AmeriCorps Staff Page
Allison Priola (she/her/hers)
Program Manager
With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Allison is passionate about empowering teams and individuals to achieve their goals and create lasting impact. For the past three years, she has managed the College Corps and AmeriCorps VIP programs at Cal Poly, where she drives initiatives that provide service opportunities to students and community members, while strengthening local ties. Allison lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband, three teenage children, and Kona, her lovable labradoodle. Outside of work, she enjoys the beach and a good cup of coffee!
Molly Pendly (she/her/hers)
Lead Coordinator
Molly Pendley is a San Luis Obispo local and Cal Poly graduate with a background in community service through nonprofit work and the legal field. As the Lead Program Coordinator for the AmeriCorps VIP and College Corps programs, she draws on her diverse experience to connect Cal Poly students and graduates with opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the San Luis Obispo community while expanding our students’ professional and personal development.
Cami Smith (she/her/hers)
Program Analyst
Cami started as the College Corps Coordinator in November 2023, and is now the AmeriCorps Program Analyst. She focuses on advocacy and aligning data, budgets, and policy with people's needs and goals. A CSU Monterey Bay graduate with a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City, Cami brings experience in youth mental health care and public health, public policy, and high impact practices research. Outside work, she is probably walking her three dogs, spending time with her partner/family, and cooking. Her goal this year is to volunteer more – inspired directly by College Corps fellows!
Katie Lynch (she/her/hers)
Coordinator
Katie graduated from Cal Poly in 2022 with a degree in Child Development, where she discovered her passion for building connections and fostering community engagement. She thrives in people-focused roles, creating meaningful opportunities that bring individuals together through service and collaboration. Whether supporting students, working with nonprofits, or planning events, she values the impact of shared experiences. Katie loves being outdoors, soaking up the sun, and hammocking in Montaña de Oro. When she’s not connecting people to their community, she enjoys spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Reese.
Olivia Hansel (she/her/hers)
Coordinator
After working with College Corps fellows at a nonprofit in San Luis Obispo, Olivia saw the program as a fantastic opportunity to support K-12 and college students in the area. Olivia was excited to be back on campus after graduating from Cal Poly SLO in 2022 with a B.S. in Anthropology and Geography. With a background in outdoor education, Olivia has worked in both San Luis Obispo and Grass Valley in Northern California teaching students about environmental stewardship and agriculture. Olivia loves to build community and be outside! You can find her on the trails in SLO County, trying her hardest to learn to surf, and enjoying tasty food with her friends!
Miranda Beal (she/her/hers)
Administrative Assistant
Miranda Beal is the Administrative Assistant for AmeriCorps Programs. A Central Coast native from Santa Maria, she earned her degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She began her career in San Luis Obispo with the Cal Poly AmeriCorps VIP team, serving with One Cool Earth for two years before becoming the Community Engagement Coordinator. With experience in nonprofit administration, event coordination, and program operations, Miranda is excited to support AmeriCorps from the other side now, helping to keep both the VIP and College Corps programs running smoothly and effectively. She also holds a leadership role as a board member for the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo. In her free time, she loves hiking, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family.
Cristianna Watson (she/her/hers)
Communications Assistant
With a BA in Political Science from Cal Poly Pomona and a deep passion for driving real-world change, Cristianna launched into a service term with AmeriCorps. In January 2024, she began as the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Member for the Cal Poly College Corps program, where she gained hands-on experience in volunteer recruitment and marketing. She now serves as the communications assistant, creating social media content and designing promotional materials to help spread the word about the program. Outside of work, Cristianna enjoys exploring tide pools, spending quality time with her family, and hiking around the beautiful central coast.
