Current Americorps Cohort

Anthony (he/him) is from Tinian, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and is excited to serve for the first time abroad in Colorado. He aspires to spread his knowledge and experience and learn new skills at the same time. Anthony is a diesel mechanic and enjoys building and riding motorcycles. This will be Anthony’s first time leaving the tropical islands and experiencing a completely different environment. Anthony is excited to meet and explore the outdoors of Colorado with new people.

Berkeley Wall (she/her) was born and raised in Virginia. Berkeley grew up in a small city called Salem, home of the minor league Red Sox—but not the witch trials—with her parents and older brothers. A recent graduate from Washington and Lee University, Berkeley received a Bachelors in Sociology and Anthropology and a minor in Poverty and Human Capability Studies. Throughout her undergraduate career, Berkeley prioritized becoming a global citizen and spent a year abroad focusing on public health, food studies, and the Spanish language, which directly lead her to serving with Alpine Achievers Initiative. This year, Berkeley will be in Alamosa working with students who speak Spanish as their primary language at Ortega Middle School and serving with AAI’s Backyard to Backcountry program on weekends. Berkeley’s passion for youth and the outdoors has taken her around the country during her collegiate summers working with summer camps, including Colorado in 2023. Eager to be back in Colorado, Berkeley is hopeful to share her knowledge and skills with Alamosa and connect with the many people of the San Luis Valley!

Catherine (she/her) is from Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands, but currently resides in Tinian, Northern Marianas Islands. She is currently working in obtaining her Bachelors of Science in Business Management and Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. She enjoys playing soccer and going outdoors with nature. Catherine is excited about serving in Colorado this year. It will be her first time experiencing the States, as she has lived her whole life in the islands. Serving and working with youth is one of her passions. Catherine hopes to gain new challenges, try new things, and to gain and build great connections with others.

Christian Parks (she/her) is a dynamic leader from Atlanta GA currently studying political science with a concentration in International Studies at Valdosta State University GO Blazers! Christian is looking forward to the role at Longfellow elementary. She is a people person and loves to lend a helping hand. Christian’s previous roles in things such as the boys and girls club and the Georgia State Capitol have prepared her for this position by building her emphasis on relationship building. Her hobbies include reading thrillers, trying new foods, and breaking down new film narratives. She is looking forward to a long-lasting career in serving her community.

Dean (they/them) is from South Texas. They are serving a second year at Creede Parks & Rec. They have always wanted to have a positive impact on youth and they are excited to continue making an impact and keep connecting with Creede youth. They have loved the opportunities they have had with the rec center, hiking, rafting, making crafts, and supporting the rec leagues and school sports teams. They are excited to meet everyone!

Diamond J. Rosales (she/her) is from Yuma, Arizona, and thinks Colorado is way too cold. She is currently in school for Business Administration at Arizona Western College. She is looking forward to returning to Salida and serving a second year with the City of Salida Parks and Recreation as well as Arkansas Valley Homeschool. Diamond también habla Español. She enjoys reading and running and is looking forward to meeting the new cohort of AAI members!

Jacquelyn “Q” Gates (she/her) was originally born in the Midwest before relocating to Los Angeles, California, where she spent several years exploring the coast and pursuing her education. She holds an AA in psychology and behavioral studies, as well as a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and is currently working towards completing her masters in Environmental Sociology.

Jacquelyn is enthusiastic about her second term with Americorps and excited to be working at the highschool in Alamosa, following a productive year with La Puente where she contributed to enhancing food access through the SLV Foodbank network and providing nutritional education to the community via the VEGI program. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys traveling, attending live music events, and immersing herself in a good book.

Jamiya Bacote (she/her) is from Atlanta,Georgia and excited to enter her second year with Alpine Achievers Initiative.Throughout her first year, she has found immense personal and professional growth as well as gaining new personal friendships. In her second year, Miya looks forward to gaining new friendships and more professional development as well as connecting with nature. She plans to learn from the people around her while aiming to contribute actively and continue her learning journey alongside fellow members.

Jess Kishbaugh (she/her) is from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and a recent college graduate. Moving to Saguache and serving with the Boys and Girls club is really exciting for Jess, who is passionate about positive youth development and community building. At Washington and Lee University, Jess Kishbaugh graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a minor in Middle East and South Asian Studies with a language emphasis. Her dedicated leadership in Student Affairs and Residential Life throughout her college experience has awarded her much experience in community programming, volunteer services, and project management that she hopes to share with her new community in Saguache. Jess is looking forward to exploring the San Luis Valley and visiting her family in Colorado since it is her first time in-state! If you are ever looking for a place of support or someone to chat comic books or art with, Jess is your person!

Sarah Shapard (she/her) grew up in Aurora, Colorado. After attending DePauw University in Indiana, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, she returned to Colorado and moved to Monte Vista to experience a slower pace of life and a more close-knit community. Sarah is a multi-disciplinary artist with interests in photography, graphic design, paper crafting, jewelry making, and more! Most recently, she has been working as the Assistant Event Coordinator for The Church Project Community Arts Center in Monte Vista, where she is able to help residents across the San Luis Valley discover their artistic potential. She is thrilled to be serving with the Valley to Valley Homeschool Program in Alamosa this year.

Sophie Jensen (she/her) is from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She recently graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a degree in Natural Sciences Biology. Sophie is currently planning on obtaining a graduate degree in Ecology. She is stoked to be serving in Salida at Crest Middle School and at the Salida Boys and Girls Club this year. She has a passion for working with others and service work. !Sophie aprendió un poco de español mientras vivía en Chile, y está muy emocionada de seguir practicándolo¡ Sophie grew up in the rocky mountains and hobbies include trail running, backcountry skiing, and mountain biking and when she isn’t outside she loves baking and cooking. She is thrilled to be close to the mountains of Colorado.

Stephanie (she/her) hails from the Northeast, specifically Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In May she graduated from Washington & Jefferson College with a degree in Psychology and Environmental Studies. She is looking forward to working at Salida Montessori School and the Boys and Girls Club this upcoming year! She is passionate about helping children learn in exciting and supported ways, and can’t wait to see what her days will be like at a Montessori school. In the future, she plans to pursue a career teaching in the State or National Park system or other environmental education opportunities. She loves the outdoors and all that comes with it (yes, even the bugs!) and looks forward to connecting with the members of the AAI and discovering the outdoors of Salida!