Meet the 2026-27 AmeriCorps Cohort!
Elizabeth Mahoney
Serving with Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Howdy! My name is Elizabeth Mahoney, and I am a second year AFNHA AmeriCorps member serving as a biological technician at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. I am excited to continue my propagation research project, expanding the species I am targeting and planning for future revegetation efforts. I am also looking forward to leading more educational events, like our snowshoe hikes in the winter and wildschool lessons in spring. I am very grateful that I can continue serving our vibrant West Virginia communities and ecosystems for another year.
Vicky Neal
Serving with the Greenbrier Historical Society
I am Vicky Neal, serving with the Greenbrier Historical Society (GHS) in Greenbrier County. I am conducting research and oral histories for the Hidden History of Western Greenbrier County; a project to highlight the untold story of life and work that centered around the coal, timber and railroad industries. I have an MA in Art Education and taught visual art for 24 years in Greenbrier and Preston counties. Since retirement in 2018, I’ve been a volunteer with the Rupert Area Improvement Council and the Meadow River Valley Association. I served with Preservation Alliance of WV during the 2024-25 service year with GHS. I serve so the rich history of western Greenbrier County communities can be acknowledged and celebrated.
Jesse Dickens
Serving with the Beverly Heritage Center
Hey everyone! My name’s Jesse, and I’m the new AmeriCorps member serving at the Beverly Heritage Center as the Rich Mountain Battlefield Coordinator! I have a background in artisan crafts like blacksmithing, woodworking, and leatherwork, along with experience in historical interpretation. I’m really excited to start serving West Virginia through AmeriCorps and to help share our region’s incredible history!
Jennifer C.
Serving with Webster County Woodchopping Museum
Hi, I’m Jennifer Cutlip, and I’m excited to be in my third year with AmeriCorps through AFNHA, serving as the Museum Coordinator at the Webster County Woodchopping Museum. Originally from North Carolina, I’ve lived in West Virginia for six years and have fallen in love with the state’s rich history. I’m currently working on a Lumberjill display to honor the incredible women who’ve competed in woodchopping, celebrating their strength and legacy.
Outside of the museum, I’m passionate about advocating for grandparents raising grandchildren, as I am currently raising two grandsons and an adopted son. I also work hard to transition to American-made, chemical-free products in my home for the health and safety of my family. I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my love for history, family advocacy, and healthy living in everything I do.
Harmon Lanager
Serving With Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area
Being a lifelong West Virginian, I have always had a deep fascination with the myth, histories, and mysteries of my home state. That fascination led me to get a BA in History from Fairmont State University.
My first term in AmeriCorps was with the West Virginia Railroad Museum in 2024 before being hired as the director the following year. My major project was a compendium and exhibit exploring the relationship between industry and folklore in West Virginia. Now, I work as a docent and archivist at the AFNHA Discovery Center in Elkins.
Hayley Sutton
Serving With Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Hello! I am Hayley Sutton. I am a biological technician serving at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. I have a bachelors degree from Ohio University in wildlife conservation and a minor in plant biology. I am in my second year as an AmeriCorps member at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. I chose to serve at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge because I wanted to protect West Virginia’s wildlife. My first year was filled with many salamander surveys, bird banding, planting red spruce and fir trees, and invasive plant removal. I’m very excited to continue the work I’ve done at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Corissa Nazarewycz
Serving With Arthurdale Heritage
Hello! I’m Corissa, and I’m serving with Arthurdale Heritage. I heard a lot of people in the Public History program at WVU talk highly of AmeriCorps, and I had volunteered at Arthurdale a few summers back and really enjoyed my time there. In my free time I enjoy reading, taking my dog on walks, thrifting and traveling.
Chris Langford
Serving With Old Hemlock Foundation
Hello, my name is Chris Langford. This is my second year volunteering with AFNHA through AmeriCorps. I am a 34 year old Army vet from Pennsylvania. I am an avid hunter, angler, and houndsman. I am currently working on my Master's degree in American History.
My site of service is the Old Hemlock Foundation located in Preston County. I serve as OH's archivist and caretaker of the George Bird Evans cabin. Since beginning my term of service in November of 2025 I took on projects both big and small. I have given tours, removed pests, and began an overhaul of the OH archives. This next year, I plan to continue the overhaul of the archives, making to both accessible and functional.
Griffin Ocker
Serving With Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Hello! My name is Griffin Ocker, and I serve as an Inventory and Monitoring Technician at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. As someone who has always been passionate about environmental conservation, joining AmeriCorps was an easy decision. It has given me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the conservation field while also contributing to the protection of important wildlife habitats.
When I'm not working, I am more than likely fly fishing in the many beautiful waterways West Virginia has to offer. I'm grateful for the opportunity to grow my skills through AmeriCorps and excited to continue pursuing a career dedicated to environmental stewardship and the conservation of our natural resources!
Owen Hadsell
Serving With US Forest Service
Hi! I’m Owen Hadsell and I’m working with the USFS as the Trail Outreach Coordinator for the North Zone of the Monongahela Forest. My role there is to assist the rangers and the forest service at large with the development and care of the many beautiful trails WV has to offer. I’m particularly passionate to get the word out-and-about both locally and beyond and learn more about the surrounding area, as I’m originally a Central PA native!
Ethan Bortz
Mon Forest Towns Partnership
Hello my name is Ethan I am volunteering for Mon Forest Towns Partnership and the USFS. I am performing a mixture of public outreach and public affairs work, including visitor service, online content creation, and representing my sites at community events.
I joined Americorps looking for meaningful work that benefits the public and makes positive change. I was also seeking to utilize the valuable experience I gain to jumpstart a new career path for myself.
Personally, I am an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys a challenging hike, rock climbing, and any new experience the outdoors can bring me.
Robyn Brezinski
Serving With The Golden Rule
Hi! My name is Robyn Brezinski. I am the Preservation Coordinator for the Belington Golden Rule Building. I am thrilled to be able to bring her story to life, and engage our community in her history to better nourish our collective future. My background is in Cryptologic Mathematics and the Russian Language and Culture, both of which taught me to think deeply, grow wide, and include all. I love to dance, wire crochet, and watch Marvel and DC movies with my son.
Olivia Cook
Serving With Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area
Hey everyone! My name is Olivia Cook, and I am the new Education and Outreach AmeriCorps member with AFNHA in Elkins. I recently graduated from Davis & Elkins College with a degree in Environmental Science.
Having grown up in Appalachia, I am excited to give back to the place I call home. I’m looking forward to helping others learn more about our region and the ecosystems and culture that make it special. In my free time I enjoy being outside and exploring all Appalachia has to offer!
Emmy Varner
Serving With 4-H Camp Pioneer and Yew Pine Cultural Traditions
Hi! I’m Emmy Varner and this year I am serving at 4-H Camp Pioneer and Yew Pine Cultural Traditions. I will be helping both these sites develop the historic side of their programs. I joined the AFNHA AmeriCorps program this year because I wanted to continue serving in the history field and explore a new state. When not serving at my sites, you can find me hiking, reading, or searching for the best cup of chai.
