EMMA KADING
Vassar College, B.A., Hispanic Studies; B.A., Science, Technology, and Society

While at Vassar, Emma focused on Hispanic Studies and Science, Technology, and Society, which led her to spend quite a bit of time in the southern hemisphere, traveling to both Argentina and Australia. While in Argentina, Emma attended La Universidad de Buenos Aires, played rugby, and worked with Fundación Huesped, an organization that combats discrimination and stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS in Argentina. While in Australia, she studied in the Health Sciences and Sociology faculties at Melbourne University, where she also played Aussie Rules Football. She also spent time backpacking in Thailand. In her final year at Vassar, Emma worked as a tutor for children in ESL classes and for the Spanish-language newspaper La Voz. Emma is fluent in Spanish. This is Emma’s second year leading Putney’s Community Service Costa Rica.

ZACK ZAPPONE
Georgetown University, B.A., American Studies

While at Georgetown, Zack focused on social justice issues. In particular he examined how the media coverage of education has impacted the public school system in America. He volunteered as a tutor in D.C. schools and taught English classes for immigrants on weekends. He studied abroad and lived with a host family in Madrid, Spain. After college, Zack moved to Washington State to work to improve the education system in rural eastern Washington as part of Teach for America. He was selected for the Rural School Leadership Academy and nominated for a Sue Lehman Teaching and Learning Fellowship. He currently teaches English language, Art, and History, coaches soccer and mock trial, and organized a spring trip to travel to Washington, D.C., with his students. Zach has traveled to 11 European countries and recently backpacked through Bolivia, Peru, and Costa Rica. He is proficient in Spanish.