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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 student ambassadors here. Scroll down to meet the ambassadors and make a connection. 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

Clara Ambrosino

Clara (she/her/hers) is a fourth-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?

Every professor and student in the School of Education and Human Development has so much kindness to offer, and EHD feels like one big family. Every major contributes to helping others in some capacity, which really shows in the kindness around EHD.

Kaylee Chan

Kaylee (she/her/hers) is a third-year from Lorton, VA.

Favorite EHD class

EDIS 2800: P-12 Educational Contexts with Mandy Flores-Curley

Plans after graduation

After I graduate, I hope to work toward a Master of Teaching and someday have my very own classroom in Charlottesville City Schools.

Activities
  • Executive Member of UVA College Mentors for Kids
  • Hooper on the Mem outdoor basketball courts
  • Amateur claymation artist and self-proclaimed (but peer-reviewed) Cake Boss
Why EHD?

The public school classroom had always been my safest space - a constant that offered an education, a chance, and found family. As a teacher, I aspire to create that environment and pay forward the support I was lucky to receive to other children. EHD gives me the opportunity and guidance needed in order to work toward the future I want and the person I aim to become.

Juliana Contreras

Juliana (she/her/hers) is a second-year from Atlanta, GA, with a minor in Spanish.

Favorite EHD class

Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

Plans after graduation

I plan to attend graduate school for speech language pathology!

Activities

I love to try out new restaurants, long road trips, and hiking! On Grounds, I am currently involved in the University Guide Service (UGS), Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc., and the First Generation, Limited Income Partnership (FLIP).

Why EHD?

EHD provides a community filled with peers, students, administrators, and professors who are eager and willing to provide support! Many of the students within the school are deeply connected within the UVA community through various organizations and volunteer opportunities.

Claire DeBusk

Claire (she/her/hers) is a second-year from Richmond, VA. She is also studying Leadership & Public Policy.

Favorite EHD class

EDLF 3240: Education in Multicultural Societies

Plans after graduation

I am still exploring, but considering going to law school.

Activities
  • University Dance Club
  • Boating/water sports
  • Volunteer at the Virginia Discovery Museum
Why EHD?

I chose the School of Education and Human Development because EHD professors genuinely want to get to know their students, taking interest in our lives inside and outside of an academic setting. They recognize the value of a classroom with a diverse range of opinions and experiences, and strive to create an environment that uniquely supports every student.

Bridget Dinora

Bridget (she/her/hers) is a third-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
  • Cooking
  • Spending time with friends
  • Working with children
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.  

Elise Doe

Elise (she/her/hers) is a first-year from Oakton, VA, with a minor in Spanish.

Favorite EHD class

Neuroscience of Exercise

Plans after graduation

I plan to attend graduate school for physical therapy.

Activities
  • UVA Dance Team
  • Alpha Delta Pi sorority
  • Thrifting, creating playlists, and working out
Why EHD?

The School of Education and Human Development is exceptional because it’s smaller than most programs here on Grounds, which allows its members to deeply connect and grow together. I love the many events we have in EHD that foster this sense of community while promoting education, networking, school spirit, career advancement, and well-being.

Camden Fudala

Camden (he/him/his) is a second-year from Glen Allen, VA.

Favorite EHD class

Emergency Medical Care Lab

Plans after graduation

Physician Associate

Activities
  • Going on runs around Grounds and participating in community 5Ks
  • Club and recreational pickleball
  • Volunteering with Remote Area Medical
  • Listening to new music
Why EHD?

The courses offered at EHD provide students with a holistic understanding of the human body, wellness, and how we can all make a difference. The variety of classes I'm taking are preparing me with a wide scope of knowledge, making going into a career in healthcare seem slightly less daunting. If you ever need support, the students and faculty here are a close community, so you should never hesitate to ask.

Maya Johnson

Maya (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year from Alexandria, VA with a minor in religious studies.

Favorite EHD class

EDHS 3055: Development and Prevention of Youth Violence 

Plans after graduation

I plan on attending graduate school and becoming a policy/program analyst. 

Activities
Why EHD?

I always knew that I wanted to work with youth, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. Through the School of Education & Human Development, I have not only been prepared to effectively work with youth and have had the opportunity to explore various paths to do so, but I have also developed close relationships with my peers and professors who are all encouraging and passionate about helping and serving others.

Roux O'Dell

Roux (she/her/hers) is a second-year from Fairfax, VA, with a minor in Spanish.

Favorite EHD class

EDLF 2080: Fundamentals of Health and Social Sciences Statistics

Plans after graduation

I want to be an upper elementary school teacher.

Activities

I love to cook, spend time outdoors, and read.

Why EHD?

The EHD community is extremely supportive. They are always ready to help and push you to achieve your goals.

Kaylin Perks

Kaylin (she/her/hers) is a third-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. 

Chloe Timmons

Chloe (she/her/hers) is a fourth-year from Leesburg, VA.

Favorite EHD class

Schools and Society

Plans after graduation

I plan to work in education policy!

Activities
  • Student Manager for UVA Football
  • Member of Kappa Delta sorority
Why EHD?

Because of the people. Everyone in EHD is so passionate about people in so many different ways, and it inspires me to continue learning about people beyond a single story.

Matthew Tucker

Matthew (he/him/his) is a graduate student from Hampton, VA.

Favorite EHD class

Introduction to Adolescence

Plans after graduation

Become a high school history teacher

Activities
  • Reading and writing
  • Playing video games
  • Hanging with friends
Why EHD?

EHD is one of the best places to learn and grow. Being a part of the Education School has made me more prepared and has trained me to be a better professional.

Brian Varghese

Brian (he/him/his) is a first-year from Bristow, VA. 

Favorite EHD class

Introduction to Kinesiology

Plans after graduation

I plan to go to medical school in hopes of becoming a sports medicine physician.

Activities
  • Exercise (lifting, playing basketball, etc.)
  • Driving to random places with friends
  • Charlottesville Free Clinic volunteer
Why EHD?

Through EHD I have met so many wonderful friends, classmates, and professors. I want to be able to encourage others to become a part of this community.