagine choosing a career that did not allow for an outlet to serve others. Another aspect of my life that I cannot imagine being without is water. I’ve grown up in, on, and around water of all kinds, from swimming, surfing, and boating, to working in marinas — I love it all. When landlocked, I feel like a fish out of water! Between my passion for serving and love of water, AmeriCorps Cape Cod seems like it will be the perfect fit for me!
Sarah Hildebrand
I am 22 years old, I grew up in Wantage, New Jersey and am a recent graduate of Ramapo College with degrees in Spanish and Literature and a concentration in Creative Writing. I love to travel and have been to seven countries since the start of my undergraduate career. I became interested in volunteer work after participating in an Alternative Spring Break Program in March of 2010, which landed me for a week in Cajolá, Guatemala, digging a water well and learning about Mayan culture. During my senior year, I was able to complete a Service-Learning project at Palisades Interstate Park, working to protect the environment. I love to be outdoors, meet new people, and experience new things. During my undergrad, I served as a Peer Writing Tutor and, most recently, as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Ramapo’s EOF Summer Program. I love to teach and hope someday to become a college professor. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, biking, hiking, and, of course, hanging out with friends. I’m looking forward to the start of a new adventure out on the Cape!
Kenneth Mullins
I am from Wilmington, North Carolina, and I graduated from NC State last May with a B.S. in Economics with an interest in environmental policy. I spent the last 10 months working for AmeriCorps NCCC in the Southwest Region based out of Denver, where I spent the majority of my service in Colorado and Arizona. NCCC was probably the best experience of my life. My projects included working in a school, traveling throughout the Arizona State Parks, and disaster response in Tuscaloosa. I am really interested in traveling and seeing different places and I play almost any sport; my goal is to complete a triathlon in the next year. I have only been to Cape Cod once, but I grew up on the beach, so I am excited about getting a chance to live on the beach again.
Mark Pfeiffer
I am from a relatively small town called Watchung in mountainous area of New Jersey. Though I was only 45 minutes from the shore, I couldn’t get enough of the water. I was delighted to study at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island and have received a B.A. in Graphic Design and minors in Marine Biology and Communications. I didn’t wander too far and shortly after I became a design intern for (Add)Ventures: an advertising agency based in Providence, RI. However, another one of my most treasured experiences was working at the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Prudence Island, RI which is only accessible by ferry! I lived on the reserve for half a year designing educational materials and assisted researchers in the estuaries with their projects. I enjoy telling others that what I do is the best of both worlds: designing and helping the environment by getting out in the field. I guess you can say that I consider myself a graphic designer with an environmental focus. That means that I still love to get my boots muddy when I am out of the office. I hope to share my passion of the environment with my fellow AmeriCorps members and the Cape Cod community! I am very pleased to be returning for another productive year of service at ACC!
Nichole Proctor-English
I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Political Science and International Studies. Growing up in the bustling, sprawling city of Phoenix, I would frequently take refuge in the vast and arid expanses of the Arizona desert. It was during these forays into the wild that I developed a reverence and appreciation of the natural world and discovered my connection to it. In my academic life, I was able to investigate policy issues in a global context, but the policy issues related to the environment and sustainability were of particular interest to me. AmeriCorps Cape Cod presented me the opportunity to join my academic interests with my robust passion for nature while acquiring hands on experience and skills at a local level.
Outside of academia, I can be found running, hiking, camping, reading, thinking about life, drinking coffee, eating vegetarian food, learning how to live sustainably and finding joy in the simple things.
Matthew Sienkiewicz
I am a 21 year old from Metropolitan Detroit where I attended the University of Michigan. I graduated in April 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in History. My interest in the program stems mostly from my experience in Boy Scouts with whom I earned an Eagle Scout award. I spent a lot of time in a number of different wonderful environments through scouting. I backpacked in New Mexico, canoed in Northern Canada, and scuba dived in the Florida Keys. Unfortunately, the one thing that seemed to tie them all together is that they were all in some sort of danger. After three years in college I am ready to get away from school for a while and do something with my hands to help — in what small way I can — to alleviate some of the dangers that our environments face. Outside of school I enjoy running and ran the Detroit Marathon this past October, which was a challenging (to put it mildly) experience. I also volunteered in the Public Defender’s office for Washtenaw County.
Michael Sousa
I am 23 years old and recently graduated from Bridgewater State University, in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. I majored in Earth Sciences with aspirations to become a middle school teacher. I have been volunteering my entire collegiate life with a particular interest in environmental conservation, although helping anything or anyone in any way I can, I feel, is my calling in life. I have done an AmeriCorps program before and have volunteered out of the country. I can’t get enough of volunteering and especially when it is paired with anything outdoor related, you can bet I will be signing up! Despite living so close to Cape Cod, I have very little knowledge or experience of the area. I am unbelievably excited to meet all the wonderful people in our home in Wellfleet and begin aiding the Cape in any way possible. I could not be more elated to be serving in AmeriCorps again!
Ally Taveniere
Hi my name is Ally, not short for Allison or Alexandra, but despite my birth name, my friends still insist on calling me Allison. I grew up in Rhinebeck, NY, for those unfamiliar with the town, it is where Chelsea Clinton had her wedding. I recently graduated from SUNY Geneseo, where I majored in Psychology and minored in Studio Art. During my undergraduate work I immersed myself in my major by sitting on the e-board of the psychology club and by becoming a member of Psi Chi National Honor Society. I also co-coordinated H.E.R.O.S. (Higher Educational Resource Opportunities in our Schools) mentoring program where we coordinated the match between a college student and a local high/middle school student. Additionally, I was involved in other volunteer organizations and activities. In my time outside of class, I attended many on-campus lectures and movies, spent time with my friends and family, read, made jewelry, practiced yoga, enjoyed numerous cups of coffee, and explored new areas. I love to travel, and spent a summer studying abroad in Amsterdam. Since my graduation in May 2011, I have taken time to slow down and enjoy my time traveling to different beaches, seeing exhibits, and working as a hostess. I am excited to continue my commitment to service, explore a new area, and start out on a new journey with all of you.
