*The office address listed at the top is the administrative mailing address.
- 12 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431 (Cheshire County Office)
- 603-352-4550 ext. 602
Zuorski comes with 15 years of youth development and educational experience along with volunteer management, cultural awareness, grant writing, project and event planning skills. They have a heart to connect youth with their passions for learning, to grow belonging within the 4-H program, and to expand the existing program. 4-H Youth Development purposes to meet youth where they are and prepare them for what is next by building life skills and confidence and involving them as active members of Cheshire County communities!
Zuorski states, “In this role, I hope to be a part of a community wide integrated process of connecting youth from a large variety of backgrounds to opportunities that help them grow into the people they want to be, no matter what obstacles might challenge them.”
Zuorski comes to Cheshire County with previous professional UNH Extension experience. During the summer of 2009, they served with UNH Extension 4-H youth development programs as an AmeriCorps member developing a "community teaching garden" at the Massabesic Audubon in Manchester, NH. It was because of this positive, inclusive and engaging 4-H experience, coupled with their time of schooling at Antioch University in Keene, that Zuorski was motivated to pursue this Cheshire County 4-H Youth Development position.
Zuorski brings an engaging and diverse array of professional experiences to the 4-H role including a Waldorf teaching certification, having taught in both Waldorf and nature-based, place-based schools. They are also a certified Behavioral Health Professional with 3 years of experience working closely with behaviorally challenged teens.
Bringing people together for mutual discovery and service motivates Zuorski, “Some of my most favorite job opportunities have included the aspect of adventure: Sailing expeditions, bushwacking in the forest for science, creating gardens in empty lots, high and low ropes courses, and more. In each of these opportunities, it has been necessary to meddle with the state of awe and curiosity. I most enjoy sharing these experiences with others and creating an atmosphere where others can learn something from the unexpected and ordinary.”
Most recently, Zuorski served as an AmeriCorp Land Management Coordinator for the Vermont Land Trust. Professionally they have served youth and volunteers as a school-based teacher and behavior specialist in Maine, and at YMCA Camps and the National Park Service. Zuorski is trained in Chainsaw and Safety Care Certified, GIS/GPS, and as a Wilderness First Responder.
Zuorski has volunteered in Cheshire County with efforts and organizations including Standing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ), Keene Pride Youth, Wabanaki Alliance, and the Milfoil Protection Program.
Astara (Aster) Zuorski has a Masters of Education from Antioch University in Keene, NH and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Sciences from Eckerd College (FL).
