Charlene has a background in education and has spent ten years focusing on improving and implementing youth services. Currently, Charlene is the assistant director of mentoring at the Western Youth Network where she oversees a one-on-one mentoring program serving vulnerable youth. She volunteers as a mentor, serves on multiple boards including the local community school board, and leads the High Country Returned Peace Corps group. Charlene holds a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. In 2019, Charlene will travel to Benin to as part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Reciprocal Exchange to train and implement an all-female one-on-one mentoring program. This exchange raises awareness around how positive adult role models can reduce risky behaviors among youth and help them reach their fullest potential.