Even though we are sad to say goodbye to Casey and Odina after a fantastic year with Grassroots, we are excited as they embark on their new journeys. We also can’t wait to welcome our new Program Managers, Melissa Otterbein and Rodrigo Stein! Melissa and Rodrigo come from the Global Health Corps and will take root in Washington, D.C. for the 2014-2015 year. We are so thrilled to have them join us in a few weeks at the TGP office! Let’s give them a SHOUTOUT!
Melissa Otterbein
Melissa Otterbein or “Otter” is from Flourtown, Pennsylvania and swam at the Division I level at Towson University. Sports used as a tool for social change and working with Division I athletes have inspired Otter to work for a non-profit like Grassroots. Within TGP over the next year, she is most excited about meeting with college athletes as well as developing and delivering sport-based HIV prevention. Melissa’s dad has been her greatest role model since she finds his immense patience and the way he holistically lives his life inspiring. Melissa’s sister has Down Syndrome, and her father’s commitment as a volunteer for the Special Olympics has been humbling. Over the years he has been a track and field coach and is now a County Manager for the Special Olympics. Her favorite athlete, Kathryn Bertine, is a professional cyclist who has been inspirational in her advocacy of women’s inclusion in the Tour De France and eliminating inequalities that exist in cycling. One of Melissa’s life goals is to publish a project she’s working on called “Letters to Future Sisters.” It is a collection of letters from women around the world sharing their experiences and dreams for future generations. Check it out! http://letterstofuturesistersoftheworld.wordpress.com/about/
Rapid Fire Questions
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
Botswana with Habitat for Humanity
What’s your favorite type of candy?
Dark chocolate 🙂
What is your favorite sport?
Triathlon now that I graduated from college swimming and am a triathlete.
What is your favorite sports team?
Towson University Swimming & Diving!
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring?
Since I’m not friends with any pilots or sailors, I will go with some of my favorite people- my dad and two friends of mine: My friend Devan who is the most positive person I know, and my friend Dave who can make anything fun.
If you had to give anyone a SHOUTOUT right now, who would it be and why?
I would like to give a SHOUTOUT to current fellow Casey Kilburn for writing a fantastic HuffPost article on “Serving Through Sports”!
Rodrigo Stein
Rodrigo Stein or “Rodders” is from Honduras or Guatemala, depending on his mood. That’s understandable considering he’s lived in 9 different countries! Living in Washington, D.C. will be the 10th different country! His parents have been his greatest role models since they have constantly supported him in his endeavors and are always pushing him to be better. Rodders is inspired to work for a non-profit like Grassroots because he has always believed that sports are a vehicle for positive change, and now he has the opportunity to be a part of an organization with this same vision. Over the next year with Grassroots, he is most excited about developing activities that will benefit coaches, student athletes, and DC youth as well as learning more about using sports for development.
Rapid Fire Questions
Where is your favorite place you have traveled?
Berlin, Germany
What’s your favorite type of candy?
Mentos or Starburst
What is your favorite sport?
Football and by football I mean soccer!
What is your favorite sports team?
Manchester United
Who is your favorite athlete?
Ex Honduran soccer player, Carlos Pavon
If you were stranded on an island and got to bring three people with you, who would you bring?
Survival Specialist Bear Grylls from the TV show, best friend and Adriana Lima
If you had to give anyone a SHOUTOUT right now, who would it be and why?
Ill give a shout out to my ex roommates in Manchester for being awesome and deciding to travel for 2 months in Central America! ( Good luck to them!!)
