Twin Cities AmeriCorps Members

Emma grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota and is a proud graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College. At Gustavus, she had the opportunity to mentor a young girl from St. Peter. The relationship impacted both of them and inspired Emma to connect other Gusties to mentees through a program called Big Partner Little Partner. She is excited to continue doing work she believes in by supporting the Idealistic Mentors Initiative at College Possible. In college, Emma kept busy singing in the Gustavus Choir, working as a First-Year Orientation Leader, and studying in London and Italy. She enjoys Caribou Coffee, singing, and exploring the Twin Cities with her friends and family. Top

Claire Eder

Claire was born and raised in Evanston, Ill. where she cultivated her love for the Midwest. She ventured to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester College and graduated with a degree in Economics. The academic focus on civic engagement sparked her interest to build her relationship with the Twin Cities communities. She left the Midwest for Santiago, Chile during Spring 2010. Her internship abroad with a fair trade handicraft distributor demonstrated the value of capacity building to fight economic injustice. She is excited to join the College Possible team and build on her experiences. In her free time she enjoys swimming, experimenting in the kitchen, and dancing like there’s no tomorrow. Top

India Burton

India was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but moved to Minneapolis when she was five years old. She is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, with an undergraduate degree in child psychology and Spanish studies. She plans on pursuing a Master's degree in social work in a few years. She became interested in College Possible because of her own struggles trying to get into college, and she wants to make that process a little easier for other students. She's also very passionate about giving back to her community. In her spare time she enjoys playing sports, specifically rugby, baseball, and football, watching Minnesota sports teams, either on TV or in person, spending time with friends and family and reading. Top

Krystel Calubayan

Krystel is the events AmeriCorps member for the upcoming year and is excited to be a part of the College Possible team in St. Paul. Krystel is a born and raised Midwest girl from Maplewood, Minnesota. She is absolutely in love with the Twin Cities and is glad to start her first position after college here. Krystel graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2011 with a undergraduate degree in family social science. Becoming a non-profit events coordinator has always been one of her dreams - Krystel was an Events Intern at People Serving People and served as the Event Coordinator for the Philippine Student Association during her undergraduate studies. In her free time Krystel loves to eat sushi, try new restaurants, puppy watch, shop, drink coffee, travel and hang out with friends and family. Krystel is thrilled to see what is in store for the upcoming year and can't wait to see where College Possible takes her! Top

Paul McDivitt

Paul is a recent graduate of the College of Saint Benedict-Saint John’s University and this year’s communications AmeriCorps member. While attending CSB-SJU, Paul helped establish the Environmental Responsibility Coalition, a student documentary film team which traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark in December 2009 to film a documentary about climate change solutions. Paul’s interests include photography, filmmaking, journalism and social media. He played soccer and tennis at nearby Central High School and is excited to be back in St. Paul to serve at College Possible. Top

College Coaches

Awo Ahmed

Awo is a recent graduate from Metropolitan State University where she received a degree in biology. Awo is also a College Possible alum and is extremely grateful for the support and assistance College Possible has provided her throughout her high school and college educational endeavors. She enjoys cooking and learning different ethnic recipes from all over the world; right now she loves eating Mediterranean foods. In addition, Awo likes to play tennis because it challenges her mind and body at the same time. Awo likes to go hiking and enjoys the Minnesota parks and recreation areas. She also like to read books, in particular, legal thrillers and crime mysteries. Overall, Awo likes to explore new ideas, cultures, places, foods, and challenge herself every day. Top

Scott Broady

Scott will be a college coach at Augsburg this year. He is returning for a second year with CollegePossible after a year serving as the Events AmeriCorps member last year. After growing up in St. Louis Park he went to Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 2009 with a degree in psychology. When not working, he enjoys playing volleyball, tennis, ping pong, broom ball and many other sports. He also plays bass in the Government Subsidies, a local band. He hopes to pursue a career in college student affairs in the future.Top

