Shelby Donaldson: Strong York Road Schools AmeriCorps VISTA
Shelby Donaldson is the Strong York Road Schools AmeriCorps VISTA at Loyola’s Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ).
She manages the tutoring program at Govans Elementary and works to strengthen relationships among teachers and parents at both Govans and Walter P. Carter. A Baltimore native, she holds a B.S. in Psychology from Bowie State University. Previously, she held a role as a clinical assistant at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Neurobehavioral unit and completed her senior practicum at BSU Office of Counseling Services as a freshman intake counselor.
Passionate about child development and psychology, she plans to pursue a career as a pediatric neuropsychologist. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, reading and trying new coffee shops.
During our mid-year cohort showcase, Shelby was featured in our Member Monday spotlight series highlighting her community impact:
At Transform Mid-Atlantic, we are dedicated to our mission of Engaging Campuses in Communities, and this week, we are proud to feature an AmeriCorps VISTA member who is living that mission every day through her service in Baltimore.
Shelby Donaldson, B.S is currently in her second year serving as the Strong York Road Schools AmeriCorps VISTA at Loyola University Maryland. Over the past two years, she has become a vital bridge between the campus and the surrounding York Road corridor.
Recently, Shelby shared a story from the Walter P. Carter Food Pantry that highlights the real-world impact of these partnerships. A community member who cares for her grandson approached Shelby to express how much the pantry has helped her family over the years. Having a reliable, accessible place to get groceries—especially those items often missed at the store—has made a massive difference in her daily life.
For Shelby, hearing that gratitude firsthand validated the two years of work she’s put into the York Corridor. Knowing that other residents feel the same way serves as a powerful reminder of why community accessibility is so vital.
Shelby’s dedication ensures that the relationship between the campus and the neighborhood remains strong and responsive to local needs.
Thank you for your incredible service, Shelby!