Our Staff

Sticky Rice Magazine is a publication created by currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers. It in no way represents the opinions or thoughts of the United States Government, Royal Thai Government, Peace Corps, or Peace Corps Thailand.

Our Executive Team

Gretchen Evans

Editor in Chief & Online Editor, 136 YinD

Hi! I’m an enthusiastic soccer coach disguised as a YinD Volunteer in the Mukdahan province. I graduated from Texas A&M University and love to run, read, and write. If you need a book rec, I’m your gal!

Ella Spear

Managing Editor, 136 TESS

Hey, I’m Ella, a proud Mainer living in Sisaket, Thailand. I graduated from Colby, where I studied Environmental Policy and Economics. I love all things food, agriculture, and environment. Talk to me about anything ocean-related, skiing, surfing, horses, cooking, working out, or reach out if you have tips on how to stay cool during the hot season.

Jess Smith

Hey, I’m Jess! I’m a recent grad from the University of Texas with a degree in psychology, a minor in ASL, and a certificate in creative writing. Whether it’s guiding white-water rafting trips, running marathons, or packing my bags to live on the other side of the world to become a Youth Development Volunteer, I’m always up for an adventure. Right now, I’m soaking up every moment in my new home, where you’ll find me biking through rice paddies and trying to learn more Thai (with varying degrees of success).

Multimedia Director, 136 YinD

Holly Lingenfelter

Historian, 136 YinD

Holly is the name and Youth in Development is the game. Serving in Nakhon Phanom, in the Northeastern region of Thailand. When not exploring the Mekong River or missing my home state of Michigan, you can most likely find me practicing yoga and fitness, crafting up a storm, daydreaming about a myriad of adventures, and overthinking how to sum up who I am in 2-3 sentences.

Our Writing Team

  • Chloe Hudgins

    136 YinD

    I’m from a small town in Florida and am currently living in the plains of Uthai Thani in central Thailand. I graduated with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science.

    I’ve spent most of my life racing sailboats, and while I miss the ocean something fierce, the transition to my life here has been one of the most defining experiences so far. When I’m not dreaming about the ocean or working, you can find me reading, writing, or getting lost on my bicycle.

  • Hana Walsh

    137 YinD

    Hello, Hana here! I’m a proud Waisian from Singapore, though I spent most of my life in a small suburb in Michigan. I recently graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Psychology, and now you can find me in Chiang Rai—most likely reading, exercising, cooking, or meditating.

    My writing is both inward- and outward-looking. I love observing the world around me and turning those moments into broader reflections on life. I also write poetry sometimes. :)

  • Hannah Fairweather

    137 TESS

    Hi! I’m Hannah, a recent MA graduate in International Relations from the University of Maryland (go Terps!). I’m currently serving as a TESS volunteer in Ubon Ratchathani. In my free time, you’ll usually find me reading or on a long bike ride.

  • Khorey Minus

    137 TESS

    Hello! Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, I am a TESS 137 volunteer who traded the big city for life in the rural Surin province.

    I enjoy running, discovering new Thai music, and playing soccer with students. I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences with Isaan culture.

  • Maggie Dineen

    137 TESS

    Hello! I’m a 137 TESS volunteer serving in the mountains of Chiang Mai. At site, I enjoy playing soccer, learning how to cook Thai meals, and finding the community’s best strawberry matcha.

  • Nicole Hamner

    137 TESS

    Hey y’all I’m Nicole! I’ve got Southern roots but have dabbled a bit in the nonprofit space across Southwest Asia, where I decided to put my Marketing background to rest. I’m so excited for the new teaching adventure here in Thailand (and endless som tum!)

  • Noah Albanese

    136 TESS

    I am a TESS volunteer currently serving in Ubon Ratchathani province! My favorite Thai food is Lap-moo, and my favorite pass-time is reading. I enjoy playing uno with my students and hanging out with my co-teachers.

  • Noah Anninger

    137 YinD

    Hi everyone! I’m originally from Philadelphia and currently serving Mukdahan province. Though I graduated from Vassar College with a BA in Biology, I can’t seem to leave the field of teaching and mentoring.

    When I’m not with students or lesson planning, I am most likely exploring on my bike, running, playing guitar, journaling, or dreaming about my next backcountry adventure.

  • Noel Knight

    137 YinD

    Hi! I’m Noel! I’m what many would call a jack of all trades: singer, dancer, actress, model, athlete, genius, comedian, etc.

    These days, however, I’m focused mainly on making a name for myself as a YinD volunteer in the lovely province of Lopburi. So far, I’m known for my love of running and my distaste for bananas. I look forward to chronicling the many hijinks and hilarities of the Peace Corps Thailand volunteers!

  • Olivia Fee

    137 TESS

    Hello! I’m Olivia, a TESS volunteer currently living in the Sisaket province.

