Jason Dalle-YMCA CAQT
Former Alumni of AmeriCorps in 2019-2020 term. I decided to come back and serve another term of the 2024-2025. I recently graduated from the University of Maryland Global Campus with my degree in political science and concentration foreign affairs. I want to enhance my leadership skills and want to continue to be involved in the community. Americorps is a great opportunity to learn more professional skills in the workplace and to ultimately serve those that are need in the community. I speak French and Spanish fluently as well. I always enjoy growing in a company and learning more skills that i need to learn in the workplace tomake myself more marketable. Using My score survey technique to collect important data is essential in the education world today. I am learning about how to work in an organization with a group of people as well. I see it as a learning opportunity to grow and to understand the educational system in our country the United States.
Jordan Alexis Melbourne–Montgomery County Public Schools
My name is Jordan Melbourne. I am serving as an AmeriCorp member for the 2024-5 school year. I currently am a college student studying Elementary and Special Education. I hope to serve my community and build relationships within the school system and students to create a nurturing safe learning environment. I have worked with children my whole career from being a certified swim instructor, volunteering with youth sports and assisting in the classroom. I am passionate about education, mentorship and closing the achievement gap. I am so excited for this school year and can’t wait to continue the work.
Marinobi Medrano– Montgomery County Public Schools
Marinobi Medrano at Oakland Terrace Elementary School, Montgomery County Public Schools. Marinobi Medrano was born in the Dominican Republic. She has been in the United States for 7 years. As a Latina of African ancestry advocating for the rights of people is very important to her. Her native language is Spanish. Marinobi is studying at Montgomery College with a major in nursing and her goal is to become a pediatric nurse. She is married and a mother of two children a 6-year-old daughter, her younger child is one, and her husband works in higher education. In the summer of 2022, she was accepted into AmeriCorps Project Change, and she is serving at Sligo Middle School.
Morghan Bacon–Community Bridges
Morghan was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. She graduated with a BA from Knox College, double majoring in History and Creative Writing, before moving to Maryland a year ago. She spent the last year completing her first AmeriCorps Service Year with Reading Partners, helping students in Seaton Elementary School develop and improve their literacy skills. Morghan is excited to continue her service with Project Change and Community Bridges this year, and is focused on making a difference in the wellbeing and social-emotional wellness of the residents of Montgomery County.
Wilhelm Martin Torres-Montgomery Housing Partnership
Hi, My name is Wilhelm Torres, growing up in Maryland all my life has been so amazing, I’ve lived in different places within Montgomery county like Rockville, Silver Spring, and Olney. My family is a pretty standard one with My parents, Brother, and three Sisters with 2 dogs but don’t get me started with extended family that’d be almost a couple hours to get through them, I mean there are probably more that I just don’t know about. I’ve just started working for AmeriCorps and I’m so excited to try and give kids fun and enjoyable experience with whatever task I’m given and I’m more than ready to handle what comes next.
Brooke E Carthon–Montgomery County Public Schools
My name is Brooke Carthon, by way of Atlanta, Georgia. Born to Rick Carthon of Little Rock, Arkansas and Maria Carthon of Siquires, Costa Rica. As an advocate for bridging the gap between the inequalities of our social justice system and my community and communities that look like mine, I strive to be the representation I needed growing up. I enjoy providing services and volunteering my time to serve at-risk youth in underprivileged communities. While I finish grad school and transition into Law school, I want to gain experience in learning more about our government and how I want to further align myself with how I want to change the world. I take pride in reaching for the stars and I hope I can help motivate the children of tomorrow to strive for the same.
Julia Rodriguez–Montgomery Housing Partnership
Julia was born in Washington DC and went to college at Montgomery College. She has been working with MHP for a number of years before signing on to Project CHANGE, to teach pre-K to 11th grade. Her dream is to run her own business.
Courtney L Fookes– Community Bridges
Courtney was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. She loves getting to know others around her and helping people as much as she can. Courtney played competitive softball where she learned she loved to connect with people and to work with others. She graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Towson University where she majored in Psychology and minored in Family Studies. Her previous work experiences include volunteering and babysitting in her community. Through these experiences she learned that she loved to help provide any support she can for people that need it. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, hanging out with her family and friends, and cuddling with her cat Monty.
