Schweitzer Fellows 2025 - 26

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Clare and Sarah are working to support new mothers in the Upper Valley by enhancing access to postpartum resources through digitalization and evidence-based wellness initiatives. By creating short, accessible videos on mental health, physical recovery, nutrition, and skin health, they aim to provide new parents with flexible tools to support their well-being. Additionally, they're passionate about integrating creative activities to promote self-expression and connection, ensuring that mothers feel supported while addressing gaps in postpartum care, particularly in rural communities. Community Partner: Good Beginnings

JIAXIN JESSICA HE

Jess aims to establish a pop-up foot care clinic in Lebanon in partnership with Kilton Library, using the accessibility of local libraries to connect with unhoused folks. By providing essential foot care, distributing resources, and building trust, the initiative seeks to support often-overlooked foot health needs and connect folks to a long-term continuum of care. Community Partner: Kilton Public Library

LIJING (AUSTIN) LIN AND MICHAEL ZHANG

Michael and Austin are working to strengthen reentry support for recently incarcerated individuals by establishing a structured process that connects them with healthcare and volunteer opportunities. They plan to create a step-by-step reentry guide and provide one-on-one assistance to connect clients with state and federal aid applications, community service opportunities, physical examinations, and mental health support. Community Partner: Hartford Restorative Justice Center

NICK OLLILA AND SKYLER RAD

Skyler and Nick's project is focused on helping adults with developmental disabilities navigate challenging conversations. Their program will feature a series of classes aimed at improving life skills, covering topics such as mental health, sexual education, and internet safety. Through education, they aim to instill confidence and promote self-advocacy amongst the residents of Visions. Community Partner: Visions for Creative Housing Solutions

ETHAN HO AND AHALYA RAMESH

Ahalya and Ethan aim to enhance health literacy among refugees and immigrants in the Upper Valley by integrating health education into existing ESL classes through a partnership with SHARe. As healthcare liaisons, they will provide tailored health education that breaks down cultural and linguistic barriers, improves healthcare navigation, and empowers refugees to engage effectively with their healthcare providers, leading to better health outcomes. Community Partner: SHARe (Supporting and Helping Asylees and Refugees)

CONNOR NOWAK AND AYDA ÖKTEM

Ayda and Connor will host a series of educational workshops to foster healthy behaviors in the soon-to-be reentering prison population. The workshops will focus on critical health issues, including nutrition and physical activity, substance use and overdose prevention, LGBTQ-friendly healthcare, IPV/human trafficking, reproductive health, and navigating Vermont's healthcare systems. By equipping participants with practical knowledge and resources, they hope to improve health outcomes upon reentry. Community Partner: Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility

MAYA DAVIS AND ISABEL KAY

Isabel and Maya aim to develop and deliver culturally sensitive reproductive and sexual health education programming for unhoused and housing insecure individuals in the Burlington area. They will collaborate with the Community Health Centers of Burlington to increase access to vital health information, create a safe space for dialogue, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Community Partner: Community Health Centers of Burlington

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Sabrina and Mike aim to bring engaging activities to hospitalized children of all ages to support their emotional well-being and sense of normalcy during hospitalization. They plan to expand current offerings by Child Life Specialists to include parent support groups and initiatives supporting siblings with toys or activities. By fostering play, curiosity, and connection, they hope to make the hospital experience less stressful and more enriching for pediatric patients and their families. Community Partner: UVM Children's Hospital

NOUR HASSAN AND JONATHAN SLOWEY

Jonathan and Nour are collaborating with Pathways Vermont to establish a wound care program at their local community center. Specifically designed for individuals affected by substance use and homelessness, their project aims to disrupt the cycle of untreated wound infections by bringing community-requested resources and support to an accessible location. By intervening early at the community level, they hope to decrease the amount of preventable wound infectious requiring hospital admission, build trust with historically underserved Vermonters, and create a sustainable resource for ongoing community use. Community Partner: Pathways Vermont

MARLEY WIEST AND KATHRYN LAMONTAGNE

Kathryn and Marley plan to collaborate with their neighbors in South Royalton to explore the possibility of lowering heating and cooling costs through the creation of a Thermal Energy Network (TEN).  They hope to build community support and begin the exploration phase of establishing a TEN in South Royalton., VT.  Community Partner: Vermont Community Thermal Networks

WHITNI WILSON

Whitni is committed to addressing rising cardiovascular health and inactivity issues in Randolph, VT, by building a safe and accessible walking trail. The Legacy trail will provide the community's most at-risk populations–seniors citizens and their families–with a space for recreation and connection with nature. By promoting walkable environments, this project seeks to enhance Randolph's public health and socialization needs for generations to come. Community Partner: Upper Valley Trails Alliance

TRAVIS BOBLEY AND TARYN DUNN

Travis aims to create safe access corridors to recreation trail networks in Randolph. By securing land acquisitions and easements in Randolph, we will ensure that kids, local citizens, and tourists can safely access Randolph's local trails without having to ride on busy town highways and roads. Access to outdoor recreation has been a proven benefit to physical and mental health, so expanding and ensuring the safety of access to it will greatly enrich the Randolph community. Community Partner: Town of Randolph, VT