Lauryn Gutierrez

Lauryn was born in Germany, and has since lived in Lakeville, St. Paul, and Duluth, Minnesota, on Lummi Island in Washington state, and in Hickory, North Carolina. Lauryn graduated from Macalester College in the spring of 2011 with degrees in psychology and media and cultural studies. She had an amazing experience at Macalester as she was able to pursue her passions both academically and athletically by playing soccer for the Macalester women's team. During her free time this year, you may find her kicking around a soccer ball, reading a good book, exploring Minneapolis, taking photographs, or attempting to teach herself how to play the guitar. She is thrilled to serve with College Possible because of the opportunity to be surrounded by a team of talented and motivated people that strive to impact youth in positive ways! She believes that accessible, personal support is critical for a healthy transition to life beyond high school, and she is excited to be serving as a college coach for the next year! Top

Molly Ladwig

Molly is excited to serve with College Possible as a technology-based college coach this year! Molly grew up in Shakopee/Savage, Minnesota (literally as her yard is split by the border) and she recently graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a concentration in media studies. Molly is a low-income, first generation student and a TRiO (Upward Bound, Student Support Services and McNair) alumni. She was very fortunate to be involved in programs similar to College Possible to support her and help her succeed when she was going through school. Molly is passionate about helping people and some day plans to pursue a MA or PhD in psychology, counseling, or social work. Molly loves photography, learning about other cultures, traveling, and trying new things. During college Molly had the opportunity to travel to eight different countries over six months and says it was amazing! Spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, yoga, video games, and doing anything artsy are some other things she enjoys in her free time. Top

Nora Leinen

Nora hails from Rapid City, South Dakota in the beautiful Black Hills. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Nora loves living in Minneapolis and in her spare time, she enjoys biking, picnics, and swimming. Nora also loves to cook and bake - pie is her specialty - hang out with friends, read books in dusty coffee shops, and watch really terrible movies. Nora spent her collegiate career at three different universities and had a great time trying new things until she found the place she was happiest. Nora's time in college allowed her to grow and explore. Nora can’t wait to start her second year with College Possible as a college coach at the University of Minnesota! Top

Fatima Omar

Fatima grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is a 2007 graduate of Roosevelt High School. She attended St. Olaf College where she received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology/anthropology and American racial multicultural studies with a concentration in Africa and the Americas. In college, Fatima was a resident assistant and director of a mentoring and empowerment program called Reaching Our Goals that served Latino youth in grades 6 through 12. As a College Possible alum, Fatima is grateful for the impact the program has made on her life and is excited to have the opportunity to give back to College Possible. Fatima also volunteers at the Somali Community Center as a youth counselor. There she develops and implements educational, recreational, and skill-building activities for Somali youth. Family is the most important part of her life but she does manage to make time to shop, travel and play with puppies. Top

Mai Chong Vang

Mai Chong is from Schofield, Wisc. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where she studied business administration with an emphasis in finance. She loves watching the Packers play, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. She also enjoys traveling and hopes to travel globally one day. During her college years, she was involved with student organizations on campus and fell in love with the positions and tasks she took on. She realized that she would rather event plan for her student organization than study, and with the advice and encouragement of her advisor, decided she wanted to pursue a career in student affairs. She wanted to be a part of College Possible because she knew it would give her great higher education work experience and a chance to help students have a successful college experience like she did. She used to live in St. Paul when she was younger, so she is excited to return to the Twin Cities and be a part of the College Possible team! Top

Kou Vue

Kou is from West St. Paul. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School in 2006. Kou attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 2010 with a degree in global studies. In his free time, he enjoys playing all kinds of sports, especially basketball, volleyball, and badminton. He also enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing, and reading. In the future, he would like to attend graduate school and someday attain his PhD. Kou is looking forward to having an awesome year with College Possible! Top

