Service-Learning Staff
Mandi McReynolds
Service-Learning Coordinator
Over the last five years, Mandi McReynolds has spent her career building service-learning and leadership programs at three different institutions in Iowa. She received her B.A. from Cedarville University in Organizational Communication and her M.S. from Iowa State University with an emphasis in Higher Education, Speech Communication, and Women's Studies. In 2010-2011, she was honored to be named the Iowa Campus Compact Engaged Staff Award Winner for her work at Coe College. In July of 2011, she joined Drake University as the first service-learning coordinator. Mandi's passion is to supports Drake's mission to provide anexceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. She believes a high quality service-learning program and meaningful community partnerships can be the driving force to meet the mission of the institution. In her free time, Mandi enjoys traveling with her husband Adam, swimming with her daughter Ava, and training for triathlons.
Amelia Eckles
Service-Learning Ambassador
Amelia is a Sociology major, and Religion minor at Drake. She is a part of InterVarsity (worship and cell group leader), a Complex Manager at the Bell Center, and Conversation Group. This spring, she is studying abroad in New Zealand. Amelia co-coordinated Drake University's first ever Alternative Fall Break Program that focused on issues and activities relating to social justice, service-learning, and urban exploration within the Des Moines community. In the future, she plans on working for a non-profit organization in some capacity after graduation. Amelia loves music, being outdoors, going to new places, and spending time with friends.
Courtney Howell
Service-Learning Ambassador
Courtney Howell is a senior politics and sociology double major from Kearney Missouri. She worked in the Service-Learning Department as an undergraduate assistant last year, helping with initial office organization and information compilation, as well as working with Dress for Success Des Moines. This year, she co-coordinated Drake's first ever alternative fall break, dubbed Plunge Into Des Moines. This five-day program in October took participating students on a trip through service-learning, social justice, and urban exploration. She is also continuing her work with Dress for Success Des Moines, working on a collaborative project in the fall entitled Prep for Success, which works with young high school age women to ensure early successes in life. In the spring, her attention will move to the annual fundraiser, Passion for Fashion. In her free time, she serves as the co-social chair of the Drake Environmental Action League as well as taking part in Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Mortar Board Honor Society, and band. In the future, she hopes to get involved with local non-profits or advocacy groups in the greater Des Moines area, as she has become attached to the pleasant atmosphere and wishes to make positive change in the community.
Madison Johansen
Service-Learning Ambassador
Madi Johansen is a sophomore at Drake University studying Environmental Policy. She is passionate about environmental issues, particularly world food systems and food deserts. As publicity chair of the Drake Environmental Action League, Madi spreads word about sustainability events and news to the Drake student body. She is also a cellist in the Drake Symphony Orchestra and has played since she was 10 years old. She is excited about her position as a Service-Learning Ambassador; service-learning is an integral part of her life and she would like to spread that influence to others in the Drake and Des Moines neighborhoods. Madi is a coordinator for the Des Moines Urban Youth Learning Garden that is to be implemented the spring of 2013. She is working with Drake faculty, staff and students as well as the Boys and Girls club and other community organizations to collaborate for this wonderful opportunity.
Kelcy Smith
Service-Learning Ambassador
Kelcy is a Sophomore Biology and Psychology major. She is VP womens volleyball club, a member of Delta Gamma, and a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Kelcy works with Everybody Wins! Iowa as a school coordinator, specifically with first year seminar students who serve as reading mentors at two local DSM public schools, Monroe and King. Her hobbies include painting and volleyball. She plans on going to graduate school for genetic counseling. However, service and social justice will always be a passion of hers and she plans on continuing working to better her community.
Stephanie Werning
Service-Learning Marketing and Graphic Design Manager
Stephanie is a Graphic Design and English major at Drake. She works with the Service-Learning Office and community partners to develop creative solutions for marketing, communication, and education. Her work includes print design, web design, and working with social media. Stephanie also works with the Writers, Critics, and Artists series at Drake as a designer and curator. Her studio work also includes illustration, painting, and printmaking. In the fall, she will be entering into graduate program for Graphic and Interactive Design, and will use this opportunity to explore how creative design can make an impact on the community.
Martina Wolf
Service-Learning Ambassador
Marti is a Senior Law/Politics/Society and Environmental Policy Major. She is involved with Admissions, ONE, Women's Lacrosse, Model U.N., Delta Gamma, and DEAL. Marti is currently working with Everybody Wins! Iowa, an organization dedicated to improving literacy rates and children's success in school. As the program coordinator, she facilitates the "Power Lunch" program at Monroe Elementary, where students are paired with a mentor who reads to them while they eat lunch. It's an incredible program that not only encourages the student to read and explore their imagination, but provides an excellent opportunity for the mentors to feel as though they are making a difference - which they are! Marti would really love to get involved with organizations that promote sustainability and environmental education in the Des Moines area.
