UWEC ECLIPSE AmeriCorps Program Director:  Amy Fink

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:

• Communication Sciences & Disorders/Speech & Language Therapy – BA

• Early Childhood Education – Dual Teaching Certification in General Education & Special Education

• Early Childhood Special Education – Masters Degree

Why ECLIPSE?

• “I was looking for opportunities to help strengthen our childcare and early childhood educational system programs.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “To ensure that all children have equal opportunities to high-quality early learning to ensure their future success in school and beyond.”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “I love the connection with everyone within our program and how that spreads out into the community. The willingness and drive AmeriCorps UWEC ECLIPSE members have to "Get Things Done" is remarkable and inspiring. It is uplifting to know there are such strong willed and compassionate young leaders at UWEC and in the Eau Claire community.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Dairy Free Cookie Dough

Favorite Animal: Porcupine

ECLIPSE Volunteer Coordinator

Alivia Torrez

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:

• Elementary Education and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages Minor

Year in College: Junior (3rd Year)

Position in ECLIPSE:

• Volunteer Coordinator of Website management and Video approval process

Why ECLIPSE?

• “I joined ECLIPSE to work with children, serve our community and meet new people my freshman year.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “I would love to teach overseas one day or work in an immersion school.”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE: 

• “One of my favorite parts about ECLIPSE is being able to serve our community and work with so many children. It was always fun going to site and seeing how excited all of the kids were to see us.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite Animal: Flamingo

ECLIPSE Volunteer Coordinator

Tepa Yang

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:

• Secondary English Education | Certificates: Critical Hmong Studies, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL/ESL)

Year in College: Senior (4th Year)

Position in ECLIPSE:

• ​Volunteer Coordinator of Website management and Video Approval Process

Why ECLIPSE?

• “I joined ECLIPSE because I love learning and working with little minds. Every day I feel like I get to make a positive impact with what I do.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “Language Arts teacher or ESL teacher.”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “I love ECLIPSE. My experience working with kiddos has really changed my outlook on life and my philosophy as a future educator. It makes me so happy seeing these children every day and getting to serve them. It's so special to be a part of the classroom where I can help provide a positive learning environment and aid in student growth. I learned a lot about issues that affect the lives of our children and their families. So many children come from lower-income families and you never know what someone is going through. I've served children who were food insecure, in the foster system, parents in the criminal justice system, you name it. It's crucial to understand that every child comes from an experience you will not understand and that was heartbreaking but life changing. The relationships I built with children, teachers, and other members was unlike anything I've ever experienced. Although these kiddos probably won't remember me, but I'll always remember them and how they touched my life. They've helped me learn so much about social issues, the importance of community service work, and myself. The service we provide is so rewarding because I can see the impact that my actions have in making the world I live in a better place.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite Animal: Tiger

ECLIPSE Volunteer Coordinator

Dayne Kramer

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:

• I am Pre-Med student with a Neuroscience Major and Biology Minor

Year in College: Junior (3rd Year)

Position in ECLIPSE:

• Volunteer Coordinator of Alternative Services and Event Planning

Why ECLIPSE?

• “I joined ECLIPSE because helping children grow and assisting them in furthering their academic career is extremely valuable. I have learned numerous life-long lessons that will only benefit me in my future career.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “My goals are to attend medical school to continue practicing and learning about the things I love!”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “A personal story I would love to share is from my first year in the program. I had been working with a young child who had struggled to speak to anyone other than family. After working with them throughout the whole academic year, they finally opened up to me and felt comfortable having a normal conversation. Achievements such as these are the reason this program is so rewarding.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla

Favorite Animal: Frog

ECLIPSE Volunteer Coordinator

Alexia Dellemann

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• ​Social Work Major, Family Studies Minor, Child Welfare and Gerontology Certificates

Year in College: Senior (4th Year)

Position in ECLIPSE:

• Volunteer Coordinator of Social Media and Virtual Field Trips

Why ECLIPSE?