High School Coaches - Junior Cohorts

Kumar Balasubramanyan, Robbinsdale Cooper High School

Kumar will be working as a junior coach at Robbinsdale Cooper High School this upcoming year. He was born and raised in St. Paul, Minn. and would consider himself an avid fan of all things Minnesotan. Kumar attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. where he studied history and exercise science (kind of a funky mix, but he really enjoyed the wide scope). During his time at St. Olaf, Kumar was fortunate enough to spend a month in Malta teaching English to African refugees, which opened his eyes to the joys of teaching. Kumar loves staying active and is particularly drawn to almost any team sport. Kumar is extremely excited to develop new relationships with both his fellow AmeriCorps members and the students he will be working with. Top

Denise Brown, Patrick Henry High School

Denise is very happy to be serving as a junior coach at Patrick Henry High School this year. Denise grew up in Yorba Linda, California, but Minnesota feels like her second home; she earned her degree in French education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. in 2009. Denise loves to travel and learn about languages and culture. She has been lucky to travel to numerous countries on six continents already, including extended trips in France and Cameroon, and a teaching job in China. She also loves the arts, particularly classical music, ballet, and theatre. When Denise has free time at home, she enjoys reading and cooking. Top

Caitlin Duff, Central High School

Caitlin graduated from the University of Minnesota this spring with a degree in communication. Throughout her education she has explored different cultures, leadership, and interpersonal communication. Caitlin has been inspired and motivated by the issues and challenges surrounding the well-being of those who are at a social disadvantage. She is passionate about helping people realize the best in their self and overcome the challenges that they face. Caitlin is excited to apply the skills that she has gained through college and her passions in the classroom during her time with College Possible. Top

Kevin Finnegan, Harding High School

Kevin is excited to begin his first year as a junior coach at Harding High School. Kevin recently graduated from Macalester College, where he majored in political science, minored in education and played football, among other activities. Kevin grew up in Chicago, which has fueled his unhealthy addictions to sports and hip-hop music. Kevin also loves to travel and is passionate about equity in education. He looks for the upcoming year to further these interests, as well as spending his free time continuing to explore all the activities the Twin Cities have to offer. Top

Jared Gebel, Ubah Medical Academy & Roosevelt High School

Jared recently graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin with a degree in music and identity studies, a self-designed major. Jared grew up on a quiet farm outside New Hampton, Iowa. Jared has enjoyed working at his campus’s Volunteer and Community Service Center, and last summer he won a grant to volunteer at the administrative offices of a homeless shelter in New York City. In his spare time, Jared enjoys making and listening to music, keeping up with current events, going to museums, and exploring the great outdoors. Jared is energized to be working with College Possible for the next year, and he looks forward to learning more about students’ perspectives and helping them during this pivotal time in their lives. Top

Lindsey King, Community of Peace Academy & Como Park High School

Lindsey is excited to be serving with College Possible as a junior coach at Como Park and Community of Peace Academy. She is originally from Stillwater, Minn. and attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she double majored in Political Science and Environmental Studies and minored in Ballet. Lindsey loves to travel, and she was fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Cape Town, South Africa. After graduating in 2010, Lindsey spent a year in southwestern France teaching English at an elementary school. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, discussing politics, watching old movies, and drinking coffee with friends. Top

Leila Labyad, Patrick Henry High School

Leila is delighted to work with College Possible as a junior coach at Patrick Henry High School. She is originally from Duluth, Minnesota, and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth for two years before transferring to the Twin Cities campus where she recently graduated with a degree in global studies. Some of her favorite college memories were visiting old friends while traveling abroad in Europe and Morocco, and making new friends while completing a year abroad in Senegal, as well as a winter term in Argentina. She hopes to be able to travel much more later on in life, but for now she is looking forward to her second year of living in Minneapolis, discovering the Twin Cities, and serving with College Possible! Top

Dan Matthews, Johnson High School

Dan will be working as a junior coach at Johnson High School in St. Paul. Born in New Jersey, raised in Oklahoma, and educated in Minnesota, Dan has heard just about every distinctive accent the US has to offer, and can't wait to further immerse himself in the culture of “ufda” and hot dish! Dan graduated from Carleton College with a degree in international relations, and after a year teaching English in Spain, he is excited to be back and get more involved in the Twin Cities community. When he is not serving with College Possible, Dan loves running, snowboarding, rooting for the Philadelphia Phillies, and dominating at Mario Kart. Top

