Sam and Trisha, our two new AmeriCorps members, joined HIP at the beginning of October just as our new school year programming was picking up steam! We are excited to have them join our team. Please welcome them and stop by to say Hi!

Samantha Hoeper

Hi everyone!

I’m so excited to be joining the HIP team for the 2018/2019 year. I was born and raised in Marysville, Washington, and graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) with degrees in Anthropology and History. I love learning about other people, food and cultures, so I joined the U.S Peace Corps shortly after graduation, where I served in the Philippines as an English teacher for a small vocational high school and out of school youth/non-traditional students. While food has always been an interest of mine, I had never considered that it might become the focus for my future work. But during my service, food insecurity was a constant presence in and outside of the classroom. This exposure ignited a desire to actively help those impacted by food insecurity, rather than simply understand it. This experience compelled me to pursue a Masters in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Public Health from the University of Bristol in the UK. During my time in Bristol, I established a healthy love for afternoon tea and meat pies.

Outside of work and school, I enjoy running, biking, and hiking. I love baking and cooking (especially breakfast foods!), video games, and drinking coffee with my cat, Harrison. If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by for a quick cup of tea/coffee and a chat!

Trisha Ramanlal

Hi, I’m Trisha. I grew up in Perry, GA about 2 hours south of Atlanta. I attended school in Athens, GA at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!), where I studied Nutrition Science and Dietetics. I’ve always had a passion for serving others and believe that access to food is critical component to health. My first introduction to AmeriCorps was this past summer where I did a short Vista program working on a organic farm run by UGA students. I loved being able to learn and teach others about organic farming and sustainability. I am excited to be working with HIP and the Lake City community.

When I’m not at HIP, I enjoy traveling, hiking, gardening and reading. I’m always looking for a Taco Tuesday partner in crime, so if you know of any good tacos, please let me know. Can’t wait to wander in the beautiful PNW.