We’re thrilled to announce the newest additions to the PALS staff team—our very first Residents! This new residency is a one year opportunity for emerging professionals to work closely with our team and gain firsthand experience in nonprofit management, diversity & inclusion, and career development. Each Resident will bring their unique skills and perspectives to strengthen our mission and amplify our impact of inspiring a world of belonging. Our Residents will focus on recruiting, enrolling and supporting all volunteers, both Peers and Leads, and support the communication strategies that share our mission.

Without further ado, please join us in welcoming Courtney Lane, our Leadership Resident, and Kenzie Wilson, our Communications Resident! Keep reading to hear from each of them.

Courtney Lane: “About Me”

Howdy! My name is Courtney (she/they) and I am SO excited to be the Leadership Resident this season. Previously, I have served as a Program Administrator for two summers with PALS. Through that experience, I knew PALS is the place I wanted to be and the community I wanted to serve. My hope and goal during my time as the Leadership Resident is to inspire a world of belonging through cultivating an exciting, supportive, and uplifting environment and community for all of our Leads this season.

I am originally from South Carolina, so my heart will always belong to Appalachia. I currently reside in the immaculate southwest desert in Durango, Colorado. I have spent the majority of my career serving in nonprofit spaces focusing on outdoor and environmental education, traditional summer camp experiences, and nurturing a relationship with the outdoor world. I am passionate about inclusivity, creating and holding space for everyone, and sustainability. I have a variety of interests and passions from crocheting, engaging in different forms of art, writing daily haikus, and connecting with nature. I can't wait to connect with you and see you at camp this summer!

Kenzie Wilson: “About Me”

Hi there! My name is Kenzie (she/her) and I am thrilled to be joining the PALS team as the Communications Resident! My roots are in Texas, but I now live in Pinehurst, North Carolina. I graduated from Texas A&M (Whoop!) in 2023 with a degree in Communications, and recently completed my masters in Nonprofit Management and Leadership at the University of Georgia. In my free time, you can find me gardening, sewing, going to live shows, and trying out new recipes!

I am deeply passionate about creating inclusive spaces and rallying people behind a powerful mission. What drew me to PALS was the organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering a world where everyone–with or without Down Syndrome–feels a sense of belonging. Joining the PALS team and being able to contribute to this incredible mission feels like a dream come true! I’m greatly looking forward to connecting with all of you and having tons of fun together at camp this summer!