HDFS Ambassadors Program
The HDFS Ambassadors are collaborating with faculty on the HDFS Engage initiatives during the 2026-2027 academic year. Ambassadors represent HDFS to prospective and current students and support signature events like the Welcome Back Festival, the spring undergraduate student-faculty picnic, the annual HDFS awards presentation, career events and the weekly networking teas. They are also your source for student-centered information, producing the new HDFS Engage newsletter and sharing the HDFS story across social media. This year they are also helping launch a pilot peer mentorship effort that pairs incoming students with experienced classmates, so no one navigates the major alone.
Want to get involved? Applications for the 2027 cohort are open.
Meet the 2026 Ambassadors
Your founding ambassador team, here to help you find your place in HDFS.
This summer, our founding ambassador team got to work building the foundation for a more connected HDFS. Katelyn Schulze, Zoey Cahall, Sophie Pressler, Amaiya Denton, Eliana Needleman and Crystal Hernandez-Morales have spent the season creating the new HDFS undergraduate newsletter, shaping a peer mentorship program for incoming students, planning events like the spring picnic, undergraduate awards and networking teas and building the very page you are reading so future students can find their place in HDFS. They bring energy, fresh ideas and real care for their fellow students to everything they do and they are just getting started. Watch for their work all year long.
Katelyn Schulze
Third-year Human Development and Family Science major, Personal Finance minor
I've dedicated my academic and extracurricular life to understanding and supporting others. Four years as a Starbucks barista and my work as a volunteer ski and kayak instructor for The Adaptive Sports Connection have fueled my passion for community service and hands-on advocacy, while competing on the Women's Club Soccer Team has sharpened my teamwork and discipline. Driven by a lifelong love of learning, I plan to attend law school after graduation, turning these experiences into a career devoted to legal advocacy. As an HDFS Ambassador, I'm glad to help fellow students find their path and make the most of everything the program offers.
Zoey Cahall
Fourth-year Primary Education major, Human Development and Family Science minor
Hi! I'm Zoey, a first-generation college student who found a strong sense of community through HDFS. My passion for working with children and families has led me to roles as a swim instructor, substitute teacher, camp counselor, after-school teacher, mentor, tutor and HDFS teaching assistant, each one a chance to help students learn, grow and build confidence. On campus, I've been part of Buck-I-SERV, Mount Leadership Society Scholars, Pay It Forward, Pen PALS, Adopt-A-School and 4 Paws for Ability, connecting with my community and growing as a leader. As an HDFS Ambassador, I'm excited to share my experiences, answer your questions and help students discover everything HDFS has to offer.
Sophie Pressler
Third-year Human Development and Family Science major
I'm a third-year HDFS major from Cincinnati. I always knew I wanted to be a Buckeye, but I started at Ohio State as a political science major, and although I enjoyed it, something felt missing. I impulsively switched to HDFS because I've always been drawn to lifespan development and love working with children, and I knew I'd made the right call the moment I walked into my first in-person HDFS class. The community was so welcoming, and I've met so many amazing people and staff. In just one year in the major, I've become an ambassador, a teaching assistant and a research assistant. I love how easy it is to get involved in HDFS at Ohio State!
Amaiya Denton
Fourth-year Human Development and Family Science major
Originally, I planned to become a high school math teacher because I loved the idea of teaching and helping students learn. However, when that path did not work out, I changed my major and discovered something even more meaningful. I'm in my first year as an HDFS Ambassador and am excited to spread the word about the HDFS program. I've always enjoyed working with children and supporting others, which led me to discover a passion for child growth and development. Through HDFS, I look forward to connecting with students and sharing opportunities within the program.
Eliana Needleman
Fourth-year Human Development and Family Science major
I transferred to Ohio State as a sophomore, and I was afraid it would be hard to find where I belonged. HDFS welcomed me right away, and it quickly became my place. It's a close-knit community of peers working toward a common goal, and the place some of my closest friendships have come from. I'm a Human Development and Family Science major with a psychology minor, and on campus I serve as a co-captain for Delta Zeta's Buckeyethon team. My years in customer service have made me someone who genuinely loves connecting with and helping people. As an HDFS Ambassador, I hope to give other students the same welcome I found, so no one has to wonder whether they belong here.
Crystal Hernandez-Morales
Fourth-year Human Development and Family Science major
Applications for the 2027 cohort are open
Connect with us
Follow the HDFS undergraduate program on Instagram and LinkedIn, and read the HDFS Engage newsletter on our Carmen page.