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  1. Student Experience
  2. Student Ambassadors

Student Ambassadors

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Throughout the academic year, a team of EHD Student Ambassadors connect with new and prospective students through social media, info sessions, and more to give a peek into their lives as EHD students and share what it's like to be a part of our community.

Learn more about each of our 2023-24 Student Ambassadors here. If you'd like to talk with one of our ambassadors one-on-one, email [email protected] and we will be happy to connect you.

Meet the Ambassadors

Luna Alazar

Luna is a fourth-year from Springfield, VA, with a minor in social entrepreneurship. 

Favorite EHD class

Hip Hop Education 

Plans after graduation

Do a policy internship related to school safety, a graduate program, or become a teacher

Activities
  • Organizing cultural events/DEI events
  • Dance, TikTok
  • Pray, bible study, journal
Why EHD?

EHD has provided me with a family away from home. I have felt welcomed, appreciated, and supported by students and faculty.

Clara Ambrosino

Clara is a third-year from Long Island, NY. 

Favorite EHD class

Understanding Autism with Dr. Dubay

Plans after graduation

I plan on getting my master's degree to become a licensed speech-language pathologist. 

Activities
  • Member of Kappa Delta sorority and involved in First Year Players, a musical theater group on Grounds
  • UVA NSSLHA (National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association) representative for the SHAV (Speech and Hearing Association of Virginia) student group, connecting with other speech and hearing students at different universities in Virginia
  • Wherever there are dogs to pet, I will be there. 
Why EHD?

I knew that I wanted to work with people, and EHD has four major pathways that go on to help people in different ways, whether that be physically, mentally, or emotionally. The educators in this environment have shown me so much about what my future may look like and my peers are all going to do so many amazing things and help so many people. 

Bridget Dinora

Bridget is a second-year from Goochland, VA. 

Favorite EHD class

Clinical Phonetics

Plans after graduation

I plan on going to graduate school and then eventually being a speech-language pathologist.

Activities
  • Alpha Phi Omega (community service fraternity)
  • Madison House
  • Alpha Chi Omega (sorority)
Why EHD?

EHD provides students with a unique, close-knit community of people who are passionate about serving others. The students, professors, and faculty make EHD such a special place to learn and grow as a student, and each program undoubtedly prepares students for the professional world.  

Paige Handy

Paige is a fourth-year from Richmond, VA. 

Favorite EHD class

Psycholinguistics & Communication

Plans after graduation

I'm planning to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist!

Activities
  • Member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority
  • Member of Hoos in the Stairwell a cappella group
  • I love learning languages! I speak Spanish, French, and I know basic ASL!
Why EHD?

I absolutely love to help and empower others through open self-expression, and because of that I've known since I was 17 that speech-language pathology was the path for me. The Education School at UVA has equipped me with all the tools and skills I need to take the next step in my career!

Maya Johnson

Maya is a third-year from Alexandria, VA with a minor in religious studies.

Favorite EHD class

EDLF 2050: What the Innovators Do 

Plans after graduation

After I graduate, I plan to either pursue a career in curriculum development or education research/consulting.

Activities
  • Co-Social Chair on the YSI Executive Board
  • Executive Member of the Education Council
  • Member of the Steering Committee for SEEDS4Change
  • Volunteer through Virginia Ambassadors
Why EHD?

I chose the School of Education and Human Development because of the community and the resources. Through the majors having small cohorts, you become part of a tight-knit community amongst peers, as well as professors who make an effort to get to know you as a person and not just as a student. Also, EHD provides a variety of resources to students, which makes me feel so supported and has helped affirm the paths I want to take.

Austin Kozba

Austin is a fourth-year from Midlothian, Virginia. 

Favorite EHD class

Musculoskeletal Anatomy (and Lab!)

Plans after graduation

Physical Therapy school

Why EHD?

EHD is a really tight-knit community, and I feel at home when I am here. I have had the opportunity to get close to my professors and my peers, and do not feel like just another number or face while in these classes. I also love the amount and diversity of opportunities I have had to get involved with EHD, which has helped push my educational career further beyond the classroom.

Kaylin Perks

Kaylin is a second-year from Fairfax, VA.

Favorite EHD class

EDLF 2050: What the Innovators Do 

Plans after graduation

Pediatric Occupational Therapy

Activities
  • Thrifting
  • Going to concerts/live music
  • Employee at UVA Bookstore
Why EHD?

EHD provides an inclusive, supportive community that promotes small group discussion to investigate all opinions, beliefs, and backgrounds. Faculty are truly the most passionate, knowledgeable, and caring mentors, with a strong commitment to discussing current research and issues facing the field. 

Jennifer Rains

Jennifer is a fourth-year from Silver Spring, MD with a minor in religious studies.

Favorite EHD class

Either EDLF 4610: Civil Rights Movement and Education or EDIS 4330: Science in the Elementary School

Plans after graduation

I plan to teach second grade or kindergarten in D.C. for a couple of years, then go to graduate school to study teaching, learning, policy, and leadership with a specialization in minority and urban education.

Activities

I love to go thrifting, hiking, and to read. I also run my own tutoring business, Rains Tutoring Services. I'm currently a student teacher in a 4th grade classroom 16 hours a week and also a substitute at a Montessori school. 

Why EHD?

As a teacher, I know I'm serving a greater purpose in the world by educating the next generation, our future. UVA's School of Education and Human Development has shaped me into the teacher I've always dreamed of being and given me the tools to create change in every classroom I step into. 

Lydia Seekford

Lydia is a fourth-year from Leesburg, VA.

Favorite EHD class

EDIS 4060: Mathematics in Special Education

Plans after graduation

Special Education teacher at the middle or high school level

Activities
  • UVA cheerleader
  • Cooking and baking
  • Exercise! (running, lifting weights, yoga, hiking, swimming)
Why EHD?

At the UVA School of Education and Human Development, professors foster positive classroom environments that allow for true learning. It is a place where high expectations are held and understanding is prioritized.

Caroline Solondz

Caroline is a third-year from Warren, NJ.

Favorite EHD class

Musculoskeletal Anatomy Lab

Plans after graduation

Either physician associate school or occupational therapy school!

Activities
  • Running in Charlottesville
  • Hanging out at Hillel
  • Playing intramural sports
  • Giving Peer Health Education outreach
Why EHD?

I chose EHD because of the strong community and caring faculty. I love having small class sizes in which I can get to know my peers and interact with my professors, something many cannot do in large lecture halls. All of the EHD faculty members want to see their students succeed and are there for anything you need to do well in your college experience, both inside and outside the classroom.