Lolita Moss, Humboldt High School

Lolita is ecstatic to be joining College Possible as a junior coach at Humboldt High School in St. Paul. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in psychology and creative writing. After one visit to Minneapolis in 2009 as an Alternative Spring Break volunteer, she immediately sensed that she would go back to "the Cities" at some point. Lolita spent the bulk of her college career working on research projects, studying abroad (twice), and doing advocacy work with STAND: A Student Anti-Genocide Coalition. Lolita is a big fan of theme parties, baking, Scrabble, and pop culture analysis of all kinds. If any music junkies have local music recommendations, please let her know! Top

Krystle Igbo-Ogbonna, Como Park High School

Krystle was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in theatre arts and communication studies. At the U, she was involved in the Multicultural Excellence Program and too many theatre productions to count! In her free time she enjoys exercising, taking African dance classes, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends! This year, she will be a junior coach at Como Park High School and is excited to work with College Possible! Top

Tenzin Nordon, Columbia Heights High School

Tenzin is the junior coach at Columbia Heights High School. Ethnically Tibetan, she was born in India and then immigrated to the US when she was 9 years old. Tenzin recently graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Biology and has been working with a program called Lamton, a mentoring and tutoring program for Tibetan high school students, since her sophomore year of college. Through this work, she has developed a sincere appreciation for role models and this has driven her to work as an College Possible coach. Tenzin hopes to be a good role model for all of her students! In her spare time, she likes to watch movies, listen to music, play Tibetan instruments, sing, read romance novels and browse the internet! Top

Lauren Peffley, Coon Rapids High School

Lauren will be serving as a junior coach at Coon Rapids High School. She graduated from Bethel University in May 2009 with a history major. While at Bethel, she played on the women’s soccer team, acted in various theatrical productions, studied abroad in Uganda and developed a serious passion for social justice. Upon graduation, she moved to India to complete an internship with International Justice Mission, and was able to help combat bonded labor slavery. She had the privilege of participating in three rescue operations, which absolutely transformed her life! Lauren is a native of Ohio and is abnormally proud of that fact. For kicks and giggles, Lauren loves playing sports, running in road races, listening to music, playing intense games of ping pong, and exploring the great outdoors! She is very much looking forward to working with high school students, because they are very excitable! Lauren likes to get excited. Top

Shanae Phillips, Bloomington Kennedy High School

Shanae attended St. Cloud State University and recently completed her Masters in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota. As a native Wisconsinite, she loves the Packers...but is also a loyal Twins fan! She thoroughly enjoys living in Minneapolis and tries to take advantage of everything the city has to offer. When she’s not with her students, you can find Shanae doing any one (or some) of the following activities: playing with her cat, attempting to cook, judging people on reality TV shows, eating Chinese take-out, catching a game at Target Field, YouTube-ing the latest funny/adorable video, or spending time with friends and family. Shanae is excited to be working as a junior coach at Bloomington Kennedy High School and is looking forward to a fun, memorable, challenging, and dynamic year with her students! Top

Laura Stittsworth, Central High School

Laura grew up and attended high school in Bemidji, Minnesota where she continued on to the University of Minnesota- Duluth. Graduating in May of 2011, she completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in communication. Along with snowboarding in the winter, she also likes to golf, play volleyball, and travel. She also enjoys meeting new people and staying active in her community. Laura believes in the importance of challenging herself, keeping an open mind, staying positive, and taking every opportunity to appreciate and learn from life. It is her mission that, through College Possible, she will be able to help students to do the same. Top

Kyle Thomas, Harding High School

Kyle is excited to serve as a junior coach at Harding High School. He is from St. Louis Park, and went to high school there as well, so serving with College Possible gives him a chance to live and work back in the Twin Cities. He graduated from The College of Wooster in Ohio, where he majored in political science, and minored in communication studies. In his free time, he enjoys biking, running, and cross-country skiing. Kyle is also a Twins fan, so being closer to Target Field rather than “the Jake” in Cleveland is a big improvement. He loves exploring new places with friends, and hopes to get to know the Twin Cities better! Top

