Professional Staff

Paula holds an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Restorative Justice and Trauma & Resilience in Educational Environments from Eastern Mennonite University's Center for Justice & Peacebuilding. She received her B.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies and completed minors in Cross-Cultural Ministry and Human Services from Messiah. During her time as a Messiah student, Paula participated in the Multicultural Scholarship Program and was heavily involved with the Agape Center as a student leader overseeing local service opportunities throughout the Greater Harrisburg area. The transformative experiences that she had in these programs as an undergraduate student influenced her decision to pursue international summer internships with the English Language Institute where she facilitated experiential learning opportunities and taught English in Lebanon, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Shortly after graduating from Messiah, Paula returned to the Middle East to work as an Emergency Response Assistant with Mennonite Central Committee providing humanitarian assistance, peacebuilding, and trauma healing in response to crises in the Levant. Upon returning to the U.S., Paula worked with Journey's End Refugee Services in Buffalo, NY teaching English and providing economic empowerment services to newly arrived neighbors. Paula was drawn back to the Agape Center by her passions for engaging with and learning from other cultures and peoples and is thrilled to support others in their journey of intercultural engagement, education, and service in her current role. 

Contact Paula if you are interested in our study abroad or domestic study-away programs. Paula also supports faculty who want to lead a May-term cross-cultural course or teach a course with an embedded travel component. 

Shardé holds her M.A. in Media Studies from the Pennsylvania State University and a B.A. in Communication from Bluefield University. While an undergraduate, she participated in a two-year, service-learning program (Bonner Scholars), where she connected deeply with the pedagogical model. Her professional experience has included teaching in the department of Communication; working in full-time ministry; and overseeing service-learning programs at several Universities. Shardé is excited to come alongside students at Messiah who are looking to connect their faith and academics with service. She is passionate about helping students discover their unique, God-given gifts (1 Peter 4:10) and vocational calling; and equipping students to contribute positively to the common good.

Contact Shardé if you would like to become involved with a Local Outreach Team or serve on an Alternative Break trip. Shardé also seeks to support faculty pursuing service-learning courses and students who choose to fulfill their ELI requirement through non-credit bearing SL experiences.

Kate ('24) earned her B.A. in Human Development and Family Science here at Messiah. She began her journey at the Agapé Center as Office Assistant, dedicating two years to supporting its mission, outreach leaders, and staff before transitioning into the role as Administrative Assistant. During her time as a student, Kate demonstrated her commitment to community engagement by serving as the Social Outreach Coordinator for Messiah's Council on Family Relations, initiating conversations aimed at enhancing family life within the university and beyond. She also volunteered with the Agapé Center at Bethesda Hotspot and participated in a cross-cultural course in Zambia where she immersed herself in intercultural learning, community engagement, and service. Kate's passion for service-learning and community engagement is unwavering. Now, in her current role at the Agapé Center, she continues her journey of service, supporting both staff and students alike in their own local and global engagement endeavors. 

Jess Carroll is the graduate assistant for service trips at Agape, coordinating domestic and international service opportunities for students. She attended Geneva College, where she graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's in writing, and minors in TESOL and missions. While at Geneva, Jess had the privilege of serving as an ESL tutor which eventually took her to Ukraine, where she taught English to middle and high school students for a summer. In the years since graduation, she's filled roles in proposal writing, content marketing, and public relations, including serving with the International Justice Mission's Philippines Office to End the Sexual Exploitation of Children as a brand, media, and communications intern. Jess loves service-- from ESL to storm cleanup to summer camps-- and is passionate about helping students use their God-given talents and interests to faithfully serve the people around them. When not in the office, you'll probably find Jess trekking through a state park, wandering around a library, or planning her next adventure.