Hi everyone! I served as a J1 volunteer from 1997-1998 working in a school for the deaf outside of Amman. I grew up in the south, attended college in the midwest, then spent 12 years in the NYC area after heading there originally to study Arabic not long after returning from Jordan. I now live in Boulder, Colorado with my twin sons and work for a technology education company. I am still in touch with my Jordanian host family and count my friendships with my fellow J1 volunteers among my most treasured. Our group has met up over the years and held an incredible J1 reunion in 2018 and a virtual reunion in 2021. I was an officer in the early years of FOJ and was eager to get back involved to help connect and re-connect everyone who has shared similar experiences in Jordan as volunteers, teachers, friends, and family.

I’m excited to take on the vice president position this year after serving as membership coordinator for the past 2 years. As a J2 volunteer from 1998-2000,  I managed a handicraft center supporting local women in Aqaba and worked at a vocational training center for disabled youth in Amman. After COS, I worked for Peace Corps for 5 years in Boston and DC, as an admin officer and budget analyst.  In 2007, I started a trip around the world that lasted for 10 years and discovered a passion for teaching. The last 6 years have been divided between spending time with my girlfriend and cat in Vilnius, Lithuania and working as a Civics Instructor/Tour Guide in DC with State Department exchange programs.  I’m looking forward to continuing to support the mission of FOJ and helping to revitalize our group over the coming year!

Hi Everyone! I was a J2 volunteer in Jordan from 1998-2000 who worked as an environmental/NGO development volunteer mostly in Wadi Rum and Amman. Though originally from the Midwest, I now live in the Washington, DC area with my husband and two children and manage a wonderful group of public servants at the Environmental Protection Agency. I’ve served as an officer with Friends of Jordan many times over the years, including as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. I’m excited to be serving FOJ, this year as Treasurer.

Marhaba! I served as a J3 volunteer from 1999-2001 in Amman and Tafilah. I worked with developmentally challenged young adults and deaf children. I also spent a lot of time near Madaba. I have been mostly teaching, and occasionally working in the Humanitarian/International Development field. I am currently teaching International Baccalaureate Psychology and Global Politics courses in Kuwait. I have visited Jordan and spent time with my host families at any chance I can get over the past 5 years. I served on the FOJ board years ago and am delighted to reconnect with my Friends of Jordan family.