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Our Staff

jenniev

 

JennieV. Sorrells

Project Director

jdsorrells@wcu.edu

My name is JennieV. (no the V doesn't stand for anything) and I LOVE Project Discovery! I am from Western North Carolina and live in Haywood County with my adventure crew, which includes my husband, an awesome kiddo and two hound dogs. Like many of you, I was the first in my family to earn a college degree. I studied Spanish and Philosophy during my time at Western Carolina University and have a Master's in Development Practice from Emory University. I love playing outside in the mountains, whether that is hiking, running or riding my bicycle. I have had wonderful adventures all around the world but have found that there is nothing like home. I make a mean apple pie and a mean tomato biscuit, but don't worry, they get along with everyone. I am thrilled to be a part of the Project Discovery Team at WCU!

KKressly

 

Kallie Kressly

Outreach Counselor

kkressly@wcu.edu 

I'm originally from Durham, NC but am currently living in Asheville, NC with my sweet cat Gizmo! Although I was born and raised in the Triangle, Western NC quickly became my home when I attended Appalachian State in Boone for my Bachelor of Social Work. After getting to help students pursue their college and career dreams for 2 years in Avery County, NC and receiving my Master of Social Work here at Western Carolina University, I am super excited to be a part of the Project Discovery team and combine my passion for working with students with my love for the outdoors! I love to spend my free time reading, cooking, hiking, checking out nearby rivers and waterfalls, crafting, and playing with Gizmo. I am grateful to be able to grow and learn as a part of the Project Discovery team! 


alex

 

Alex Rector

Outreach Counselor

arector@wcu.edu

I began my career in education as a humble math teacher, working in public schools in Buncombe County NC.  As a classroom teacher, I saw the need for students to have greater academic and career advice to support and encourage them along their journey.  This opportunity gap initiated my path to working in higher education. 
Through both my graduate coursework and my positions as an Academic Advisor, Career Advisor, and College Access Counselor, I have been able to learn about theory and gain experience in a variety of positions that assist students in both discovery careers and succeeding along their educaitonal pathway. I met Project Discovery at a Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification course in 2020 and was thrilled to be able to join the team in 2022! I live with my wife and dog in Cullowhee and enjoy being able to access the best hiking, biking, and rafting Western North Carolina has to offer!

ellie

 

Ellie Brittain

Outreach Counselor

ebrittain@wcu.edu

Hi! Nice to meet you! I am originally from Robbinsville, NC and was a part of the Project Discovery program in Middle and High School. I graduated from UNC Greensboro with a Bachelor of Social Work, making me the first in my family to graduate with a college degree. It is a privilege to now be a part of the Project Discovery team. I currently live in Franklin, NC with my two cats, Twyla and Tilly. I like to spend my time reading, taking walks, drinking coffee, listening to music (mostly Taylor Swift), and thrift shopping. I can’t wait to keep on learning and adventuring with Project Discovery!

virginia

 

Virginia Lunsford

Administrative Support Specialist

vlunsford@wcu.edu

Originally from Australia I now live cocooned by the Blue Ridge Mountains which remind me of the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia. I'm an avid kayaker, hiker and outdoor enthusiast my new home is one giant backyard for me, my husband, and two Australian Labradoodles. My background is in Education, Transport and Accounting. I am passionate about supporting this amazing team in the important and necessary work they do and am so grateful to be part of WCU Project Discovery-Talent Search.

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