Shakita Thomas, St. Louis Park High School

Shakita Thomas is from Chicago, Illinois and recently graduated from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. with a degree in sociology/anthropology and educational studies. Her interests include watching documentaries, hanging out with friends, traveling and reading nonfiction books when she can. Shakita is passionate about social inequality and wants to eventually have her own nonprofit organization focused on community and economic development. She is excited to be working with young people this year at St. Louis Park High School through College Possible. Shakita is looking forward to sharing some of her knowledge and experiences with the students. Additionally, she is ready for her life to be influenced and changed through interacting and engaging with her students throughout the year. Top

Joe Thorngren, Roosevelt High School

Joe Thorngren is from Moline, Illinois. He went to the University of Iowa and majored in political science and sociology. Joe enjoys spending time on the computer, books, board games, and is an aspiring amateur chef. He hopes to learn how to fish while in Minnesota and he can't wait to spend some time out on the lakes. Joe has held plenty of Joe-jobs, but nothing he’d call a career. For the past year Joe has been waiting tables and finishing up school. He is excited to be a part of College Possible! Top

Galata Tona, Edison High School

Galata Tona graduated from Saint Cloud State University in 2011 with a double major in political science and international relations. He served on a variety of positions on campus, ranging from being a Community Advisor in the Residential Life Department to co-founding the Oromo Student Organization, and serving as vice president on the second largest student organization on campus, the African Student Association. Serving as president of the Oromo Student Organization, he brought together a student group that was in dire need of understanding of self when dealing with history and identity. Fall of his last year Galata completed his senior capstone, writing a research paper on the struggles of Oromo people in Ethiopia, the Legitimacy of the Oromo Liberation Front in Ethiopia, and the effort of the organization to be recognized as an organization seeking self-determination for the Oromo people in the international community. He also worked as a Campus Intern on the Tarryl Clark for Congress campaign serving as a liaison between students and the campaign. During his last semester he took part in the second annual Power and Diversity Conference, teaching a workshop dealing with race and the perceptions it creates in our society. Top

Al Vo, Park Center High School

Al Vo recently graduated from Augsburg College, majoring in business economics and business management. During his time there, Al played soccer for the men’s team and was a part of the coaching staff for the women’s team. He also was on the ultimate frisbee team and had a radio show. Al really enjoys music and hanging out with friends, sharing a good story and having a laugh. Al will be a junior coach at Park Center and having grown up in the northwest suburbs this will be a familiar setting for him. Al is excited to be working with students and anticipates the challenges that will present themselves as an adventure. Top

Melinda Vogel, Highland Park High School

Melinda Vogel is excited to be a junior coach at Highland Park High School. She is originally from California but spent six years of her childhood in the Twin Cities. Melinda graduated from Macalester College, where she majored in environmental studies and spent her free time baking desserts, reading, gardening and giving tours for Macalester. Melinda also has a particular weakness for deep-fried foods, which is thankfully balanced by a love of biking and swimming. Top

Eddie Weizenegger, Robbinsdale Armstrong High School

Eddie is from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, an idyllic hamlet peopled mostly by beer brewers and computer engineers. Not cut out for either of these noble callings, Eddie went west and obtained a degree in political science from Reed College in Portland, Oregon. While there, he acquired several pesky habits, a dissatisfaction with the distribution of power and opportunity in our beloved country not the least among them. Eddie is eager to work alongside individuals similarly intent on putting ideals to work for the betterment of the communities we'll become part of. His passion is politics, but Eddie also savors the outdoors, particularly backcountry camping. Eddie loves the sensation of being on the move, whether on a 1,000 mile road trip, a sturdy road bike or a buoyant raft traveling down a river. If Eddie has one conviction, it's that everything is better with the right music. Top

