Annie was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and earned her B.A. in Anthropology and Political Science at Dickinson College where she was first introduced to the amazing experience of living abroad in both Cameroon and Italy. After graduating Dickinson, Annie joined the Peace Corps in Guinea, West Africa, where she worked as a Public Health and Community Development volunteer. Her primary focus was AIDS and STI education, reproductive health, maternal and child health, and nutrition. While living in Africa she met her true love and future husband, Ryan Durkopp, with whom she co-directs VISIONS Guadeloupe. She will soon complete her work for a Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of Pittsburgh. She also works at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and as a veterinary technician on the weekends.
Annie joined Ryan in summer 2005 in VISIONS Guadeloupe; 2007 is her third summer season with VISIONS in Guadeloupe. What Annie loves most about working for VISIONS is introducing participants to new challenges and experiences. Other interests and passions include traveling in and exploring new places, teaching, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, camping, hiking, animals, Africa, and spending time with Ryan.