The Furious Five

Stolen from Kung Fu Panda and a gracious supporter, I think this label fits! The five of us ARE furiously working towards our trip! 5 team members, 4 meetings, 3 major obstacles, 2 flat tires, and 1 goal later, we are still standing strong, making sure our trip becomes a reality.
Here's our team!

DONNA
Donna was born and raised in MD with two younger sisters. She moved to California to attend UCLA and graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduation, she realized her passion for people [instead of machines] and started her own financial planning practice, Financially Yours Advisory Services. She's been serving her clients, primarily in LA and Orange County ever since.

Donna has been attending Newsong for the past few years. She's a member of The Vine and a volunteer at Noah's Place. She's also served on TreX (Newsong's summer short term missions) last year. Donna recently bought a home in Tustin, CA, whom she shares with her 2 sisters and their dog, Bobo.

DOROTHY
Hello fellow bloggers, it is great to meet you. Just a little about myself so you know who the team is… I am an optometry student, just finishing my first year. This summer is my one and only summer left before continuing year-round classes and clinical practice for the next three years. With this summer being my last, I wanted to make the most out of it. I originally planned to simply kick back, relax and have fun this summer with maybe a couple of trips for vacation. Instead, I stumbled upon the SEA team and after learning about it, decided that teaching English in Southeast Asia is what I want to do. I am excited about my decision and I can’t wait to see the impact I can make on the children of the English camp!

A few quick-bits about me… I enjoy new adventures, new foods, and being outdoors doing anything from hiking to soaking up the sun. I have 2 older sisters, and a lovely dog, Bobo. I love hearing different languages, so if there was one superpower I could have, it would be to learn new languages at the blink of any eye. And if there is one thing I regret, it would be not having followed through with my ice skating lessons from when I was younger. I mean, I could be at the Olympics right now! Just kidding…

TASHA
I was born and raised in Southern California and have made my home here. I am a professional artist with an art degree from CSULB. I traveled nationally to paint murals and work on Family Entertainment Centers, and worked at various art studios in both OC and LA. After a stint in teaching private art studios, I became a public HS Art Teacher. I started off paying my dues in the ghetto and now currently work at a continuation high school in OC. I have subsequently developed a love for working with at risk teens and being a child advocate.
Personally, I have been married for 11 yrs. marrying my college sweetheart, together for 15 yrs. We have 2 beautiful daughters,ages 6 and 9, a beta fish named Blueberry and our newest family member, a crayfish named Hot Sushi!I teach art privately, and also am a Yoga Booty Ballet assistant where I can use my love for dance. My main hobby is FOOD. Cooking, eating, experimenting...you can always find me grubbing somewhere.:)


BECCA
Hi All,
I'm a California transplant from Maryland who prefers the west coast weather. Since my children are older now (15-21), I enjoy traveling more with my husband and spending time with all the small groups that have become my extended family. I'm a long-time member of Newsong with about 15 yrs of Noah's Place volunteering. Visiting SEA has been on my "bucket list" for years. Ever since Clarissa and family moved there, I was looking for a good excuse to visit. Clarissa helped get an English Camp going in her hometown, and because I planned on being in Asia around the same time, it works out for me this year. I am so excited about meeting the kids at camp and seeing Clarissa and family. I'll be able to take the younger 2 of my four children with me and they will act as TA's for the teachers. We have an amazing group of women going this year with the very capable and experienced Donna leading us.


TATY
Born and raised in Brazil, Taty is in a crazy adventure with her husband Leo. Currently Leo and Taty are residents at Newsong’s 511 Creative Space. 511 is a church/community center that serves artists, kids from the community, homeless and activists in Santa Ana, CA. She has a passion and desire for real change in different communities.

"I love learning from other cultures and being around people, specially the young generation".