Gretchen Evans: Editor in Chief, 136 YinD

Hi! I’m a YinD Volunteer in the Mukdahan province.
I studied at Texas A&M University and love to run, read, and write. If you need a book rec, I’m your gal!

Ella Spear: Managing Editor, 136 TESS

I am from a small coastal town in Maine and graduated from Colby College last year. Now I live in Sisaket, a province in the northeast of Thailand on the Cambodian border. Although the hot weather has been a big change from my previous life as a collegiate ski racer, I feel so lucky to be able to live and serve in Thailand with the Peace Corps.

Holly Lingenfelter: Historian, 136 YinD

Holly is the name and Youth in Development is the game. Serving in the Northeastern region of Thailand. When not exploring the Mekong River or missing my cat, you can most likely find me practicing yoga and fitness, crafting up a storm, daydreaming about a myriad of adventures, and overthinking how to sum up who I am in 2-3 sentences.

Jess Smith: Multimedia Director, 136 YinD

Hey, I’m Jess! I’m a recent grad from the University of Texas with a degree in psychology, a minor in ASL, and a certificate in creative writing. Whether it’s guiding white-water rafting trips, running marathons, or packing my bags to live on the other side of the world to become a Youth Development Volunteer, I’m always up for an adventure. Right now, I’m soaking up every moment in my new home, where you’ll find me biking through rice paddies and trying to learn more Thai (with varying degrees of success).

Alyssa Strong, 135 TESS

Hi! I’m Alyssa, a 135 TESS volunteer serving in Kalasin. My time in Thailand is spent admiring Thai dinosaurs, responding to a thousand hellos a day, hiking up every hill in my vicinity, and attempting as many new things as possible.

Emily Hoffmeister, 135 YinD

Hi everyone! I’m Emily, a Group 135, Youth in Development Volunteer, serving deep in the rice fields of the Mukdahan province. I grew up in Winter Park, Colorado, under the purple mountain majesty. I went to Whitman college in Walla Walla, Washington, Class of 2023 and I have my BA in Philosophy! I enjoy swimming, art, wine pairings, tracking moon cycles, and discovering new music.

Kayla Kawalec, 134 YinD

Kayla Kawalec is the Peace Corps Thailand Volunteer Leader and a Group 134, Youth in Development Volunteer. She lives in Bangkok where she works with the Thai Department of Local Administration and the Peace Corps Thailand office. Kayla’s favorite things include writing for Sticky Rice, eating ice cream, and snuggling her cat, Popcorn.

Kiera Hurley, 135 YinD

Hi I’m Kiera, a California girl now living in Lopburi, Thailand! My favorite things about Thailand are the abundance of greenery, generous people, and sabai sabai lifestyle. During my free time I enjoy biking to cafes, creating art, reading books, practicing yoga, and listening to music! 

Kyra O’Connell, 134 TESS

Kyra O’Connell is a Group 134 TESS volunteer. She is currently serving in Surin province, in Thailand’s Northeast Isaan region. When not puzzling over the linguistic differences between English, Thai, and Khmer, she enjoys reading, writing, photography, and biking.

Lilly Hromadka, 135 TESS

Hey y’all I’m Lilly! Originally from Texas, I’ve spent my adult life traveling Europe and teaching English abroad, mostly in Spain and Italy. I adore exploring my beautiful slice of Thailand nestled up next to Laos, but my greatest love is for the water. When I’m not hiking with my Thai family, you can often find me exploring the provinces nearest the sea, diving 100 feet deep, or curled up in the sand with a book.

Mack Devoto, 135 YinD

Hello! My name is Mack, and I am currently serving as a Youth in Development Volunteer in the Ubon Ratchathani province in the Northeastern region, also known as Isaan. Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, I am a true Midwesterner at heart. Prior to service, I had spent the last 4.5 years in Washington, DC completing my undergraduate degree. And now, I live in rural Thailand! I am thrilled to be writing and sharing my experiences—as well as reanimating past volunteers’ stories –with Sticky Rice as the Historian on staff for my remaining year of service.

Michael Swerdlow, 135 YinD

I am a Youth in Development Volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My favorite aspect of service is teaching, playing, and spending time with all of my students. I enjoy bike riding through the beautiful sceneries of Northern Thailand, practicing Thai, and eating delicious Thai cuisine. His two favorite dishes are khao soi and mango sticky rice.

Oliver de la Torre, 136 TESS

My name is Oliver de la Torre. I’m originally from Houston, Texas, but I’ve spent most of my life living abroad, primarily in Mexico City. Joining the Peace Corps has been a long-time goal inspired by family and friends, and I’m excited to explore Southeast Asia, work in education, learn a new language, and immerse myself in a new culture—especially the world-class food.

Tal Carmel, 136 YinD

With a love for the arts, culture, and the enriching experiences of travel, Tal is an avid writer who draws inspiration from the world around her as much as from her own personal experiences. Her work reflects a thoughtful and observant approach to the complexities of life, often with a focus on the “little things” that keep it interesting. She has a BA in Communications and multiple certifications from her time as a marketer, before her Peace Corps service.

Garrett Schliep: Chaa Thai Host, 136 TESS

Sam Parrish: Chaa Thai Host, 136 TESS