Last month, we introduced you to Kerri Shull, our Community Engagement Assistant who’s been instrumental so far in coordinating our Warm & Fuzzy Drive, Blanket Making Party, Mercy Creekview Senior Dinners, and most recently, the Holiday Food Distribution event at the Food Bank of El Dorado County!
This month, we’d like to introduce you to Sam Ferrand! Sam joins our incredibly dedicated Education Team which provides oversight and mentorship to 14 youth-led service-learning clubs and 8 yearly and seasonal committees for youth in 6-12th grades at schools from Folsom to Placerville. In her role as an Education Program Coordinator, Sam will oversee Clubs & Committees in El Dorado Hills and at our El Dorado Hills Youth Center.
Sam’s positive energy and her training as a life coach will be beneficial in helping her reach her goal of providing the youth she works with an opportunity to “build trust with their team and be in a safe place where they can try something new or move out of their comfort zone knowing it’s ok if they make mistakes.”
Thank you for giving Sam a warm welcome to Team Hands4Hope!
Welcome, Sam! Tell us a little bit about yourself! I was born and raised in London, England. I’m the youngest of four sisters. I moved to the United States in 1993 and absolutely love living here. My husband and I live in Placerville and are empty nesters! Our two sons both became US Marines.
What were you involved with before starting with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I’ve been involved in a variety of things over the years from being a stay home mom, a small business owner and photographer, working in ministry admin and communications and becoming trained as a life coach.
What do you like to do in your free time? I love traveling, cooking (and eating!), curling up on the couch with a good book, photography (especially people pictures!), hiking and spending time with friends and family.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know or are surprised to learn? I have a bachelor of science degree in biology! My dream was to become a high school science teacher.
What goals do you have for your work with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
I am so excited to partner with youth as they learn and grow in their leadership skills and serve their community. My hope and goal for the students I work with is (1) for them to reach their full potential while gaining confidence both in themselves and in the difference they make in their community and (2) for the students to build trust with their team and be in a safe place where they can try something new or move out of their comfort zone knowing it’s ok if they make mistakes - it’s how we learn and improve.
What are you most looking forward to in working with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference? Getting to know the students and them getting to know me. To get to hear their stories and partner with them as they continue to learn and grow.