Meet the YAVs
2022-2023 ABQYAVs
Hello! My name is Allison Blackwell, and I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I am 22 years old, and I just graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts. While at Queens, I studied Creative Writing and Philosophy/Religion. I was very active with the chapel and in the Interfaith Leadership Council we had on campus as well as various other interfaith fellowships. I believe that affirming the personhood of those from different faiths and backgrounds is central to Presbyterian values, and I hope to continue my work of connecting with others across our differences in my YAV year. This year will be a practice of intentionally living and working within a community dedicated to service and social justice that will guide my future in ministry, for as Christianity is dependent on knowing Jesus, faith is dependent on knowing people.
To read Allison's blog, click here.
To support Allison during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown at abqyav.com/donate
To read Allison's blog, click here.
To support Allison during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown at abqyav.com/donate
Hi! My name is Emma Rigler. I graduated in January of ‘22 from Austin College with a bachelors in Business Admin. and a minor in Media Studies. I love music, and I play guitar and sing in my free time. I enjoy working with kids of all ages, as I am a swim instructor during the summers, and I just finished serving at Grace United Methodist Church in Sherman as their Co-youth director.
To read Emma's blog, click here.
To support Emma during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown at abqyav.com/donate
To read Emma's blog, click here.
To support Emma during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown at abqyav.com/donate
2021-2022 ABQYAVs
Hello! I am Savannah, an incoming YAV for Albuquerque. I majored in Anthropology with a double minor in Religious Studies and Global Sustainability. I deeply enjoy learning new things and adventuring, which has led to some fun stories and many failed attempts at new hobbies. This world may not be home, but I am excited to explore and build community here in the meantime! I cannot wait to be so close to you all in August and spend quality time falling in love with the community you all have created. P.S. If you have dogs, please bring them to visit me.
To read Savannah's blog, click here.
To support Savannah during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown on the abqyav.com/donate page.
My name is Peter Compton and I am a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During my time there, I pursued undergrad degrees in both Biology and Public Health, graduating this past May. I am a long time resident of the Triangle Area, growing up in Apex, NC and attending First Presbyterian Church in Durham. Even though my education had a broad focus on health and medicine, I have a wide range of interests that include history, languages, social justice, and the environment, and hobbies that include hiking, swimming, reading, and crosswords. Although moving out west will be a big transition for me, I could not be more excited for the opportunities that the YAV program has to offer out in Albuquerque.
To read Peter's blog, click here.
To support Peter during his YAV year, you can select his name from the dropdown on the abqyav.com/donate page.
To read Peter's blog, click here.
To support Peter during his YAV year, you can select his name from the dropdown on the abqyav.com/donate page.
Hi everyone! My name is Emma Yoder. I was born and raised in rural Ohio, but for the past five years, I've been living in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Last May, I graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology and have since been working as a waitress at a local diner. In my free time, I enjoy baking, embroidery, and playing games. As I look to this next year, I am excited to live in a different environment, with the potential for new experiences and knowledge that entails. I look forward to meeting you all in the near future.
To read Emma's blog, click here.
To support Emma during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown on the abqyav.com/donate page.
To read Emma's blog, click here.
To support Emma during her YAV year, you can select her name from the dropdown on the abqyav.com/donate page.
2020-2021
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer program has chosen to not send YAVs to site in 2020-2021.
We look forward to hosting YAVs again in 2021-2022!
We look forward to hosting YAVs again in 2021-2022!
2019-2020 ABQYAVs
My name is Caitlin Camper, and I recently graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, AR where I received my B.A. in Religious Studies with a minor in Anthropology. I'm originally from Birmingham, AL, but have since moved to Little Rock. I'm can be a pretty hard-core introvert but talking with and meeting others is one of my favorite things. Other favorites include morning coffee, hiking, running, flowers, social justice, stationary, board games, and a good book. Lately, I've been discerning my call to service and how my faith plays a role in that. The desert is a magical place and I'm eager to share this next year of service in a new city and with new community!
Caitlin is working with Lutheran Family Services (Rocky Mtn Region). You can read her blog here, or watch her storytelling video here.
Caitlin is working with Lutheran Family Services (Rocky Mtn Region). You can read her blog here, or watch her storytelling video here.
