AmeriCorps volunteers form the core of Byte Back’s computer literacy instructors. They make it possible for Byte Back to reach hundreds of people each year with digital literacy education. These three AmeriCorps members will be with us during the 2016-17 year teaching PC for Beginners and Office Track courses.

We are so proud to have them as a part of the Byte Back team, thanks to Serve DC, and excited to introduce them to you:

Joan Hunter

Joan grew up in Pennsylvania and relocated to Washington, DC in 1998. She earned her bachelor’s from Eastern Michigan University and her master’s in business administration from Johns Hopkins University. Joan has worked at four federal government agencies, beginning her career at the General Accountability Office and moving to the Department of the Navy, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and finally the Department of Justice. Joan first heard about Byte Back from a friend, and before joining the organization as an AmeriCorps instructor in early fall 2016, she graduated from Byte Back’s Office Track course. Joan brings a passion for education and dedication to being a life-long learner. In her free time, she practices Tai Chi.

“When praised highly by others, one feels that there is no hardship one cannot bear. Such is the courage that springs from words of praise. – Nichiren Daishonin, 13th century Buddhist monk

Leonel De Leon

Leonel (Leo) grew up in Guatemala and moved to Maryland when he was 12. He completed the full Byte Back pathway of classes, starting in PC for Beginners and moving on to earn his certifications in IC3 Digital Literacy, Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel, and CompTIA A+. Before that, he was a store manager at Mattress Warehouse but eager to pursue his passion for technology and teaching. In his free time, Leo enjoys cooking, reading books, and watching movies.

“Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – Dalai Lama

Shannon Lynch

Shannon joined Byte Back in early fall 2016 as an AmeriCorps instructor. Originally from Washington, DC, Shannon also attended college in the District, earning her bachelor’s from Georgetown University and her master’s from American University. In addition to teaching at Byte Back, Shannon is a production assistant at SiriusXM Radio and has a passion for music, audio engineering, singing, and politics. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, road trips, watching Netflix, and visiting the Lincoln Memorial.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” – Marianne Williamson