NINA GAGE
University of Vermont, B.S., Environmental Studies at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
While at the University of Vermont, Nina focused on food systems, land conservation, and community development, and spent time studying in Belize and Mexico. Nina worked at the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center teaching environmental education and she spent a year teaching English on the coast of Colombia. Nina has made multiple community service trips to Honduras, traveled in Guatemala and El Salvador, and when she is not planting trees with conservation groups, she can be found doing yoga, playing soccer, skiing, hiking, or biking. Nina now works as an agricultural water quality specialist with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, helping to improve water quality across Vermont and especially within the Lake Champlain Basin. Nina is fluent in Spanish and hopes to return to school for a master’s in hydrology.
CHRIS WIMER
Virginia Tech, B.A., Spanish, B.S., Human Development
Chris holds degrees from Virginia Tech in Spanish and Human Development with a concentration in Professional Helping Skills. During college, Chris studied abroad in Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, where he focused on health, environmental, and educational issues. During summers off, he traveled to Honduras and Nicaragua, where he helped establish medical clinics across impoverished areas. After graduating, Chris continued to work in Latin America, where he served as an interpreter for free medical clinics. Currently, Chris teaches at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind where he teaches Spanish and work-based learning courses to students that are blind or visually impaired. In addition to teaching, Chris has led a group of students to NASA Space Camp, served as a mentor to local youth, and coaches cross country and basketball. He is fluent in Spanish and American Sign Language, and is able to read and write Braille. This will be Chris’ second time leading Putney’s Community Service Costa Rica program.