Counselors are selected from a wide applicant pool of highly qualified Emory University undergraduates. They have experience working with and mentoring youth and are dedicated to providing a great experience for the youth who attend C&C each year.
Shana Basnight is a 2006 graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Educational Studies. She loves Challenge & Champions
and has been involved with the program for approximately five years in
various capacities. She currently works at Goizueta Business School as
the Assistant Director of MBA Admissions. Prior to working for the
business school, she served as the Undergraduate Education Program
Coordinator at the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience. Outside of her
professional work, she is an active volunteer in the Atlanta
community. She recently became a member of the Junior League of DeKalb
County and she is a regular usher at the Alliance Theatre. She also
enjoys spending several of the major holidays volunteering at the
Hosea Williams Feed the Hungry Program. In addition to community
service, she takes pleasure in attending various cultural events and
spending quality time with family and friends.
Justin Harlow is a 2010 graduate of Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Human Biology. Starting in the Fall of 2010, he will begin his studies towards a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. A native from College Park, GA, Justin was an Emory Scholar holding the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. Justin is also a Coca-Cola Regional Scholar and a Ronald McDonald House Charities Scholarship recipient. While at Emory, Justin was passionately involved with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the President’s Commission on Race and Ethnicity and the Dobbs University Center Advisory Board. Justin looks forward to working with the Challenge and Champions Camp since he puts a huge focus on community involvement and giving back to younger people. Justin is a professional public speaker and has been featured on WSB-TV, Fox5 Atlanta, and various new publications. In his free time, Justin likes to travel, watch movies online, and play sports.
Hi, my name is Daisy Lee and I am a part time counselor for 2010. I am a rising senior at Emory University and I am double majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I am not fully decided on my future plans, but I am considering law school after I graduate next year. I was born in England, and have lived in South Africa, Connecticut, and Atlanta, where I currently live. In my spare time I love to dance, and have been an active member of AHANA Dance and E-motion Dance Team during my three years at Emory. I am looking forward to being a counselor at Challenge and Champions!
Linnea McCalla is a May 2009 graduate of Emory University, and she majored in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies. After last year's experience as a full time counselor, Linnea is back and working as the Counselor Coordinator and will be working as the full time counselor again. During her time at Emory, Linnea participated in NAACP, volunteered at Druid Hills High School, volunteered with Jumpstart, Transforming community Project, and worked the Center for Women. She intends on going to law school after working for a year with City Year in Philadelphia. In doing so, she also plans on building underprivileged communities through her volunteer efforts while mentoring the youth. Once she is finished law school, she plans to peruse a career in Civil/ Human Rights or Public Interest Law. Her interests are listening to music or spoken word, enjoying time spent with family and friends, and enjoys spending time with and mentoring children.
My name is Yamile Morales and I recently graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. Although originally from Ecuador, I've lived in different Latin American countries where I have had the opportunity to volunteer for non-profit organizations. Working with children and families in impoverished communities has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. I enjoy reading, swimming and travelling. In the near future, I hope to continue my graduate studies in Neuroscience.
Hi my name is Dylan Troyer and I just finished my first year at Humboldt State University in California. I am currently studying chemistry and am interested in the pharmacology field. I grew up in Benicia, California but am visiting family in Atlanta for the summer. I enjoy volunteer work and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. I plan on spending time exploring the world before I graduate college, to satisfy my adventurous spirit. I look forward to working with and getting to know everyone at Challenge & Champions.
Hi my name is Jerry Xie. I will be starting my third year at Emory University this fall. I am studying sports management and marketing at the Goizueta Business School. I'm also minoring in Chinese at the college. I am originally from Dallas, TX but currently live in Jacksonville, FL. In my spare time I like to hang out with friends, play sports, run, and occasionally play a few video games. I am a huge fan of Thierry Henry and Jackie Chan.