Dom hails from Peotone, Illinois, a small town just outside the bustle of Chicago. As an older brother to a younger sister and brother, he brings a big smile and an even bigger heart to the community. A proud graduate of the University of Iowa (Go Hawkeyes!), Dom majored in biochemistry and even graduated a year early. As the baby of the group, don’t let his age fool you; he’s a fiercely dedicated individual. Community members should keep an eye out for this thoughtful, hardworking volunteer who’s currently applying to medical school with dreams of becoming an emergency medicine doctor. Dom is a gym regular, a boxing enthusiast, and claims the title of Super Smash Bros. champion of Iowa (#watchout indeed). He also holds the unofficial title of speed eater, so you might want to sit across from him at mealtime—just to catch the show. Dom looks forward to forming meaningful connections, jumping into new challenges, and bringing his positive energy to every corner of the community.
Jasmine comes to Marion from Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Jasmine recently graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine (Go U-Bears!), where she studied neuroscience and was a head Residential Assistant. Jasmine is truly a Renaissance woman: she enjoys crocheting, painting, drawing, running, cooking, baking, and playing the cello. After this year, she’ll be working in a hospital back in Maine and eventually hopes to become a doctor. She’s always up for trying new things, whether it’s a different sport or getting in the water (lake, ocean, pool, she’s not picky). She has also spent time studying community health in Vietnam, South Africa, and Argentina, and is excited to keep learning alongside a new community this year. At home, she’s an only child with a very spoiled golden doodle named Oscar. On Wednesdays, you’ll find her trying her hand at farming and community gardening—a completely new skill, but one she’s ready to dig into (#futuregreenthumb). She’s looking forward to connecting with the community, expanding her comfort zone, and maybe even figuring out how to keep a plant alive.
Kayla joins us from the sunny streets of San Bernardino, California, just a quick 40-minute drive from the magic of Disneyland— which she definitely took advantage of growing up (her favorite ride? Guardians of the Galaxy, hands down). A proud graduate of the University of Redlands, Kayla charted her own academic path by designing a major in Biomedical Humanities and Global Health Ethics. As the oldest of four siblings, Kayla takes her big sister role seriously, and her close-knit family makes it a point to spend quality time together every weekend. Whether it’s roadtripping to LA, catching waves at the beach, shopping at the mall, or just kicking back at home, her family knows how to turn everyday moments into cherished memories. Currently deep in MCAT prep mode, Kayla has her eyes set on medical school and is considering a future in family medicine. She’s excited to bring her curiosity, warmth, and West Coast energy to Marion, where she can’t wait to try Southern delicacies like catfish and fried okra. Welcome to Perry County, Kayla!
Kym hails from the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee, home to blues, barbecue, and her alma mater—Rhodes College— where she studied neuroscience. A true student-athlete, Kym balanced labs and lectures with college volleyball and track, bringing both brain and brawn to campus life. Off the field, she’s always been drawn to movement and music—she loves to dance, enjoys all genres of music, and is especially excited to learn how to line dance during her time in Alabama. Play her your favorite song next time you see her!
Growing up with two older brothers, Kym developed a strong sense of teamwork and resilience that continues to shape her approach to life. She has a passion for working with children and has deeply enjoyed organizing and leading activities for our Summer Youth Program, where her creativity, warmth, and leadership have truly shone. Already an avid foodie, Kym has tried all of the restaurants in Marion—and loves every single one of them! With plans to attend medical school in the future, Kym is eager to keep building relationships, gaining new experiences, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Welcome to Marion, Kym!
Lindsay comes to Perry County from Colorful Colorado! Originally from Colorado Springs, Lindsay attended the University of Denver, where she studied anthropology with a focus on how people connect across cultures and communities. During her time there, she also had the opportunity to study abroad in Senegal, diving into public health and international development— experiences that deepened her commitment to community-centered work. Now, she’s bringing that same spirit of curiosity and care to Marion, eager to learn from and work alongside the residents of Perry County.
Lindsay describes herself as a lifelong learner with a love for music, letters, exploration, and baking. Lindsay brought her record player all the way from Colorado, and her impressive record collection spans decades and genres. A devoted letter writer, she enjoys keeping in touch with friends near and far, making sure even the smallest gestures of connection endure over time. When she’s not reading (she always has a new book in hand) or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, Lindsay loves spending time outdoors and plans to explore Perry Lakes Park throughout her fellowship year.
Catch her at the post office, the Marion Library, or wandering the trails of Perry Lakes Park! Whether she’s sharing a handwritten note, a fresh-baked treat, or striking up a conversation at a local event, Lindsay is excited to dive in—and she’s thrilled to call Perry County home during her fellowship journey.
Mia grew up in West Nyack, New York, and spent the past five years in Apex, North Carolina. She made her way up to Rhode Island to attend Brown University, where she studied Human Biology. Now in the process of applying to medical school, Mia is drawn to psychiatry, pediatrics, or a blend of the two—pediatric psychiatry.
A lover of music, Mia enjoys singing and is currently teaching herself to play the guitar. Her go-to styles include “bedroom pop” and R&B, and she’s been steadily building her playlist of songs she can perform. Whether she’s learning chords or humming a tune, Mia brings a creative rhythm to everything she does.
She’s looking forward to finding peaceful hiking trails in Alabama and hopes to take a few fishing trips while soaking in the natural beauty of Perry County. Mia is excited to connect with the community, explore new places, and make meaningful memories during her time in Marion and Uniontown.
Nathan joins us from Chicago, Illinois, where he studied psychology and film at Northwestern University. With aspirations of working in mental health and social work, he was drawn to Marion by its reputation for community, connection, and meaningful service opportunities. In his free time, Nathan enjoys cooking, drawing, hiking, and spending time with friends. His favorite local dish is the fried catfish at Lottie’s, which he tried within an hour of arriving in Marion! He has also loved exploring Perry Lakes Park, getting to know Marion’s history, and learning to play dominoes from the folks at Project Horseshoe Farm’s Community Center Program. Nathan looks forward to deepening his understanding of community health and building relationships with the people of Perry County during his year here.
