A Send-Off for Rachel

The time has come for us to say goodbye to Rachel, our most recent Americorps member.

There she is!

Although we are sad to see her go, we are incredibly excited about her future.

Rachel has accepted a position as a Water Resources Specialist at the West Virginia Water Research Institute.

As she put it, “I’ll be assisting with water quality monitoring in WV and the three rivers region, developing outreach materials, and working with various volunteer groups as they take on acid mine drainage remediation projects in WV.”

According to their website, the West Virginia Water Research Institute has been operating since 1967, serving the people of West Virginia by developing solutions to important environmental and economic development issues and disseminating the results to the public, legislators, and government officials.

Rachel teaches us about pH at the Melcroft Treatment System

When asked to comment on Rachel’s work, MWA Staff replied:

RachelĀ has been an asset to the Mountain Watershed Association, the perseverance and integrity that she displayed while working through the pandemic does not only adhere to the AmeriCorps slogan of ā€œGet Things Doneā€ but toĀ Rachelā€™s character. Her ability to adapt will suit her well as she begins her career in the environmental field, where I am sure she will succeed. Best of luckĀ Rachel. Ā 

– Carla Ruddock, Director of Conservation

I couldn’t have asked for a more helpful and competent fellow AmeriCorps member asĀ Rachel. She was way more passionate and engaged than many people would have been given her circumstances–starting her term right before the pandemic and having to serve the large majority while the office was officially closed and working from home was the norm. We couldn’t have reached many of the goals we were able to without her. She’s going to have a great future, no doubt.

– Jace Marsh, Field Technician

RachelĀ is an exemplary participant in the Mountain Watershed Association’s teamwork throughout her term as an Americorps member.Ā  She has added so much value to the many tasks she was assigned as well as those she happily took on herself.
This has been an exceptionally challenging time to work for a small organization, but she rose to the occasion without a pause.Ā  I am only sorry I did not get to know her better and spend more time with her due to the pandemic’s requirements for distancing.
We are thrilled that she will be working in the water preservation and conservation field.Ā  Her new employer is fortunate to have her.

– Beverly Braverman, Executive Director

Rachel’s last day at MWA is August 7th. On Wednesday, August 5 the MWA Staff treated Rachel and Jace to some pizza and ice cream to mark the end of their AmeriCorps time with us. Jace will continue work with MWA as our Field Technician.

Thank you, Rachel!