Staff Spotlight: Sarah Hyndman
Sarah Hyndman is a recent graduate of Hendrix College with a degree in Religion, Globalization, and Culture. Sarah is originally from Dallas, TX and attended JJ Pearce High School in Richardson where she served as drum major of her high school band.
As an undergrad, Sarah studied abroad in Kigali, Rwanda and held leadership positions in several student organizations. During the summers, Sarah twice served as a camp counselor in Texas and Arkansas, working with children in grades K-12 including children with incarcerated parents and children in military families.
Sarah is a graduate of the nationwide Episcopal Service Corps and began service with Kids’ Orchestra through the Living With Purpose program of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.
We asked Sarah to share a few things with us to get to know her a little better:
Before working at Kids’ Orchestra, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Before working at KO, I spent two summers as a camp counselor in both Texas and Arkansas. I worked with children and youth (ages 6-18) including children from military families, children with incarcerated parents, and adults with mental and physical disabilities. I enjoyed teaching the campers everything from water skiing, archery, and arts & crafts to how to love camp and love one another!
You’ve been with Kids’ Orchestra since August 2013. What drew you to us originally and how do you feel the program has changed since?
When I was choosing from among my internship options in the Louisiana Episcopal Service Corps last year, the unique combination of social and musical mission in an organization geared toward children was what drew me to Kids’ Orchestra. Not only does this organization provide music lessons for young kids, it provides them with a supportive atmosphere to struggle and achieve something new along side other kids from all parts of this city. Since I have been here, our program has grown by hundreds of students as well as several new sites, schools, teachers, site coordinators, and community partnerships.
What aspect of your role as Senior Program Manager do you enjoy most?
I most enjoy the fact that I can experience and participate in all levels of this organization. I can spend time in the office developing and facilitating the many aspects of our program, and then I can go out to our program sites to see the implementation and form relationships with our schools, staff, parents, and students. The challenge of this balance certainly keeps me on my toes!
We have to ask, what is your favorite place to eat in Baton Rouge?
My favorite place to eat in the city is Truly Free!
Would you share with us your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be to go back to Rwanda where I studied abroad in college. I would love to visit my host family and friends and see the how much the country has changed since I left!