My name is Nathaniel Williams and I am from Rock Hill, SC. I am taking a gap year in between my sophomore and junior years of college and hope to continue studying Economics, Middle Eastern Studies, and Environmental studies when I return. Growing up in a preaching family, my parents and siblings always instilled a call to service. From the age of six I began tagging along with my family on mission trips and volunteering where I could. Through those experiences I learned that practicing faith is practicing love unto thy neighbor. Through loving and living in community with the many neighbors I met along the way, I gained a great respect for storytelling and learning from the communities we find ourselves in. I have a great appreciation for music, art, photography, literature, and the many other genres of stories that exist. I am very excited to be placed in Albuquerque and step into a new environment and I am eager to begin a roll of active learning and loving service.
Nate is working with Albuquerque Heading Home's Street Connect Team. You can read his blog here, or watch his storytelling video here.
Nate is working with Albuquerque Heading Home's Street Connect Team. You can read his blog here, or watch his storytelling video here.
My name is Nathan Paul-Bonham. I am the son of a Presbyterian pastor/federal prison chaplain and a christian educator. I have an older sister. I went to high school in Indiana. I went to undergrad at Presbyterian College in South Carolina. I was part of the M.Div. program at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Virginia for 2 years before taking a year to find vocational direction and to engage in active service.
Nathan is working with YDI, NM. You can watch his storytelling video here.
Nathan is working with YDI, NM. You can watch his storytelling video here.
My name is Tristan Wall and I am a recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. My major is Religious Studies with a Spanish Minor. Over the past 4 years, I have had the privilege of studying a variety of world religions and cultures, with Polynesian and Aboriginal religion and culture being one of my favorites areas of study. I am originally from Asheville, North Carolina, however, my parents moved to Austin, Texas shortly after I graduated High School and currently work at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I am a huge fan of anything Marvel movie related and could spend hours talking about The Avengers. I am also a die hard Chicago Cubs fan and enjoy spending afternoons watching Cubs games during the spring and summer. The Avett Brothers are another big part of who I am and their music never fails to cheer me up when I am feeling down! Although New Mexico will be a new culture for me, I was born and raised on a boarding school campus before moving to Charlotte for school so there will be a little bit of home with me I hope! I am so excited to have been called to serve in Albuquerque for the 2019-2020 YAV year and I can't wait to begin my work there!
Tristan is working with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. You can read his blog here, or watch his storytelling video here.
Tristan is working with the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance. You can read his blog here, or watch his storytelling video here.
2018-2019 ABQYAVs
My name is Kim North. I am a soon to be graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I will be graduating with a double major in Organizational Communication and Spanish and a minor in Multimedia Communication. I am from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, which is a suburb of Minneapolis. When I am not in school or working, I like to read, play tennis and I love to spend time with my family at our cabin in northern Minnesota. No matter the circumstance I am always optimistic and I strongly believe that kindness matters. I am enthusiastically looking forward to my year as an Albuquerque YAV!
Kim will be working at Heading Home.
You can read Kim's blog here.
Kim will be working at Heading Home.
You can read Kim's blog here.
Hey y’all! My name is Lauren LaMonica. I’m 26 years old and I will be a second year YAV in Albuquerque after spending my current YAV year in Chinook, Montana. I was born and raised in Denton, Texas. I’m so excited for this amazing opportunity to not only follow my faith a bit more in depth but to also get to know the Albuquerque community. Peace be with you!
Lauren will be working at Second Presbyterian Church of ABQ.
You can read Lauren's blog here.
Lauren will be working at Second Presbyterian Church of ABQ.
You can read Lauren's blog here.
My name is Julie Woodson, and I will be graduating from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC this May. While at Wofford, I have been studying Art History and have a Business minor and Gender Studies concentration. I love art, hiking, and frequenting local coffee shops. I am passionate about traveling and love learning about new cultures. Most recently, I went to Nepal and Tibet, where I hiked out to Everest Base Camp. While I love grand adventures, I also love to take life a little slower and truly savor all the goodness of the Lord. I am so excited about this opportunity to serve and live in intentional community and can’t wait for everything this next year holds!
Julie will be working at the Menaul School.
You can read Julie's blog here.
Julie will be working at the Menaul School.
You can read Julie's blog here.
