| ABOUT THE TEAM |
| Dezirae Knutzen, 24, Mt Vernon, Washington: Service Learning Coordinator Dezirae has a BA in Human Resources Managaement from Western Washington University. Recently she studied abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica. She comes from a small town called Big Lake, where she loves to waterski and have barbecues with her family. Herfavorite things include great books, travelling to far away places and almond iced lattes from Starbucks. "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller |
| Julie Court, 23, Renton, Washington: Webmistress, Assistant CAP Representative, Assistant Team Leader Julie grew up in the lovely, traffic-ridden suburbs of Seattle. Last June she graduated with a BA in Women Studies from the University of Washington. Julie is left-handed and enjoys life. Some of the many things she'd like to do someday include: live in Paris, be an actor, spend loads of time on pristine Greek beaches gazing at sunsets, be a mentor, and learn Italian. In the near future, Julie hopes to travel around the US by car, and around Europe by train. Her motto is: When in doubt, read the directions. |
| Matt Brotnov, 20, Bellingham, Washington: Tool Swamper,PT Coordinator Brodie enjoys most outdoor sports and activities, like disc golf, hiking and fishing. He is left-handed and enjoys life. While in *NCCC, he plans on learning from others, and from books. After his term of commitment to AmeriCorps, Brodie plans on attending a culinary arts school. By protecting others, you in turn protect yourself. By protecting yourself, you in turn protect others. Buddha |
| Jeopardy Jaramillo, 19, Phoenix, Arizona: ISP Coordinator, Newsletter Coordinator Jeopardy loves to do anything creative and artistic. After AmeriCorps, she would like to attend Arizona State University and major in either Journalism or Education. Her only expectations for the year are to witness personal growth in herself and amongst her teammates. "Life is a promise; fulfill it." Mother Theresa |
| Jessica Edwards, 19, Denison, Texas: Team Motivator Jessica's life so far has consisted of a few small meaningful events. As for the future, her mind will prevail with its adolescent idealistic dreams. "I wonder how tomorrow could ever follow today." Led Zeppelin, "Going to California" |
| Shannon Binns, 25, Oskaloosa, Iowa: Media Representative, Assisant Service Learning Initiator After graduating from Iowa State University in the spring of 2000, Shannon moved to Chicago and worked as an engineer for one year. Seeking new experiences, he relocated to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, where he became certified in teaching English as a foreign language and taught for six months prior to joining AmeriCorps *NCCC. Shannon thrives on meeting new people and is always seeking ways to grow as a person and expand his perspective. "Because of our routines, we often forget that life is an ongoing adventure." Maya Angelou |
| Mandi Horton, 20, Del Rio, Texas: Photographer, Portfolio Coordinator Mandi was raised in Texan on the border of Mexico. She began her college education at Southwest Texas Junior College, and plans on finishing her education, possibly somewhere back in Texas, studying something in the medical field. Mandi enjoys art, road trips, photography, dance, and hanging out with her friends. Her advice is: "Love like you've never been hurt, dance like nobody's watching, and work like you don't need the money." |
| Geovanna Ditzler, 22, Wellman, Iowa: Portfolio Coordinator Geo graduated from Iowa Mennonite School, then went to Goshen College for two years. She spent last fall working at her grandparents' apple orchard. Geo enjoys the outdoors, reading and talking with friends. "Grant us the serenity to accept what we cannot change, the courage to change what we can, and the wisdom to know the difference." |
| Joe Colangelo, 22, Eastchester, New York: CAP Representative Joe was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa, and after graduating high school in 1999, he went on to Iowa State University for two and a half years. He recently moved to New York City and plans on finishing his education at Hunter College in Manhattan after completing *NCCC. Joe's hobbies include playing chess, running, disc golf, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. "...and since there is nowhere to go but everywhere, keep rolling under the stars..." Jack Kerouac, "On the Road" |
| Ashley Hubbell, 26, Atlanta, Georgia Hey, y'all, Ashley is the Team Leader for this fine *NCCC team from Perry Point! She was a Corps Member in 2000 at the Denver Campus, which was one of the most amazing years of her life. She has a degree in Hospitality Management from Western Carolinia University. After college, she worked for Bass Hotels and Resorts, the corporate headquarters for the Holiday Inn and other brands. Ashley loves to travel and has lived in four states alone this past year! She loves the outdoors, skiing, playing ultimate frisbee, watching Golden Girls, Martha Stewart, and being crafty. She's also an animal lover and has two dogs back home. "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." |
| Seth Schoen, 22, Lincoln, Nebraska: Tool Swamper, Assistant Media Representative Seth studied music at Elmhurst College for two years. He plays the saxophone and enjoys jazz, blues, and any other music that is interesting. Seth is left-handed and enjoys life. While in AmeriCorps *NCCC, he plans to gain new perspectives on life and build lasting friendships. "Service is the rent each of us pay for living...the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time or after you have reached your personal goals." Marian Wright Edelman |