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OUR PROGRAM
SCIENCE EDUCATION
Delivering resilience and risk reduction programs to children and adults
RESILIENCE TRAINING
Providing training and resilience tools and techniques to community leaders
CAPACITY BUILDING
Contributing to capacity building within host organizations
MEMBER ROLE
GatorCorps Members will be deployed for national service to Jacksonville, Gainesville or Cedar Key, cities that have a working relationship with the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience through the Florida Resilient Cities Program. During the period of service, key activities will focus on a) delivering educational programs to both children and adults related to resilience and risk reduction, b) delivering training and resilience tools and techniques to community leaders and c) contributing to capacity building within the host organization.
Members will receive a living allowance ($980 bi-weekly for full-time member), access to health coverage for FT members, a suite of professional training and development opportunities, childcare assistance if eligible, and an education award (in 2024, $7,395 for full-time member) upon successful completion of service. GatorCorps members will serve a minimum of 450 hours during the service year (before July 31st), with the maximum being 1700 hours (full-time), and for up to four terms. Whether you are ready to serve full-time, or you are a student able to commit 10+ hours a week, talk to us today to see if GatorCorps is right for you! You must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident to qualify for national service.
A GatorCorps cohort starts in September each year (BEST TO APPLY BY MAY for THE UPCOMING service year). We will also accept applications on a rolling basis and fill open positions during the year. Your service will start with orientation and training at Headquarters.
WHERE WE WORK
Gainesville
At the headquarters of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER)
Jacksonville
In collaboration with Eartha’s Farm
Cedar Key
In collaboration with Nature Coast Biological Station
Jacksonville
In collaboration with The Performers Academy (TPA)
OUR TEAM
Jason von Meding
GatorCorps Executive Director
Jason is a social scientist investigating narratives of disaster, including injustice and inequality but also solidarity and hope.
Carla Brisotto
GatorCorps Program Director
Carla Brisotto is an architect and urban theorist & researcher working on community design and cultural landscapes.
Jeff Carney
Jeff is an architect and urban designer working at the scale of housing and neighborhoods as an interface between urbanism, infrastructure, and ecosystem.
Skyler Thornton
Program Coordinator
Skyler Thornton is a Haitian American organizer, creative, and Gainesville native with expertise in non-profit organization with an interest in community programming and advocacy.
Summer Holtz
Summer Holtz a cum laude graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Environmental Science, is passionate about sustainability, resilience outreach, and public service. As a GatorCorps member, she focuses on empowering communities through education and environmental initiatives. Her experience includes leading community programs like the Tree Giveaway as a Sustainability Intern for the City of West Palm Beach. She’s also contributed to sustainable messaging research with Florida Community Innovation. In Belize, Summer co-designed a Sustainable Agriculture Digital Field Experience, blending environmental education with global impact. She aspires to pursue graduate studies and make a lasting impact at the intersection of environmental science and public policy.
Zaed Christie
Zaed Christie is a soil and water scientist from St. Petersburg, Florida. He became aware of the importance of science education through interning with the Chewing on Change program hosted by the Florida Museum of Natural History. Since then, he has been extremely passionate about learning to communicate with various communities about environmental science topics. He also initiated the revival of the University of Florida Wetlands Club. Zaed is enthusiastic about using his specialization in soil and water science to help elevate vulnerable communities with science education.
Tulay Yilmaz Tepe
Tulay Yilmaz Tepe is a geophysics engineer with a master’s degree in Seismology. She worked for nearly eight years as a geophysics engineer for a municipality in Istanbul, Turkey, before moving to Gainesville, Florida. The Gator Corps initiative has been essential for preparing vulnerable communities for disaster and enhancing their resilience through education and training. She joined GatorCorps to share her experiences and contribute to this cause in various capacities.
