ELLIE SCHWARTZ – PROJECT DIRECTOR
Hello from beautiful Colorado! I’m Ellie, your Project Director for the Western Colorado summer program. We’re hard at work preparing for you, our fantastic volunteers, to come join us here in the mountains — in the meantime, we want to introduce ourselves!
I’m a Denver native, and was lucky enough to grow up playing in the Rockies, including some of the beautiful spots we’ll be exploring this summer. I’m a two-time Amiga — I was a volunteer in Azuay, Ecuador in 2013 and Oaxaca, Mexico in 2014. I went on to study Government, Latin American Studies, and Earth & Oceanographic Science at Bowdoin College. I loved leading backpacking, canoeing, and hiking trips through my college’s Outing Club during my time at Bowdoin. Since graduating, I’ve spent time working on organic farms, in public affairs, and for a Colorado lawmaker. I am so excited to rejoin the Amigos family and to explore new corners of my home state with you all!
KORA FREEMAN-GERLACH – PROJECT COORDINATOR
Hey everyone! I’m originally from Berkeley, California, but I go to theUniversity of Vermont where I study Environmental Studies, Spanish, and Food Systems! I spent this past semester in Ecuador where I interned at an environmental nonprofit and took online classes. I was an AMIGOS volunteer in Nicaragua in 2016 and am super excited to be involved again as part of the staff team! I love to hike, ski, travel, camp, climb, and basically all things outdoors. I also like to cook, bake, and find new music! Looking forward to spending the summer with you all!
KISMET ISIK – HEALTH & WELLNESS COORDINATOR
Hello everyone! I’m originally from Monterey, California. I am currently in my second year at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. I am majoring in Environmental Management and Protection and minoring in Agribusiness. I am a 2-time Amiga and volunteered in Chimborazo, Ecuador in 2017 and in Azuero, Panama in 2018. Since 2017, I have fallen in love with Amigos and I am super excited to be a part of staff this year! In my free time, I love to go on hikes, cook and go thrift shopping.