2017-2018 ABQYAVs
Bethany Przybocki
My name is Bethany Przybocki, I am 22 years old and have a strong passion for learning from and serving others. I am a recent graduate of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV, where I studied and received a bachelors degree in Music Education. I am beyond ecstatic to be living and exploring Albuquerque, NM, as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) this upcoming year after considering both Virginia and West Virginia my homes. My goal is to be open in bringing all that I can to those in need with a strong foundation in Faith and Love.
Bethany will be working at La Mesa Presbyterian Church.
You can read Bethany's blog here
Bethany will be working at La Mesa Presbyterian Church.
You can read Bethany's blog here
Taylor Garrett
My name is Taylor Garrett, I am 22 years old, and I am an aspiring educator and life-long student. I recently graduated from Waynesburg University with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and a minor in Spanish. This year, I have decided to explore and discern God’s path for me and I will be residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV). Although I am not sure what God has planned for me, I trust that it is good and I know that I will grow significantly by whole-heartedly and falteringly following him. During this year of growth, I want to learn, know, and love God, his work, and his people more deeply and more intentionally.
Taylor will be working at the Menaul School.
You can read Taylor's blog here
Taylor will be working at the Menaul School.
You can read Taylor's blog here
Claire Lewis
My name is Claire Lewis. I’m a recent graduate of Schreiner University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Photography. I was born and raised in the Hill Country of Texas, but I have a huge heart for traveling and experiencing different cultures! Throughout my undergraduate studies, I enjoyed being a Peer Minister Leader, learning Spanish, traveling to Kenya and being an exchange student in Colombia with a partnering Presbyterian university in Barranquilla. Each of these experiences in one way or another prepared me and inspired me to pursue the Young Adult Volunteers Program to continue experiencing different cultures, engage in service opportunities, and enhance my walk with God.
As I approached graduation, I wrestled with this desire to answer the call of service and missions, while feeling the pressures to go directly into our career-driven world. My hope and desire is to use this opportunity of singleness and willingness to go, to do something unmistakably purposeful and experience an unforgettable sense of community through this dedicated year of service!
I'm eager to come to New Mexico and be a part of what God is doing in Albuquerque and the surrounding area, alongside this presbytery - I'd like to thank you in advance for the prayers and support in this upcoming transition!
Claire will be working at Camino de Vida.
You can read Claire's blog here
As I approached graduation, I wrestled with this desire to answer the call of service and missions, while feeling the pressures to go directly into our career-driven world. My hope and desire is to use this opportunity of singleness and willingness to go, to do something unmistakably purposeful and experience an unforgettable sense of community through this dedicated year of service!
I'm eager to come to New Mexico and be a part of what God is doing in Albuquerque and the surrounding area, alongside this presbytery - I'd like to thank you in advance for the prayers and support in this upcoming transition!
Claire will be working at Camino de Vida.
You can read Claire's blog here
Ana Miller
My name is Ana Miller and I am live in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. I am 19 years old and I grew up in a multicultural household and on a farm. My father is from the United States and my mother is from Colombia, South America. Growing up I was able to be a part of two beautiful cultures that are very unique and different from each other. I have been a part of the Presbyterian Church for four years. I am currently working at a daycare for children of migrant workers. I have decided to serve with the YAV because I wanted to grow in my faith and I would love to get to know a different part of the vast cultures of the United States. I have been looking for something that I feel is going to really stick with me for the rest of my life. I want to learn more about myself and my faith, by being challenged out of my comfort zone.
Ana will be working at St. Martin's Hospitality Center.
You can read Ana's blog here.
Ana will be working at St. Martin's Hospitality Center.
You can read Ana's blog here.
Hello, I'm Audrey! While I've lived in a variety of places growing up, I claim to be an Oregonian as I’ve lived here for the past 9 years. I graduated from Willamette University in 2016 with BAs in Latin American Studies and Spanish, and a minor in Chemistry. I aspire to serve communities as a physician and have worked as a medical scribe this past year in Roseburg, a rural town in southern Oregon. I enjoy learning and trying new things, as well as being active and spending time outside. I am thrilled to explore a new part of the country, and to live and work in intentional Christian community. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me this next year!
Audrey will be working at Albuquerque Heading Home.
You can read Audrey's blog here
Audrey will be working at Albuquerque Heading Home.
You can read Audrey's blog here
Want to be a YAV in ABQ? Apply here