Zwadia Bradley
Zwadia Bradley, or Dia has a passion for uplifting those around her and her style of gardening which she’s called “playing in the dirt”. She uses her skills in botany and herbalism and the resources she’s been provided through GatorCorps to share knowledge with her community. Most days at Eartha’s Farm, Dia is gardening or engaging with volunteers and other Jacksonville residents at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. She emphasizes the importance of getting more involved with food deserts and sharing information with those who lack access to rich and healthy foods. Dia’s main goal is to help provide a safe space for the community to learn, thrive, and eat well at Eartha’s Farm and Garden as well as partner with others with the same ambitions.
Hadia Satti
Hadia Satti is a student at the University of Maryland Global Campus, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. She has gained diverse experience through roles with the USGA and U.S. Open, as well as serving as a Resident Assistant at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Dedicated to community impact, Hadia has worked with organizations like the YMCA and Gallop NYC to promote inclusivity and empowerment. Now living in Jacksonville after relocating from New York, she integrates her background in health sciences, technology, and community engagement while continuing her education. Hadia currently supports outreach and program development with The Performers Academy through GatorCorps, helping strengthen the local community.
Hayley Gustin
Hayley Gustin is a community member and cultural researcher with a focus on archaeology, ethnomusicology, and environmentalism. At GatorCorps, Hayley creates an interconnected curriculum centered on cultural relevance, environmental advocacy, and life-balancing skills to empower individuals and reduce community risks. In their free time, Hayley enjoys biking and skating, visiting state parks, studying environmental and cultural materials, attending music shows, experimenting with sound mixing, and playing their Omnichord.
Hayden Germanis
Hayden Germanis is an undergraduate student at the University of Florida studying landscape architecture. His passion for design and love for the environment has led him through roles as a community planning intern, horticulture intern, and research assistant. Hayden, through GatorCorps, is excited to develop the skills and relationships to bolster his community with resilient social systems and infrastructure.
Meryl Klein
Meryl Klein is a lifelong learner with a master’s in environmental education and communications. She has worked in her field for over 30 years in informal and formal settings with K-12 and public audiences as well as at local and national levels. Some of her interests include hands-on awareness-to-action environmental education that fosters a deep appreciation for and care of Nature and our planet, habitat restoration, creating outdoor classrooms, food insecurity, and the intersection of art/science/nature. Some of her graphic design work involves creating environmental signage for the public. Meryl is honored to serve as a GatorCorps member with this cohort helping to connect with and make our community more resilient, and sustainable.
Leza Warren
Leza Warren relocated from New York to Florida in January of 2024. She has experience in husbandry, nursery growing of vegetables, and owning her own farm. After purchasing a small parcel of land, she quickly obtained a USDA certification. Her goal is to grow food for her local community, offering fresh produce and proteins at reduced prices. Leza believes that, in today’s economy, it’s difficult for many families to provide for themselves and no one should be without necessities like food. She has gained valuable knowledge working at Eartha’s Farm and Market in Jacksonville and hopes to continue working with GatorCorps to expand her expertise and experience in agriculture, helping meet the essential needs of her neighbors.
Mark Graham
Mark Graham is a Florida native, born and raised on the Treasure Coast. He obtained my undergraduate degree in psychology at South University, Tampa, and soon found a career in the San Bernardino National Forests of Southern California. He quickly fell in love with teaching and learning about the natural beauty and diversity of our Earth’s many biomes, which led him to his current role as a GatorCorps member. Based out of the Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key, my primary role is to serve the community by providing interaction-based educational programs for environmental sustainability, and disaster resiliency of living shorelines. Part of his role also involves coastal cleanup projects and wildlife conservation efforts.
Robert Caponegro-Kees
Robert Caponegro-Kees is a junior Sustainability in Built Environment major at the University of Florida serving at the Florida Institute for Built Environmental Resilience. He joined GatorCorps to promote sustainability awareness, educate communities about its importance, and engage in research opportunities, becoming more knowledgeable about how to make the built environment greener. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, running, and reading.
OUR SOCIALS