High School Cohorts - Senior Coaches

Maribel Andrade, Roosevelt High School

Maribel is excited to return to Roosevelt High School as a senior coach. She graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology and law studies and in Spanish language and literature. In addition to books, Sudoku puzzles, coffee shops, and outdoor activities, Maribel loves to travel! Her life goal is to visit every country in the world. So far, she has stepped foot in twelve countries, and is hoping to make Canada the thirteenth this winter! When she is not traveling or at school with her wonderful, motivated students, Maribel volunteers or just enjoys life with her family and friends. Top

Cynthia Anderson-Bauer, Columbia Heights High School

Cynthia is excited to work with the Columbia Heights seniors this year! Though she was born on the plains of South Dakota, Cynthia mostly grew up in Northern Minnesota. Cynthia likes to travel and live in different places, which led her to Maine for college where she graduated from Colby College with an English major and a religious studies minor. After college, Cynthia spent a year in Kerala, India, teaching spoken English at a girls boarding school and doing other voluntary social work. Cynthia loves thunderstorms, cooking, playing board games, and walking into random greenhouses in the dead of winter. Top

Margy Brill, Central High School

Margy was born and raised in Chelsea, a small town in Michigan. Until this year, she has lived in Michigan all her life (except for six months when she studied abroad in Aberdeen, Scotland!). This past June Margy graduated from Kalamazoo College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology, sociology, and media studies. She absolutely loved college, and her positive experience inspired her to help other individuals attain similar opportunities. Some of her favorite things include traveling, photography, meeting new people, listening to interesting stories, and drinking lots and lots of coffee. This next year will be an adventure, and she cannot wait to serve at Central High School alongside some incredible people. Top

Tim Carroll, Community of Peace Academy & Humboldt High School

Tim will be the senior coach at Humboldt High School and Community of Peace Academy. Tim has lived all over the place (five states/two countries and counting), but he fell in love with Minnesota as a student at Carleton College, where he was an American studies major, radio DJ, and sketch comedy ringleader. Tim spent the past year getting to know the Twin Cities in all their snowed-in glory, which mostly meant trying as many new foods as possible. His top five restaurants in no particular order: Black Sea, the Blue Door Pub, Cossetta, Matt's Bar, Saigon. This past year, he was the senior coach at Community of Peace Academy and Ubah Medical Academy. Now he is excited to do it all again. When he’s not hanging out with awesome College Possible students, you can find him watching movies, busing to First Avenue or the Triple Rock, or just sitting on the porch reading a book. Top

Cherkos Dessalegn, Highland Park High School

Cherkos Dessalegn was born in Mekelle, Ethiopia. Cherkos’ family moved to St. Paul, Minn in 2001, where he spent his high school years. Cherkos considers coming to America one of the highlights in his life because he was given so many opportunities for a better life. Cherkos played soccer in high school and participated in the Math Team. After graduating from Highland Park Senior High, Cherkos moved to Marshall to attend Southwest Minnesota State University. He received a bachelor's degree in finance. Economics, philosophy, history and other similar studies contributed significantly to his education and continue to interest him today. Cherkos is excited for his second year with College Possible as a senior coach at Highland Park. In his spare time, Cherkos loves to spend time with his family and friends. He also likes to read, travel, listen to music and is a fan of lifelong learning. Top

Victoria Dutcher, Harding High School

Victoria Dutcher grew up just outside of the Twin Cities in Eagan, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2010. Victoria earned a B.A in Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Deviance, and a minor in Child Psychology. Victoria loved growing up and going to school in Minnesota, and is constantly amazed by the wide array of things to see and explore in the Twin Cities! Outside of College Possible she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing soccer, running, reading, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes. This year she will be serving as a senior coach at Harding Senior High School in St. Paul! This will be Victoria’s second year at Harding, and she is so excited to return to Harding and work with the amazing group of students she coached last year during their senior year of high school. She is looking forward to serving a second year with College Possible and seeing all of the amazing things her students accomplish this year and beyond! Top

