Samantha Verdugo is an Up2Us Sports AmeriCorps VISTA working at Turn 2 Us, a mental health promotion and prevention program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in partnership with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Derek Jeter, and public elementary schools in Washington Heights/Inwood. Samantha started her service year in August 2020, and we’re incredibly proud of all the work that she’s done so far through the year! With her supervisor, Dr. Evelyn Montanez, she’s been able to make a huge impact on children’s lives. In her own words, Samantha is “most proud of helping T2U reach over 761 3rd-5th graders, 159 school personnel, and 205 parents/caregivers virtually in 2020.” Specifically, Samantha has been translating workshop flyers, content, and PowerPoints into Spanish in order to serve a diverse community. In addition, she has built the social media presence of Turn 2 Us, as well as updating their training manual. Her service year is far from over, however, and she had this to say about what the future holds:
“I’m looking forward to continue to mentor and build a professional relationship with the three new volunteers I helped recruit. My focus for 2021 will be on retention and being the best mentor I can to them so they not only help the program but also have a meaningful learning experience too.”
