Youth Counselors

Autumn Jefferson (she/her/hers)

I am a rising fourth year majoring in Architecture My interests as a designer are driven by an appreciation for systematic and organic creation, a love of art, as well as an enthusiasm for hands-on production. I deeply value Empathy and Identity driven work included but not limited to, mental health awareness and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Channeling my creativity to provide alternative options for progress and to best support others is where my passions lie.

Christian Oliver-Smith (he/him/his)

I am a recent college graduate of UVA whereI studied Cognitive Science and Foreign Affairs! I grew up in Charlottesville but I’m originally from Dallas Tx!! I’m going to be studying Public Policy at the Batten School at UVA

Christopher Hu (he/him/his)

Christopher Hu is a PhD student in the social foundations of education at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. Prior to coming to UVA, he taught high school chemistry for 5 years in Rockbridge County and Rockingham County. In his free time, Chris loves to run, hike, and explore new places with his wife and 1 year old daughter (especially Charlottesville's splash pads).

Emily Padilla-Chicas (she/her/hers)

My name is Em, short for Emily. I’m from Charlottesville and I’m 23 years old. I recently graduated from UVA with a major in Foreign Affairs but I will soon be a double hoo as I am pursuing a Master’s in Urban Planning at the School of Architecture at UVA. I absolutely love being in the sun, traveling, and cooking a yummy vegan meal.

Gabriel Sirak (he/him/his)

I'm a rising fourth year student at UVA studying Public Policy & Leadership with a minor in Computer Science. I'm an Ethiopian-American from Fairfax, Virginia. In my free time, some of my favorite hobbies are to play soccer, listen to music, and read.

Jayden Bolden (he/him/his)

I’m a 3rd year cognitive science & AAS major from Toledo, Ohio with plans to enter the education field after graduation. I’m involved in a few organizations at UVA, mainly my fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. To pass time, I like watching YouTube, taking naps and reading.

Jamie Belisle (she/her/hers)

I’m a graduating 3rd year at PVCC, earning my associates degree in business. I also work part time at the Dairy Market.

Jayda Anderson (she/her/hers)

I am 20 years old and a Junior in college. I am 5 foot 8, but with heels like 5 foot 11. I love animals but I can't tell you everything about them. I am going to school to eventually become a surgeon and I'm just at the beginning of my road.

Jessiah Lucien (he/him/his)

I’m a rising fourth year at UVA and I’m from New York City. Being from the big city, I feel like I very much extroverted and I speak with a lot of passion. In my free time, I like listening to podcasts, movies, of doing some type of physical exercise.

Kirsten Shanks (she/her/hers)

I recently moved back to the Culpeper area. I graduated from game Art Design with my bachelor degree. In my spare time I enjoy, drawing, gaming, traveling, and going to the gym.

Leigh Kesser (she/her/hers)

Hello! I recently graduated from the University of Virginia, where I double majored in Global Security & Justice and Women, Gender, & Sexuality. I grew up in Tennessee but now live in Maine, and I have a few cats and a dog, whom I love very much. Fun facts about me are that I am obsessed with boba and enjoy being in nature. Also, if I were to tell my younger self something, I would probably tell her to not take herself too seriously, have fun, and take (healthy) risks.

Lidya Niguse (she/her/hers)

Hi! My name is Lidya Niguse and I am a rising second year originally from Ethiopia, but currently living in Alexandria, VA. My intended major at UVA is Government with an intended minor in Public Policy. Some hobbies that I have outside of school include reading, working out, and good movies.

Melinda Hicks (she/her/hers)

I am a recent graduate at the University of Virginia and I plan on getting my master’s degree soon. I was born and raised in the Charlottesville/Albemarle County area and chose to stay to attend UVA. At UVA, I studied Public Health and African American studies and worked as a research assistant. Last summer, I worked as a Starr Hill summer counselor before and decided to return this year.

Smritee Thapa (she/her/hers)

My name is Smritee (she/her) and I just graduated from UVA with a double major in Anthropology and Global Sustainability. I have been involved in the Cavalier Marching Band, a hip-hop dance crew at UVA, and the Women's Center! I love to spend my free time dancing and playing with my sister's corgi, and I am really passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Rodney Rhodes (he/him/his)

I am rising 4th student at UVA who is very motivated to serve the youth community. As a young Black who has had plenty of mentoring throughout my life, I am well aware of how beneficial mentoring can be. It is really important to me to pay that mentoring and guidance I received forward to the generations under me. I am from Dinwiddie, VA and have a plethora of sports, gaming, and T.V. interests.

Irvine Madenga (he/him/his)

I am Gideon Madenga though I go by Irvine (pronounced Ivan). I am a computer engineering student at UVA and I am a rising Second year. I am from Alexandria, VA but I was originally born in Zimbabwe and raised in Tanzania. I am very into sports and I love watching soccer, I used to play football and wrestle and I still enjoy powerlifting as a hobby.

Madina Faqirzai (she/her/hers)

I am from Afghanistan I am living with my mom, dad, 2 brothers and 3 sisters in Charlottesville. I like exploring new things. I love learning about new things because I feel I can improve my self more by learning different thing. I like baking, playing with children and riding horse in my free time.

Sedriana Willis (she/her/hers)

I was raised in Charlottesville, Virginia by my lovely mother. I recently just graduated from James Madison with my bachelor’s degree in History & Secondary Education. In the Fall, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching.

Isiah Williams (he/him/his)

I am a senior political science major from Staten Island Ny.

Shelby Watson (she/her/hers)

I am a rising fourth year at the University of Virginia studying Biology with a special concentrations in Immunology and Wellbeing. Following graduation, I plan to attend Medical School to peruse my dream of becoming a Pediatric Oncologist. Outside of school, I enjoy backpacking, cooking, and interior design. I am my happiest when I am spending time outside, and love to exercise with friends!

Ashanti Hester (she/her/hers)

My name is Ashanti Hester. I am a third year at VCU with a major in nursing and I am very excited to be taking part in this program!

Zymir Faulkner (he/him/his)

A respectful person who gets along with others. I am funny and a great leader!

Mehria Faqirzai (she/her/hers)

My name is Mehria, I grew up with my family in different countries. I know 7 languages, I enjoy learning different languages. My hobbies are playing tennis, watching Turkish and Indian TV series and reading different books. I'm a high school student at Albemarle High. My real age is 15, but I'm 18 on the document. I worked at different campuses in Turkey and enjoyed working with the students. I'm excited to meet with you all!

SerenIty Sherwood (she/her/hers)

My name is Serenity and I am 20 years old. I am from New York City, but currently live in Maryland. As of right now, I am entering my third year at UVA with a major in Environmental Sciences. I enjoy listening to music, singing, dancing, and enjoying nature. I am excited to meet and get to know everyone!