Jessica Eilbert, Amstrong High School

Jessie Eilbert is going to be serving as the senior coach at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School. Jessie grew up in Wellsburg, Iowa (a town of about 700 people), and graduated from AGWSR high school in 2006. She attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and graduated in May 2010. Jessie spent the last year in Providence, Rhode Island serving with AmeriCorps through City Year. As a City Year Corps member, Jessie served in a middle school in Providence working with 7th graders on their attendance, behavior, and coursework. It was the most rewarding job she has ever had. Jessie knew she wanted to serve another year with AmeriCoprs and College Possible seemed to be the perfect fit! One of Jessie’s passions in life is traveling. She has been very fortunate to have opportunities to see places all around the world including Thailand, Hawaii, and many countries in Europe! Jessie loves spending time with her family and friends. Jessie was very far away from them when she lived in Providence, so she is happy to be closer to them this year. Especially her 10-month-old niece, Cora! Top

D.J. Erickson, St. Louis Park High School

D.J. Erickson is a Minnesota native — born, raised, educated and employed in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. D.J. grew up in Bloomington, graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, and is excited to return to College Possible as the senior coach at St. Louis Park Senior High School. When he is not serving the amazing students in the St. Louis Park Class of 2012, you can find D.J. cooking Thai curry soup, reading a great novel, gazing at a drishti while in tree pose, or making puns. Last year, D.J. submitted ten of his favorite play-on-words to the American Pun Society National Contest, and although you'd think his chances to win were good, unfortunately no pun in ten did. Top

Abigail Malis, Harding High School

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Abigail moved out to Minnesota to attend Carleton College. At Carleton she studied religion and education (both together and separately), was a captain of the women's ice hockey team, and was active in Residential Life. In her free time Abigail loves to be with her friends, cooking, biking, and listening to books on tape. She wishes there were more time in the day for arts and crafts. Abigail is very excited to return for her second term of service with College Possible at Harding High School and her 41 Harding Seniors. She cannot wait to see all of their hard work and dedication pay off in the form of college admission and scholarships and to help get them on their way to achieving their dreams! Top

Kayte McGuire, Coon Rapids High School

As a senior coach, Kayte is excited to work with the second College Possible cohort at Coon Rapids High School! This will be Kayte's second year with College Possible. She is looking forward to reconnecting with students and staff, and helping her students get into college! In her free time, Kayte enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, running, biking, hiking, and walking her dog. Traveling is a great passion, but it usually involves visiting family across the country. Kayte received her BA in French, psychology and global studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. During the spring semester of her junior year, she studied abroad in Strasbourg, France and valued the opportunity to learn about the culture and people. Kayte also enjoyed volunteering with Habitat for Humanity during college. These experiences led Kayte to pursue work that allowed her to serve others and create meaningful and lasting relationships. After her service with AmeriCorps, Kayte hopes to pursue a masters degree in counseling or social work. She hopes to make serving others a lifelong vocation. Top

Jayden Myles, Patrick Henry High School

Jayden Myles will be serving as a senior coach at Patrick Henry High School. Jayden met some of the greatest people he will ever know while he was a senior coach at Coon Rapids High School last year and he looks forward to the new paths he will cross in the near future. Jayden is a recent graduate of Hamline University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in religion. Jayden spent four wonderful years at Hamline and it has given him the skills to better serve his community, which is his true passion. Jayden is originally from Monroe, Louisiana. Though one may think the weather in Minnesota would deter someone like Jayden, he is absolutely in love with Minneapolis, the city he now calls home. When Jayden is not at work, you may find him riding his bike around town, at a record shop digging for music, or trying out a new restaurant. Top

Lauren Nakamura, Edison High School

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lauren came to Minnesota to attend Carleton College. During her time at Carleton, Lauren studied abroad in North India, spent her summers working for educational justice organizations in New Orleans, and experienced the joys and thrills of Minnesota winters. After earning her B.A. in history, Lauren joined the CollegePossible team as a coach at Edison High School. Lauren isn't sure if she happened to score the most lovable cohort in the Twin Cities, or if she just really loves the joys and thrills of Minnesota winters, but something is really pumping her up for her next term of service. In her free time, Lauren enjoys rummaging through thrift stores, reading, and showering love and affection on her vegetable garden. Top