• ​​“I love working with the child. I have always loved working with children and i love meeting new people. When I first came to Eau Claire I only knew 2 people from high school. This was a way to do something I love while also getting to know more people here.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “I plan of taking a gap year after graduating this summer with my bachelors. I will be gaining experience in the field and saving up money to get my master's in social work. I want to get my masters to be able to become a school social worker.”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “When I first came to Eau Claire I was hesitant on getting my degree in social work and did not know many people here. I needed a job, so I decided to join ECLIPSE since I had work study to use. I was not expecting ECLIPSE to be such a big part of my life and the reason why I want to become a school social worker. Working with these kids and seeing how much of a need there is out there for the children I want to be able to be that resource they can use at a school.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Favorite Animal: Monkey

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Sierra Savage 

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:  

• Unified Early Childhood Education Major/ EBD (Emotional Behavioral Disorder Certificate)

Year in College: Junior (3rd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• “I wanted as much experience as I could get working with children. I also joined for the leadership skills and friendships I hoped to gain from this program.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “My future goal is to have my own classroom and eventually get my Speech Pathology Degree. I have always dreamed of being a mom though as well!”

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “My favorite part about ECLIPSE is the relationships you build. Not only are you creating relationships with families and fellow educators, but you create lasting friendships with peers and the community. For the three years I have been involved each team of mine has been a blessing to me. They are a sounding board when things are rough, a smile on my face, and giggle that I can’t help but to let escape. The staff at the different sites do all they can to help the members build our knowledge on what we are passionate about, working with children. These memories with all the people in the community, staff, peers, families, and kids are some of the best memories I want to hold onto forever. I could not be more thankful for such an amazing program and group of people to work with who impact me every single day!”

Favorite Ice Cream: Cappuccino

Favorite Animal: Monkey

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Grace Bigbee

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates:  

• SPED, UEC Major; ID and EBD certificates

Year in College: Junior (3rd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• I always knew I wanted to work with children in my future, and ECLIPSE was a great place to start. Not only have I gained so much experience and knowledge through the children I have had the opportunity to work with, but I have also strengthened my ability and skills as a leader and team member within ECLIPSE.

Future Goals/Dreams:

• I would love to have my own inclusive preschool classroom or work within a B-3 program; since I still have a little over a year to go until I graduate, I am still in the process of deciding which one I will pursue. I would also like to move back to Minnesota and settle there, as that is where I am from and where my family is.

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• When I think back on my years in ECLIPSE, I can't help but smile. Whether it be the memories I’ve made with the children at site, the relationships I have developed and maintained with team members, or the valuable skills I have gained from the teachers and professionals I’ve been able to work with, I am extremely thankful for the experience. Through the amazing opportunities I have been given in ECLIPSE, I have become more and more confident in my ability to educate young children. I couldn't imagine where I would be in my education and life without all I gained from the ECLIPSE program and will carry all I have learned with me into my teaching!

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Favorite Animal: Red Panda

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Amber Retzloff

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Elementary education major with a minor in history

Year in College: Sophomore (2nd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• It sounded like a good opportunity/ to get more experience before being in a classroom

Future Goals/Dreams:

• Move somewhere out of my comfort zone

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• I loved working at the Community Table; everyone was so kind, and It was rewarding to knowing that more folks would get a meal that day.

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint

Favorite Animal: Cat

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Zach Blackert

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Broadfield Social Studies Major, Latin American Studies Minor

Year in College: Sophomore (2nd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• I love kids!

Future Goals/Dreams:

• Becoming a social studies teacher and travelling the world.

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• One of my favorite memories from last year was to fill a pumpkin with baking soda and vinegar! We watched it foam.

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint chocolate chip

Favorite Animal: Turtles

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Anna Bujak

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Communication Sciences Disorders/ American Sign Language (ASL)Certificate/ Gerontology Certificate

Year in College: Junior (3rd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• I wanted to make a difference in our community and be able to make an impact on the children we work with!

Future Goals/Dreams:

• I would love to attend graduate school in Washington and become an audiologist

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• One of my favorite memories from last year was being able to go on a field trip to a pumpkin patch with our site! It was such a great experience to bond with some of the students in the class and see them outside the classroom environment

Favorite Ice Cream: Cookies n’ Cream

Favorite Animal: Sloth

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Regynne Doepke

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Political Science/ASL Certificate

Year in College: Junior (3rd year)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• I joined in order to make a difference in my community and change lives for the better.

