Welcoming our 2021 WVC Summer Interns!

Rejoice with us in welcoming 11 incredible interns for the summer! What a blessing they are in sharing their energy, creativity, hard work, team spirit and interest in learning, as well as teaching us a thing or two!

Cheyenne Boon

The Boston, Mass., native has bachelor’s degrees in politics and Spanish from Williamette University and is currently enrolled in the Master of Divinity program at Harvard Divinity School.

“This internship combines my passions of spirituality, community, environmental justice, and faith-based service,” Cheyenne explained. “I’m excited for the lessons I’ll take away from working with the Center. I firmly believe that caring for Creation, growing and distributing food, and living in community with like-minded and different-minded people are ways that we can live our faiths in the world, and I’m eager to do that at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC).

“I’m inspired by WVC’s mission and I want to be a part of the world that the center is trying to build.”

Phoebe Carstens

The San Antonio native just graduated from Loyola University with a double major in Theology and mathematics.

“As someone who is passionate about environmental justice and connecting spirituality with care for creation, I am excited for the opportunity to do a year-long internship at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice,” Phoebe said. “I feel that WVC’s mission of preserving and restoring natural resources through farming, education and animal husbandry perfectly aligns with what I am interested in pursuing.

“Last summer, I was a Shelter Projects intern at Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal protection organization. In this role, I was responsible for caring for the daily needs of animals, chickens, sheep and cows, and cleaning and maintenance needs.”

Anna Dubois

Anna, a native of Terre Haute, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public affairs at Indiana University majoring in environmental management.

“I distinctly remember petting the gentle alpacas and walking through the ever-chancing garden while attending Woods Day Care/Pre-School … At IU, I have taken comprehensive water resource, management and environmental courses to strengthen my knowledge in these fields.

“Nature has its own movement, and to this day, I am still trying to grasp its delicate dance. I am actively engaged in two sustainability clubs on campus, as well as volunteer at Mother Hubbard’s Cubbard, where eliminating food barriers is the principal value of the nonprofit food pantry. This internship at WVC will allow me to implement the skills and techniques I’ve learned in a hands-on way.”

Madeline (Maddie) Gullion

The Muncie, Ind., native just graduated from Earlham College with a major in environmental sustainability – with a focus on culture and justice – and a minor in creative writing.

“The internship at WVC draws me because of my interest in sustainable agriculture and my experience with environmental justice,” Maddie proclaimed. “I have worked in campus and community sustainability all four years at Earlham. I am an outdoorswoman through and through. I love backpacking and hiking, and I’m always ready to get my hands dirty.

“During a previous summer internship, I learned the ins and outs of an environmental nonprofit. I gained important experience with the administrative side of things, but I loved the hours I got to spend in the gardens every morning.”

Sarah Hawes

The Terre Haute native is studying at Purdue University, majoring in animal science with a focus on pre-veterinary medicine.

“Upon graduating, I hope to own my own farm. It is my goal to cultivate a humane, sustainable environment where I can provide care for farm animals, as well as provide goods and services humanely and organically,” Sarah said.

“I am eager to gain experience in my field. I feel having the privilege of the internship this summer at WVC will provide hands-on experience for my future career. I have experience as a volunteer with the Terre Haute Humane Society.”

Abigail (Abby) Heit

The Pittsburgh, Penn., native is pursuing a degree in merchandising at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“During my studies at IUP, I have become passionate about ethical and sustainable methods of production in the textile industry,” Abby explained. I believe WVC presents a niche sector of fashion that will further my education of fiber art and small business management.

“I have never worked on a farm before but I have a strong work ethic that will allow me to pick up on the gardening and animal care skills needed at a quick pace. What drew me to look into WVC was the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and their mission to advocate, serve and teach. I share a similar enthusiasm for ministry.”

Alyssa Gabrielle (Gabby) Kapusta

The Nacogdoches, Texas, native is pursuing a degree in equine sciences at Stephen Austin State University in Nacogdoches.

“I have had a long experience with alpacas,” Alyssa said. “I have helped raise alpacas and llamas, shown them at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I have experience using alpaca fiber in weaving, soap making, knitting, felt crafts and paper making.

“I am a certified fiber sorter, classer and grader. I am interested in learning more ways to use alpaca fiber. I am enthusiastic about homesteading and organic gardening. I keep my own urban garden and I pull vegetables from that garden for my meals. I have a strong passion for the protection and preservation of the environment.”

Anesley Middlekauff

The Canton, Mich., native is majoring in agricultural business and minoring in animal science at Iowa State University.

“I am interested in this internship because I have always had a love for animals and farming,” Anesley said. “I know that I have much to learn but that has never swayed the desire I have to have my own farm someday.

“I cannot wait to learn about what men and women like you all at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods do to help feed and clothe the world! I am always ready to learn, work with others, and do what it takes to get the job done!”

Erica Mueller

The Pepperell, Mass., native is pursuing a degree in natural resources and environmental science with a concentration in environmental policy, along with minors in wildlife science and soil science.

“I am extremely concerned about the state of our natural world and would like to have a hand in mending it,” Erica said. “I think that one of the most effective and healing ways for people to grow in relationship with the natural world is through working with the land to grow food and other supplies.

“Sustainable and organic farms hold the key to rebuilding our connection to our land and nurturing both the growing number of people and the Earth.”

Madeleine Beck

Madeleine joined us in August of 2020 for a one year internship
Madeleine, from White Plains, N.Y., has a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from Wellesley College. She will complete a year internship at WVC in August.

“As I start to think about where I’m headed next, I’m reminded of how much things have changed since I first arrived here at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods last August – the things I’ve learned, the friends I’ve made, the ways the world looks so different from how it did a year ago,” Madeleine said. “I’m grateful for everything I’ve gotten to do during my time here.

“Recently, I got to help with our annual alpaca shearing, which was such a fun experience and something I’ll remember for years to come. My internship with White Violet has affirmed that caring for the land, animals, and others is something I really value and hope to continue to do for the rest of my life!”

Alexis Klug

We are so happy Alexis could join us again!
A native of Terre Haute, Alexis was an intern last summer at WVC. She graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in May with a degree in environmental sustainability.

“I am excited that I will be able to work again with the amazing staff at White Violet Center and to work with a new set of individuals from other areas of the United States who have different career backgrounds,” Alexis commented. “I am also excited to work with the chickens and alpacas again. I hope to use some of my leadership skills that I learned during my last two semesters at SMWC. I also hope to gain a little bit more knowledge about organic farming, the alpacas and chickens!”