Sarah Rowcliffe, Robbinsdale Cooper High School

Sarah Rowcliffe graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, with a degree in child psychology. She returns toCollege Possible this year as a senior coach serving at Cooper High School. She was born in London, Ontario, Canada but was raised in Woodbury, Minn. When she's not working, Sarah enjoys going to concerts at different Minneapolis and St. Paul venues, exploring the Twin Cities, and trying out new restaurants and coffee shops. She loves listening to music, doing arts and crafts (especially sewing and scrapbooking), and reading and writing. This past summer she spent as much time as she could at the beach because she loves to swim! If you ever want to discuss Harry Potter, video games, or local music, Sarah is the one to talk to. She is very honored and excited to be serving with College Possible again this year and cannot wait for the year to start! After College Possible, Sarah hopes to continue her education by attending graduate school in the psychology field. Top

Samantha Sickbert, Roosevelt High School

Sam Sickbert will be a senior coach at Roosevelt High School this year. She is originally from Woodbury, Minn. and attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. While at St. Olaf, Sam majored in psychology and minored in American racial and multicultural studies. Her favorite experiences while at St. Olaf included playing on the women's soccer team, studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador and Sheffield, England and becoming involved in Student Government. In her spare time she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, staying active, and hanging out with family and friends. Sam feels blessed to have this opportunity to serve with College Possible and is looking forward to a great year! Top

Chelsey Tulgren, Como Park High School

Chelsey Tulgren is excited to be serving a second term as the senior coach at Como Park High School. Chelsey grew up on a small farm in Forest Lake, Minn. and graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a degree in agriculture education. She also had the chance to study abroad in France and Kenya and has since loved to dream about exploring the world. In her free time, Chelsey enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, and having fun. Chelsey is thankful to be able to spend another year with her lovely students and is excited to start! Top

David Weintraub, Central High School

David Weintraub is returning for a second year as a senior coach at St. Paul Central High School! David is originally from Boston, but has come to love his time here up in the good ole Midwest. David had some training in the Midwest lifestyle while at Northwestern University in Chicago majoring in history. David is still getting used to things like saying "pop" and people being friendly all the time, but it's not so bad after all. In his free time David loves exploring the cities, cooking, and swimming. He is really excited to work with his students and to meet another great group of AmeriCorp members! Top

Liz Wilson, Ubah Medical & Higher Ground Academies

Liz Wilson is very excited about the opportunity to return for a second year with College Possible and her amazing students! Liz grew up in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities with her parents and younger sister, so she is Minnesotan through and through. Liz graduated from Bethel University with a degree in teaching English as a second language (K-12) and a minor in Spanish. During her time in college she also studied abroad in Guatemala for a semester; she loves traveling and learning about other cultures. Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and fiancé, reading, working with kids, singing, using her Spanish, eating more than she should, and drinking coffee. She is looking forward to the year ahead with her incredible seniors! Top

Kaela Worrall, Johnson High School

Kaela Worrall will be the senior coach at St. Paul's Johnson High School. She is returning for a second year with College Possible after serving as the workshop/volunteer AmeriCorps member and interim senior coach at Highland Park High School. Kaela attended Augsburg College, graduating with a degree in psychology and law. Aside from work, Kaela's interests vary from watching movies to just hanging out with friends enjoying all that Twin Cities has to offer. After College Possible, Kaela hopes to further pursue a career in college access programming or higher education. Top

Kerry York, Patrick Henry High School

Kerry York is excited to be back for a second year with College Possible and to be a senior coach at Patrick Henry High School! She spent four years at Grinnell College in Iowa studying biology and neuroscience, but is happy to be back in the Twin Cities where she was born and raised. At Grinnell she spent her time volunteering and teaching creative writing classes at a women’s prison, working in student government and baking many, many cakes for the Cakewalk Society. Now in her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking, dancing, attending concerts, wandering around art museums, exploring the Cities and traveling. Kerry is excited about the upcoming year and grateful to have the opportunity to help Patrick Henry students earn admission to college! Top

Meet the Twin Cities Leadership Team.

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