Future Goals/Dreams:

• I want to go off to law school, and study constitutional law. After that, I plan to become a lawyer.

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• I’ve always had great experiences with many people while going on three years with ECLIPSE. One of my favorites would be when one of the teachers I worked with at site told me how much she appreciated me and said she would miss me.

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Favorite Animal: Dog

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Emily Shearer

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Elementary education, language arts minor

Year in College: Sophomore (2nd)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• To gain experience in the early childhood field and to make an impact in the community!

Future Goals/Dreams:

• Begin teaching in my own classroom and eventually attend grad school! I'd also love to travel and start a family someday.

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• I loved getting to know my two partner students last year. My favorite part of each day at site was sitting down to read their favorite books!

Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla

Favorite Animal: Cat

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Danielle Erdman

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Psychology and English double major

Year in College: Senior (4th)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Future Goals/Dreams:

• I want to be a child psychiatrist

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• Working with the kiddos at site was my favorite time. It was always such a hot because the kids looked forward to you coming in and would be waiting for your arrival. Seeing their growth and progress throughout our short time together makes our service well worth it.

Favorite Ice Cream: Coffee

Favorite Animal: Cat

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Shantel Pierce

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Psychology Major & English Minor

Year in College: Sophomore (2nd)

Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader

Why ECLIPSE?

• Love for Helping Others

Future Goals/Dreams:

• Become a Therapist

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• Dressing up as Thing 1 at a literacy event (had the blue hair and everything lol)

Favorite Ice Cream: Cookie Dough

Favorite Animal: Dog

ECLIPSE Team Leader

Ashlyn Quist

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies

Year in College: Sophomore (2nd year)
Position in ECLIPSE: Team Leader
Why ECLIPSE?

• “I joined ECLIPSE because I knew that I wanted to make a difference within a child's life. My goal is to personally help each, and every child grow and thrive in their learning/education and to grow into the person they dream of becoming one day. I knew I wanted to work with children and ECLIPSE showed me that this program was the right one for me. Another goal is to create lasting relationships with the children, my teammates/co-workers, ECLIPSE staff, and the community of Eau Claire and various places. I hope to have my positive and outgoing personality stretch into everyone's lives to make a difference.”

Future Goals/Dreams:

• “My plan is to attend graduate school to get my master's degree. I hope to attend somewhere in Colorado. In Colorado, I hope to become a Child Life Specialist at a children's hospital. I also plan to start my family and make a living work with children there."

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• “At my previous site, I really enjoyed working with the children during their outside and inside play time. I was mesmerized on how creative and intelligent those children are. They build the most creative things, share the most adventurous stories, and are so caring and willing to help their friends. Those children are one of my most memorable memories.”

Favorite Ice Cream: Mint Chocolate Chip
Favorite Animal: Lion

ECLIPSE Member 

Anna Leintz

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Communication Sciences and Disorders, Certificate: American Sign Language

Year in College: Junior (3rd)

Position in ECLIPSE: ECLIPSE Member

Why ECLIPSE?

• I joined ECLIPSE because I love working with children. Their curiosity and imagination does not cease to amaze me. ECLIPSE promotes literacy development, and I am an advocate for every child having equal opportunities and access to learn those skills.

Future Goals/Dreams:

• After college I want to pursue graduate school to become a speech therapist!

Favorite Ice Cream: Chocolate

Favorite Animal: Horse

ECLIPSE Member 

Mackenzie Will

ABOUT

Major/Minor/Certificates: 

• Double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education

Year in College: Junior (3rd)

Position in ECLIPSE: ECLIPSE Member

Why ECLIPSE?

• To help the community

Future Goals/Dreams:

• Become an inspiring teacher

Personal Story/Experiences in ECLIPSE:

• While serving with ECLIPSE I enjoyed seeing the progress my partner child made the next year. It was heartwarming how they would remember my name and get so excited when I walked through the door.

Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla

Favorite Animal: Elephant