Student Leadership Team
Rose Costello
My name is Rose Costello. In 2008 I graduated from San Luis Obispo High School and that fall began studying at UC Davis. My major is Sociology, and my other interests include music, travel, backpacking, and bicycling. After graduation I hope to volunteer in Latin America for a couple years. I was born and raised Catholic and have been active at the Davis Newman Center since I moved to Davis. I also work on the First Friday Taize Services hosted by CA House held at Davis Community Church.
My position on the CA House's Student Leadership Team works with the Multifaith Living Community. I look forward to helping coordinate Wednesday Night Multifaith Dinners at CA House, working on the wonderful programs that follow these meals, and meeting and learning from the many people who participate in CA House events. I have been fortunate to form many rich relationships through CA House, and I have learned from and conversed with people from many backgrounds. As a member of the Student Leadership Team I hope to help others create similar connections, to introduce others to the opportunities and safe space CA House and the Multifaith Living Community offer, and to play a greater role in what makes CA House a place for personal growth.
Rebecca Knapp
Before I came to Davis, I grew up in a little sea-shanty of a town along the coast of California. After spending my childhood camping, traversing forests and going to the beach, I knew I wanted to pursue further studies in the realm of environmental science. Things fell into place and I have spent the last few years as an undergraduate student at UC Davis, studying Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. Now I am entering my fourth and final year as a student in a community I have grown to love and appreciate. When I'm not wrapped up in academic matters, I spend my time dabbling in artistic endeavors, getting lost in my thoughts and exploring the outdoors.
As a member of the student staff team at the CA House, I will help foster multifaith cooperation and understanding, as well as provide resources to explore diverse spiritual and philosophical beliefs. My personal focus will be bridging the disparities among spirituality, religion and identity. There are many societal stigmas surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity, especially when religious institutions and spiritual practices are brought into account. I plan on addressing these conflicts and finding ways to overcome misunderstandings regarding faith and aspects of identity. Taking the time to listen, ask questions, and connect with others does wonders to make the world a better place.
Emily Pickens-Jones
My name is Emily Pickens-Jones and it is my honor to say that I will be the Christian Ministry Intern for the 2010-2011 year. I am going into my senior year as an International Relations major and a Music minor. I am extremely excited to begin my role as a staff member for the coming year. I am a firm believer in what CA House stands for and will do my best to portray its message in everything that I do. As a member of the United Methodist Church, I have been a supporter of ecumenical worship and interfaith dialogue for my entire life. I enjoy learning about the faith backgrounds of others and I hope to share my enthusiasm of CA House to the surrounding community. I have been a resident of the MLC since January, and I have grown in my own faith by learning about others. I have many hopes and ideas for my accomplishments this year. With the large number of students moving in, I will strive to establish a connection with each person as we all continue to explore our spiritual paths. I will also encourage participation, interest, and dedication amongst my peers to take advantage of all that CA House has to offer. Thank you for all of your support and interest in CA House. Peace and Blessings!
Community Assistant
Iris Lin
My name is Iris Lin and I'm delighted to be the community assistant for the CA House this year! I'm a 4th year undergraduate majoring in psychology and sociology. As community assistant, I ensure that everything is running smoothly. I get to plan events and provide support to the residents and staff of CA House. I love my job because I like living in a community setting and interacting with people of diverse backgrounds. I hope that through my efforts and interactions, everyone at CA House feels like that they live, work, and learn in an inclusive, open, and supportive environment. I imagine that we will learn a lot about each other in this next year, that we'll grow both individually and as a community, and that we'll come out better because of it.