STICH AmeriCorps Member Spotlight

CHCACT operates an AmeriCorps program called Service to Improve Community Health (STICH), funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the Connecticut Commission on Community Service (CCCS). STICH members serve 10-month terms in select health centers.

STICH members provide a variety of services in health centers and out in the community. As it is a very exciting program with enthusiastic participants, we regularly spotlight STICH members on the CHCACT website. Current and previous AmeriCorps members share their insights about the program and how it has impacted them both professionally and personally.

Here are our three most recent spotlights:

Katie Prota

Katie decided to join the STICH AmeriCorps program as a way to get an introduction to the healthcare field. After working in marketing for a couple of years, she realized that she wanted to pursue her interest in health care. STICH offered the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the healthcare field and to see firsthand how our healthcare system works while serving the community – something that Katie really wanted to do.

Katie enjoys being able to share her knowledge and educate people on topics that will help them improve their lives. When asked to describe her AmeriCorps experience in three words, Katie responded: “Fulfilling, Informative, and Appreciative.”

Katie’s service has allowed her to explore her passion for health care and to see that she wants to go into medicine.

Katie’s advice for those interested in AmeriCorps is: “Go for it! Whether you are interested in health care or not, this is a great experience that will teach you many professional skills and allow you to meet a lot of wonderful people. It is an excellent opportunity for those interested in service and want to address the needs in their community.”

Katie serves with Fair Haven Community Health Care in New Haven.
Read the Katie's full spotlight interview.

Sarah Mongillo

Sarah always wanted a career centered on community development, and a class she took in college sparked her interest in public health. STICH was the perfect way for her to develop skills and be involved with health education.

Sarah has really enjoyed the community events she participates in as part of service. For example, a food distribution event provided families with healthy, fresh foods for the holidays. Sarah was able to meet the families helped and learn about their lives outside of the context of a health center and see how our efforts directly affect them.

Asked to describe her experience in three words, Sara responded, “Collaborative, Supportive, and Opportunistic.”

Sarah’s experience has been the most fulfilling when collaborating with others. People are very supportive because the nature of the STICH program is to serve and improve community health.

Sarah’s advice for those interested in AmeriCorps is: “Keep learning and developing. The STICH program will give you the opportunity to learn how to organize, outreach, present, and educate and so much more.“

Sarah serves at StayWell Health Center in Waterbury.
Read the Sarah's full spotlight interview.

Jayda Hawley

Jayda joined the STICH AmeriCorps program immediately after completing her undergraduate degree in Public Health. With STICH, Jayda can explore and learn more about the healthcare field, and build skills and experience from others currently working in the field.

Jayda’s most meaningful experiences include going out into the community and helping people. She has been able to use the different resources and connections to help others directly, to help educate people on various health topics, and more.

Asked to describe her experience in three words, Jayda responded: “Insightful, Rewarding, and Unforgettable.”

Because of the STICH program, Jayda has found an accomplished mentor that has been able to guide her and give her one-on-one time and insight. In addition, the hands-on experience with patients through the administrative process has helped Jayda gain a better understanding of the logistics of life.

Jayda’s advice for those interested in AmeriCorps is: “Consider joining the STICH AmeriCorps program. This program will give you the connections and skills you need to put your foot in the door. It will also give you the confidence needed to get the dream job you want.”

Jayda serves at First Choice Health Center in East Hartford.
Read the Jayda's full spotlight interview.

We are now recruiting for our next program year (begins September, 2020)

If anyone is interested in participating in the STICH AmeriCorps program for the 2020-2021 year or if you have any questions, please contact Maya Severson, STICH AmericCorps Program Manager at CHCACT (mseverson@chcact.org).