    I’m from Lee’s Summit, Missouri and I graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a degree in Politics and International & Global Studies. I’m excited to continue getting to know my new home here in Thailand!

    In my free time, you’ll often find me reading, running, cooking, studying geography, or playing soccer with the locals.

  • Samuel Vansomphone

    137 TESS

    Hi! My name is Samuel, but you can just call me Sam. I recently graduated from UCLA and am currently serving as a TESS volunteer in Roi Et. I love traveling, trying foods I've never had before, and overanalyzing my favorite pieces of media.

  • Seón Tromble

    137 TESS

    I graduated from the Towson University Honors College in the spring of 2022 with a bachelor’s of science in Economics and a minor in Psychology. After graduating, I spent a year substitute teaching before joining the Peace Corps.

    With the Peace Corps, I spent two years teaching mathematics and computer science at a secondary school in a rural village in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. I am currently a third year extension volunteer teaching English at a primary school in a rural community in the Uthai Thani province of Thailand.

  • Tal Carmel

    136 YinD

    With a love for the arts, culture, and the enriching experiences of travel, I am an avid writer who draws inspiration from the world around me as much as from my own personal experiences.

    My work reflects a thoughtful and observant approach to the complexities of life, often with a focus on the “little things” that keep it interesting. I have a BA in Communications and multiple certifications from my time as a marketer, before my Peace Corps service.

  • Tucker Strauch

    136 YinD

    I am from Vail, Colorado. I graduated from Colby College with a degree in Government and Global Studies. I am a YinD volunteer currently serving in Sisaket province of the Isaan region.

Our Creative Media Team

  • Garrett Schliep

    Chaa Thai Podcast Host, 136 TESS

    Do we have a template? What do other people got chopped up in their lil bios? Do they need to know my dietary preferences?

  • Sam Parrish

    Chaa Thai Podcast Host, 136 TESS

    Hi, I’m Sam! I’m an English teacher in Ratchaburi Province. I’m half Thai and grew up moving around the world, so serving here has given me the chance to connect with my heritage in such a meaningful way. I’m loving every second of it!

    Outside the classroom, you’ll find me taking photos around the neighborhood, playing guitar, or (most likely) doing laundry.

  • Zoe Ziegler

    Chaa Thai Podcast Production Manager, 136 TESS

    Hey everyone! I’m Zoe. I’m an English teacher in Chaiyaphum province. I hail from the great land of potatoes (Idaho) but love to travel as much as I can and have spent time in South Korea, Ireland, and Costa Rica.

    I’m an avid concert-goer and movie lover, and on my days off in my village you might find me out playing badminton or reading in a nice shady spot.

  • Cameron Kate McVay

    Photography, 137 YinD

    Hi! I'm Cameron Kate. I'm from South Florida, but spent the last 4 years in South Korea. Now I'm on a new adventure here in Northern Thailand as a YinD volunteer in Phayao province.

    I love to be outside, walking, hiking, swimming, etc., and enjoy taking photos of the nature I see along the way. I also enjoy some indoor hobbies such as reading, watching dramas (mainly Thai and Korean), painting nails, and making keychains.

  • Grace Richardson

    Writing & Graphic Design, 137 YinD

    Hello! I am an outdoor enthusiast with a graphic design major, driven by curiosity and a love for adventure.

    I’m interested in lying on cold rocks in the warmth-or warm rocks in the cold-homemaking fermented foods, cowboy camping, long walks, collecting heart-shaped rocks, coffee, being barefoot, classical music, thinking about things, interesting clothes, yoga…honestly, there are far too many more things to list!

  • Lindsey Morrow

    Writing & Photography, 137 TESS

    Hi, my name is Lindsey! I’m from a small town in Tennessee, but right now I’m flourishing in an even smaller town in Kalasin, a province in the Isaan region of Thailand.

    I love to read, write, watercolor paint, and study languages (namely Mandarin Chinese)!

  • Madison Keto

    Writing & Photography, 137 TESS

    Hii, I’m Madi from Texas, but I’ve been wandering, travelling, and teaching abroad for a while now.

    When I’m not YinDing in Bang Phai, Phichit, you’ll find me biking, running, cafe hunting, catcalling (the cats), picking up the nice dogs, and overly romanticizing my Strava feed—which may or may not end up featuring the same photos I submit for Sticky Rice. :)

  • Regina Chau

    Photography, 137 TESS

    Hey y’all, I’m Regina! I’m originally from New Jersey, and I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Criminology and Sociology. I’m a TESS volunteer, currently serving in the Kalasin Province of Northeastern Thailand.

    When I have free time, you’ll usually see me inhaling lod chong like there’s no tomorrow, pretending like I know how to play the guitar, or chasing buffalo with my camera.

Get in Touch with Us!