"I am always finding new ways to learn and grow," says our latest AmeriCorps Volunteer Crew Leader!

Please welcome Jenny Arribau! She will be serving our community with Flatirons Habitat as a Volunteer Crew Leader through AmeriCorps. Jenny has been a welcomed addition on our construction site and we our looking forward to having her by our side for a year.

Jenny has worn many hats in her life; from being a Professional Artist, to Licensed Mental Health Counselor, to Trader Joe's Crew Member, and now, to learning to lead crews in construction, she is always finding new ways to learn and grow. She also loves travel, paddle boarding, photography, painting and drawing the landscapes she explores and photographs.

We asked Jenny a few questions about herself as well as what she hopes to accomplish during her time with us. Checkout her answers below!

Why did you decide to join AmeriCorps?

To me, there is no greater gift than to work alongside other people who are choosing to be there out of the goodness of their hearts. I am humbled and inspired by the kindness and camaraderie I experience on the Habitat job site.

I've always dreamt of being an AmeriCorps volunteer with Habitat, and now, at 44 years old I am very happy to be living my dream. When I was younger, construction just seemed way too far out of my comfort zone. Now that I have had more life experience, I have realized there's no other way I'd rather spend my time than learning how to build homes with Habitat.

Could you share any previous projects or just life accomplishments you think are interesting or you are really proud of?

For many years, I had two businesses that both allowed me to do things I was passionate about. First, I was an oil painter; I created and sold many paintings of landscapes, people, and abstract designs in art galleries, as well as through commissions. After that, I got my masters degree in counseling psychology, and started my own private practice. As a counselor, I got to help many people let go of their pain and move forward. Then, years later, when it was time to close up shop to try something new, I found the courage to get out in the world and explore new opportunities.

I've always loved solo adventure travel in the US and abroad. Last Summer, I did my first solo camping trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. I recently did an 11 mile solo paddle boarding trip down the Colorado River in Moab, Utah, and this spring, a road trip to the Grand Canyon. I'm excited to see where my next travel adventure takes me.