Doresha Blackwell
Fun fact
I’m the first U.S. Marine in my family.
What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about finally being able to put my thoughts and plans into action and working with all of the amazing people in the program.
David Fraile
Fun fact
A few years ago, I dug up ground and built a backyard patio – mostly on my own.
What are you most excited about?
I am most excited to be learning new ideas that will be useful as I start my career. Praxis has a large collection of resources to help prepare their classes.
Mason May
Fun fact
I love to ski. I have the Ikon Pass and have already had 15 ski days this year. I’ve been to Eldora, Arapahoe Basin, Aspen, and Big Bear so far.
What are you most excited about?
Making new friends that are like minded is what I am most eager for. In high school and college I did not feel in place. However after my introductory Zoom call, I already notice a difference in the participants versus my old classmates. I’m so excited to start and let this community mold me into a young professional!
Victoria Richard
Fun fact
For seven weeks in California, I lived in ten different cities with eight strangers who quickly became my family. I can sing every lyric from The Phantom of The Opera by heart, and my biggest dream is for Steven Spielberg to direct a screenplay I wrote.
What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited to move to my apprenticeship. I cannot wait to see what opportunities may open up because of Praxis and its community.
Michael Simonton
Fun fact
I’m the 9th child of 14, I went to private boarding schools for high school, and I can do backflips and other gymnastic-ish things.
What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about joining the program due to the community of like-minded, hardworking individuals and the experience/learning of all the great material.
Matthew Smith
Fun fact
I love doing anything involving being outside! The mountains are my home away from home, and living in Montana gives me tons of opportunities to visit my favorite place! If it’s backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, fly fishing, hunting, picking huckleberries, or even just going for a drive, I love being outside and immersed in nature.
What are you most excited about?
I love meeting and collaborating with like minded people to solve problems. I am excited about the people I will meet and the relationships I will form during my time in the program.
