Introducing the 2026-2027 Good Shepherd Volunteers!

We are proud to introduce the incredible 2026-2027 volunteers! The Good Shepherd Volunteer year began this month with a week-long Orientation at Collier Youth Services in Wickatunk, NJ. Our volunteers spent the week getting to know each other, learning about the GSV mission and history, and diving deeper into our four tenets of social justice, simplicity, spirituality, and community.

This year we have seven domestic volunteers placed in Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York as well as three international volunteers placed in Thailand and Bolivia!

Let's meet the communities....

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NEW YORK COMMUNITY

Abby Hunt

Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace

Abby joins us from Indianapolis, Indiana, bringing a degree in Psychology and Film with a minor in Digital Marketing from Notre Dame. She will serve as the Good Shepherd Justice and Peace Jr Associate with Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace. Abby shared that she is most excited about getting to know all of the great people on her team in person. She dreams of traveling the world. In the meantime, you can find her watching new films or making jewelry.

Adonai Oudinarath

Public Policy & Advocacy

Adonai joins us from Indio, California, bringing her Political Science background from Notre Dame to her new role as a Public Policy Advocate at Good Shepherd Services in New York. On her NYC bucket list? Catching a sunrise or sunset from the top of the Empire State Building. She loves solving puzzles, listening to music, and sipping iced coffee. She dreams of becoming a policymaker.

Brendan Mogan

Family Foster Care

A Boston College grad in Communication & Journalism, Brendan is joining Family Foster Care in the Bronx. In his downtime, he loves playing and watching basketball, and he hopes to visit all 50 states one day. When asked what he’s most looking forward to this year, he shared that he’s excited to support children during a pivotal moment in their growth. We’re thrilled to welcome Brendan to the GSV community!

PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY

Claudio Pietrobelli Prevention & Youth Diversion Education Specialist, CORA Services

Claudio (he/him) is a Political Science & English grad from Florida International University, originally from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela. This year, he’ll be serving in Philadelphia as a Prevention & Youth Diversion Education Specialist with CORA, where he’s excited to make a tangible impact, build new connections, and grow his independence and sense of purpose. His favorite book is “Dune” by Frank Herbert, and he’s currently working his way through “The Brothers Karamazov.” Claudio dreams of becoming an author and screenwriter, and he’s happiest talking about fiction and learning what stories mean to people. In his downtime, you’ll likely find him relaxing in his room or diving into a new story. If he could have an unlimited supply of one thing, he’d choose plane tickets, so he could travel as much as he wants.

Ula Nguyen

Youth Support and Data Specialist, CORA Services

Ula (she/her) studied Data Science & Criminology at Stonehill College, and she is originally from Vietnam. She’ll be serving in Philadelphia with CORA as a Youth Support and Data Specialist. She’s excited about the work itself, exploring the city (especially its parks and the Rail Park), and walking/commuting to her placement. Her go‑to drink is an iced matcha, and if she could have an unlimited supply of anything, it would be hotpot. Ula is drawn to future work in Higher Education, especially Student Engagement and Intercultural Affairs. If she could be any animal, Ula would choose a cat for its flexibility, calm vibe, and ability to sunbathe all day.

Isabel Murray

Prevention & Youth Diversion Education Specialist, CORA Services

Isabel studied International Studies with a minor in Faith, Peace, and Justice at Boston College and comes to us from Durham, North Carolina. This year, she’ll be serving as a Prevention & Youth Diversion Education Specialist with CORA. She’s most looking forward to meeting the children and families she’ll be serving. She loves Japanese food, and her go‑to drink is an iced chai latte. Isabel hopes to travel to China one day. She doesn’t have a dream job yet, but she knows she wants to work for nonprofits and continue serving communities. In her down time, she’s usually watching a movie or practicing Japanese. If she could have an unlimited supply of one thing, it would definitely be bubble tea.

WASHINGTON D.C. COMMUNITY

Molly Bradley

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Washington, D.C.

A Political Science & German grad from the University of St. Thomas, Molly is from Red Wing, Minnesota. She will be serving as the Government Relations Associate at the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Washington, D.C. She’s especially excited to explore all the free museums her placement city has to offer. Molly loves tennis, matcha, and good sushi. Her dream is to travel everywhere—New Orleans, San Francisco, the Redwoods, and beyond. Her favorite artist is SZA, her favorite book is “Princess Bride,” and her dream career is to become a diplomat.

BOLIVIA COMMUNITY

Maddy Orr

Sucre, Bolivia

Maddy studied Political Science and Economics at the University of St. Thomas (MN) and comes to us from Ypsilanti, North Dakota. She’ll be serving in Bolivia as a two‑year volunteer. She’s looks forward to learning more about gender‑based programming and Bolivian culture during her service. Maddy loves a good game of cornhole, enjoys watching track and field, and, with the World Cup, has recently gotten more into football. Her favorite series is Harry Potter—a proud Hufflepuff. As an avid biker, her bucket list includes biking down the Camino de la Muerte in Bolivia. For her future career, she could see herself working in international development or returning to the U.S. to work in politics.

Holly Warner

Sucre, Bolivia

Holly comes to GSV from St. John’s University, where she earned her B.A. in Global Development & Sustainability and M.A. in International Relations & Public Policy. Originally from East Windsor, Connecticut, she’ll be serving in Bolivia as a two-year Good Shepherd Volunteer. Her favorite foods are chicken tacos or drunken noodles, and she loves snacks like popcorn, dark chocolate, and fruit. Holly dreams of a career in community development, education, and impact‑driven work. On her travel bucket list is a road trip across the United States. Holly is most excited about international service with GSV to immerse herself in a new culture, learn a new language, and build meaningful connections. In her free time, you can find her at the beach, painting, or napping with her cat.

THAILAND COMMUNITY

Christopher Ciaccio Hands of Hope in Nongkhai, Thailand

Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Chris is a Fordham University graduate who studied French, Philosophy, and Humanitarian Studies. Over the next two years, he’ll be serving internationally as a Community Nursing Volunteer with the Village Outreach Programme of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Nong Khai, Thailand. Christopher loves exploring new places, finding great local food, and spending time outdoors. He also hopes to one day become a project manager for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), a goal shaped by his passion for humanitarian service and global community care. When asked what he’s most looking forward to this year, he shared that he’s excited for the work he’ll be doing and the people he’ll meet in his community.

Our volunteers will be blogging to share their adventures and experiences! Be sure to check back here for updates as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages.