Staff Updates February 2011
From AFSWiki
Staff News
We are pleased to introduce and welcome …
New Hires
David Nelson joined AFS-USA on Monday, February 14th as a Regional Hosting Coordinator in the Portland office after finishing a three-year commitment as a Program Coordinator and Case Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, based in Portland, Oregon. There he worked with volunteers and children to help grow positive mentoring relationships. In his past, David has also worked with youth in residential facilities, counseled and taught at language & cultural immersion summer camps, and care-given for physically and mentally-disabled adults. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in English & Literature. During one year of college, he studied abroad at the Smolny University of Liberal Arts & Sciences in St. Petersburg, Russia.
David also happens to be an AFS Alumni; he studied abroad in Uppsala, Sweden from 1999-2000. To this day, he keeps in touch with his host family and hopes to visit them again soon. In his free time, he enjoys bicycling, hiking in the Columbia Gorge, reading, baking, and making stuffed animals from leftover textiles. Welcome Davie!!!!
Allen Evans has joined the Sponsored Programs team as the Outbound Sponsored Programs Specialist effective February 21, 2011. Allen, is a CB Returnee from 2001 - 2002 and has been an active AFS volunteer since 2003 where he focused on participant support, orientation coordination and serving as a cultural resource for Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Following University studies in German and Geography in Vermont and Innsbruck, Austria, he managed a flagship retail store.
This past fall, he moved to New York City to assist Marilyn Stotts as an NSLI-Y Seasonal Interview Coordinator. In this role, Allen helped recruit and train other NSLI-Y Seasonal Interview Coordinators, and worked with volunteers in the Western states. We’re thrilled to have you Allen!!!!!
Christine de Benedictis has joined the Baltimore office as the Coordinator of Office Services & Hosting Administration effective February 23, 2011. Christine was an intern at the Allentown Symphony Association as an Event Planner. She was responsible for composing press releases and organizing a new concert series for elementary school children. She completed her BA in May 2010 and majored in Medial & Communication and Psychology. Please join me in welcoming Christine!!!
Mary Vymetal-Taylor who has joined AFS-USA as a Team Development Specialist effective February 28, 2011 comes to us with a strong background as an AFS volunteer. She served as an Orientation Coordinator for the Waukesha and West team (in Wisconsin) for 7 years and has recently been volunteering with the Capitol Team following her move to Washington DC. Mary and her family have hosted 6 AFS students. She also has a diverse professional background which includes experience in education, project management, training and evaluation. We are thrilled to have Mary as one of the Team Development Specialist.
Smitha Pennepalli – will join AFS-USA as the Coordinator of Office Services & Volunteer Development Administration on Monday, March 7, 2011. Smitha is a 2004 graduate of the University of Wisconsin. She has worked as an office manager for a small interior design firm, as an IT assistant for the Minnesota State College and University System, and was the Assistant to the Executive Director for the Beacon Hill Civic Association in Boston from 2008-2010. Approximately 50% of her time will be spent working in the Volunteer Development Department and the rest of her time will be spent doing the more traditional tasks of the office coordinator. Please join me in welcoming Smitha to the AFS family!
Katie Brettingen – will be joining AFS-USA as a Regional Hosting Manager effective March 14, 2011. Katie joins AFS with an excellent background and a wide-range of experience in program management and program development. Before joining the Hosting team, Katie worked for Conservation Corps in Minnesota as the Assistant District Manager. She oversaw corps member development to ensure that members achieve personal and program success through the principles of team work and service learning. Please join me in welcome Kate!!!
Congratulations to …
Sarah Krile on her promotion to Senior Volunteer Development Coordinator effective February 14, 2011. Sarah began working as a Regional Hosting Coordinator for AFS in early 2006 and was promoted to the role of Senior Hosting Coordinator in the Central Region in 2008. She joined the Volunteer Development Department staff in January 2010 as the Volunteer Development Coordinator for the Central Region. Sarah has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to work with and understand the needs of AFS volunteers. Her knowledge of and experience working with AFS volunteers over the last four years should create a seamless transition into her new role. We are thrilled to have her on board!!!
Team Development Specialists effective February 21, 2011
Kyria Tarnowski - Kyria has been a Regional Hosting Coordinator in the St. Paul office since 2009. Prior to that she had over 7 years of volunteer coordination experience at Twin Cities non-profits including People Serving People, Hope Community and the Minnesota Historical Society.
Christine Milone - Christine's attention to detail and understanding of complex processes led to her first job with AFS working on registration and compliance. Most recently she's served as the Eastern Volunteer Development Coordinator. Prior to coming to AFS Christine spent 9+ years in the marketing, public relations and research fields.
Marika Strauss - Marika's most recent position has been as a Volunteer Development Coordinator in the Portland office. She brings many essential skills to her new role including experience in event planning, public relations and volunteer coordination, as well as 6 years spent as a professional mediator. Marika is an AFS Returnee and spent a year in Ecuador.
Traci Larson-Lee - Traci has been building a sending team as a Community Developer in Chicago since May 2010. She also has an extensive background in volunteerism in her community and works part-time as a Development Director for a local school district foundation. Traci has a proven track record in networking and building strong teams.
