Meet the Mexico Team Leaders
Alison Merrit
Alison became involved with the YouthLINC program in 2007 as a physical therapy graduate student participant on the Ocotlan, Mexico trip. She developed such a love for the people she was working with in Mexico that she returned in 2008 as an Alumni Leader.
Alison is dedicated to serving others and believes service to be an essential part of every day life. She says: "I have never experienced more happiness and joy as when I am serving others. It is something we can do to not only bless the lives of others, but to bless our own lives as well."
Alison received a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Brigham Young University and is a nationally certified athletic trainer (ATC). She is currently finishing her last year of graduate school in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Utah and will complete her Doctor or Physical Therapy (DPT) in May of 2009. She enjoys working in rehabilitation because of the ability to impact and improve quality of life through restoring physical function. She serves as the 2009 Class Vice President with the primary responsibility of organizing fundraising projects for the entire class.
Alison is looking forward to taking a team down again in 2009 to continue the relationship of service with the people of Ocotlan and it's surrounding communities. She hopes to help instill leadership skills and a life long commitment to service in the participants of the Mexico 2009 program.
Bonnijane Black Monson, ATC
Bonnijane became involved with YouthLINC as a student participant in the 2007 Mexico program. Currently, she is a student at the University of Utah in the Doctorate of Physical Therapy program and was encouraged to go to Mexico because of the work done with people with disabilities. Bonni was so impressed by the strength of Rotarians in their fight for improving their community and the love of the people they serve that she decided to return as a team leader to continue serving the amazing people of Ocotlan. Previous to Mexico, Bonnijane lived in Uruguay for a year and a half serving among wonderful people which greatly impacted her view of service and has aided her view of living a life of service. Conveniently, Bonni was able to learn Spanish while in South America, and is excited to use her language skills in Mexico this upcoming year.
Bonnijane is heavily involved in school and serves as the Public Relations representative for her class to help bridge the gap between the community and the Physical Therapy profession. Bonni grew up in Holladay, Utah and received her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from BYU (go cougs!) She graduates with a DPT in physical therapy in May 2010, and can't wait for the new adventures that come with change. Bonnijane loves anything outdoors: running, biking, hiking, soccer, football, handball (as of late) and playing with her 19 nieces and nephews. Yes, that does say 19. She enjoys traveling with her husband, Peter and hopes to do it more often. Mostly, Bonnijane likes to work hard and play hard and she is thrilled to do the same in Mexico in 2009.