Daniel H Zare-Montgomery County Public Schools
“Hello, I’m Daniel Zare. I am 26 years old, and from a young age I’ve had a natural inclination towards lending a helping hand to those in need, irrespective of their background. Growing up and navigating the journey to adulthood is challenging for everyone, but it’s particularly daunting without a support system. I consider myself fortunate to have been raised in the culturally diverse and opportunity-rich environment of Montgomery County, Maryland. However, through conversations with friends and family, I’ve come to realize that many struggles originate from within. Providing a listening ear and offering my perspective has been immensely fulfilling, filling a void within me. My experience working at the Library of Congress provided me with a profound understanding of the significance of knowledge and its impact on social programs. As a social worker, I recognize the power of information in shaping communities and empowering individuals. Additionally, serving as a community leader at my local mosque, the IMAAM Center, has further underscored the importance of guidance and support within diverse communities. These experiences have deepened my commitment to service and equipped me with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to Americorp’s mission of community development and well-being.”
Jameka A Ivy-YMCA Benchmarks
Hello, My name is Jameka and I’m 30yrs old. I Grew Up In Pg County Where i Graduated From Friendly high school class of “11” I Have 2 Wonderful Daughters & I have my associates in criminal justice in high school I also attend the explore Casey program with PG Country Police Department. I have found a love for working with kids since fresh out of high school, I came across Ameri Corp The year of 2024 & it has been the best thing, I met some great people & build great connections to take my career further.
Kelly M Reyes-MCPS:William Tyler Page ES
Kelly Reyes is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She is a Montgomery County native from Gaithersburg. Growing up in a low-income, Hispanic community and doing outreach for her church gave her the passion to pursue a career in Social Work. Kelly is excited to serve the students at William Tyler Page Elementary School. Kelly enjoys creating graphics, taking pictures with her camera, and running her second-hand clothing business.
Stephanie Nguenda Owoundi Khoury- Montgomery County Public Schools
My name is Stephanie Owoundi-Khoury. I am born and raised in Washington, D.C. I studied Political Science at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. I have worked different jobs in the region with my last major one being a Visits & Accreditation Coordinator for the Canadian Military at the Embassy of Canada in DC. I am now a stay at home mom to my 1 year daughter Samira.
Sandra D Lee– Family Learning Solutions
Sande leads the business outreach of Family Learning Solutions Inc and coordinates innovative approaches to capital development. While our organization designs traditional grant proposals for submissions to various organizations, Sande connects FLS to businesses and companies interested in being partners. Sande also serves as the co-director of the Food Grown Home project, guiding our sustainable framing initiatives with her expertize in hydroponics, and indoor vertical farming. Sande has been certified by the Freight Farms Master Class program and is trained in controlled environment agriculture, farm orientation and component identification, crop management and optimization, crop growing cycles from seed to harvest and farmhand automation software.
Chade L Herring- Community Bridges
My name is Chade’ Herring, I grew up in Montgomery County my whole life. I lived in Silver Spring MD for 19 years and now live in Rockville. I’m a recent college graduate from Stevenson University, where I got my bachelor’s in English Lit and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Small business development. I’m excited to be a part of AmeriCorps, where I can give back to the community that has shaped me. I am also preparing to pursue graduate studies in Speech-Language Pathology, a field that aligns with my passion for helping others improve their communication and quality of life.
Samuel H Messitte-YMCA Benchmarks
Sam Messitte is a 2024-25 AmeriCorps member serving with the YMCA Youth and Family Services, where his focus is on helping elementary school students with literacy and homework. Born in New York City and (mostly) raised in Wisconsin, Sam graduated from Ripon High School in 2020. Currently on pause from pursuing higher education, Sam finds purpose by being in service to others. His year with AmeriCorps is inspired by a desire to “fill the shoes of the role models who inspired me when I was a kid.” Outside of AmeriCorps, Sam is a vintage clothing dealer.
Firas Putra Rosyadi- YMCA
Ellen Giana Gomez-Montgomery Housing Partnership
Dawn Jamica Ngonda-Montgomery County Public Schools
My name is Dawn Ngonda. As an Early Childhood educator of 19 years of experience, I am proud to continue my journey as an AmeriCorps member. My background in implementing Social and Emotional Wellness support through activities with young children has prepared them for school readiness. I look forward to continuing to provide this important service through other aspects that support the whole child.