Place Corps Alumni
2023-2024 Kingston Fellowship Alumni
Haley Baker
“Before Place Corps I was confused about what I wanted to be doing for the rest of a gap year so that I could figure out what I planned to do in college. Throughout these past nine months. I’ve learned that I would like to follow a path of animal care.”
Memphis Bernstein Collins
“Place Corps really has been wonderful, I’ve been able to find new passions in photography and ceramics, and the amount of life skills that I’ve been taught in such a short span is amazing.”
Nadia Delasantos
“Before Place Corps I was undecided about where I was going to school and anxious about my next steps in life. Through the program I have learned that I can succeed in whatever I put my mind to. Now I am excited about my next adventures in life and my education. My goal is to take all my opportunities and use them. My aspiration after Place Corps is to study psychology at Bard College where I have a full ride scholarship, and to travel the world.”
Isabella Harrell
“During my time at Place Corps, I’ve been able to strengthen some qualities that I’ve been growing over the past couple of years. I am still the same person I was when I first joined the program. I feel that working at Place Corps has reaffirmed that I genuinely value community and hold a valuable place within it. After Place Corps, I aspire to continue to be involved within my community and hope that I continue to grow and evolve as a person.”
Quelashia (Lashia) Mosley
“With Place Corps my social anxiety has really improved as I’ve become more comfortable in new social settings.”
Kailee Stone
“Before Place Corps I had struggled with high school and being connected with my community. I had finished my animal science course with BOCES and was unsure about starting college right away. After being accepted into Place Corps and meeting the people I’d be spending the next nine months with I started to open up and found a new perspective on my community. Place Corps allowed me to explore my interests through Woodstock Animal Sanctuary, Sky High Farm, as well as Hawthorne Valley Farm. The experience I’ve had with wildlife through Place Corps has helped me immensely going forward into new experiences.”
2022-2023 KINGSTON FELLOWSHIP ALUMNI
Reylynn Baez
Reylynn Baez grew up in the Bronx.
“What I’m most excited to learn in Place Corps is the agricultural work and meeting new people. The skills I’m bringing to the fellowship are reliability and honesty! Something special to know about me is that I enjoy meeting new people and hearing the stories they have to tell.
If I was a color, I’d be purple because I am a peaceful person and the color purple can display tranquility and comfort which are things I’d like people to feel around me.”
Annysha Davis
Annysha Davis grew up in Kingston.
“I’m most excited to learn about natural medicine at Place Corps. I’m very caring and I try to be helpful. I’m a really fun person to be around once I’m comfortable.
If I were a color, it would be pink because it’s my favorite color.”
Ilija Skoko
Ilija grew up in Serbia.
“I'm most excited to learn about personal finance and hands on skills in Place Corps. I’m bringing a variety of practical skills including communication, critical thinking, problem solving, active listening and adaptability. Something special to know about me is I'm very objective, and my take on topics I'm interested in is rather based on facts than feelings.
If I was a color, I would be red because it symbolizes energy, strength and power.”
Konnor Stella
Konnor was born and raised in Tillson.
“I’m excited to learn new skills and I hope to bring a good presence to Place Corps.
If I were a color, I would be green because green reminds me of peace.”
Shayla Valentine
Shayla Valentine grew up in Port Ewen as well as Kingston.
“At Place Corps, I’m most excited to build personal and professional skills during the fellowship. I’m very personable and am always eager to learn and build upon skills to collaborate productively with others.
If I was a color, I would be green. I feel like it represents depth and stability and I feel that resonates with me.”
Eliana VanValkenburgh
Eliana Avenlee VanValkenburgh grew up in Kingston and Accord NY.
“I’m most excited to just learn more nature based activities and I will bring problem solving skills. I enjoy the stars and astrology.
If I was a color I would be blue because of the ocean. I love how the ocean looks, sounds, and how mysterious it is.”
2019-2020 PILOT AT ALUMNI, HAWTHORNE VALLEY FELLOWSHIP:
Eleanor A.
Eleanor was born and raised in the Hudson Valley.
Alessia Cutugno
Alessia Cutugno grew up in the Hudson Valley and received her undergraduate degree from NYU. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Education at Harvard University.
Sophia Hampton
Sophia Hampton grew up in the Hudson Valley and received her undergraduate degree from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She is currently pursuing a dual degree from Vermont Law School and Yale School of the Environment.
Gopal Harrington
Gopal Harrington grew up in the Hudson Valley.
Martha Snow
Martha Snow grew up in New York City and received her undergraduate degree from Skidmore College.
Lila Rimalovski
Lila Rimalovski grew up in New Jersey and received her undergraduate degree from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. She is currently pursuing interests in communal living, spiritual practice and ecology in California.
