LUM Volunteer of the Month – Level Up Mentors
Kennedy, Kambell & Valentina – Make a Lasting Impact
LUM announces the Volunteers of the Month for April—three Purdue students serving as mentors in the Level Up Mentoring Program. Since its launch in 2023, Level Up has paired Purdue students with children from the LUM After School Program, helping build social-emotional skills and offering consistent, caring adult role models. This month’s honorees—Kennedy Trapp, Kambell Trapp, and Valentina Gacharna Torres—have each taken on leadership roles within the program and made a measurable impact on the children they mentor.
The Origin of Level Up
The Level Up Mentoring Program began as a research project developed by Purdue student Jasmine Hsu. After observing more than 40 hours at LUM, Jasmine identified key influences on children’s behavior—ranging from family stability to the lingering effects of the pandemic. Her findings highlighted the importance of consistent relationships and social-emotional guidance. Level Up was created to meet that need.
Since then, the program has expanded, with student mentors playing a critical role in the personal development of children in grades 3 through 5.
Kennedy Trapp – Director of Research and Mentor
Kennedy Trapp, originally from Greenfield, Indiana, is a senior at Purdue University majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences. She has volunteered with LUM for three years and currently serves as the Director of Research for Level Up. In this role, she tracks data, monitors progress, and ensures that the program stays rooted in effective, evidence-based practices.
Kennedy and her twin sister, Kambell, are the daughters of Lori and Chad Trapp and have an older brother and sister. Kennedy credits her parents with instilling the values of service and compassion that guide her mentoring work.
“I love seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces when I walk into the building,” Kennedy said. “They love the mentoring we do, and I can tell the mentoring has been very beneficial for the children. All of the children have their own unique and amazing personalities. It has been so fun to get to know them and help make even the smallest difference in their lives.”
Kennedy enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, playing soccer, and learning about different cultures. She also values quiet time with her family, especially their movie nights and weekend trips. After graduation in May, she will attend medical school with the hopes of becoming an emergency room physician.
Kambell Trapp – Director of Operations and Mentor
Kambell Trapp, also from Greenfield, is a senior at Purdue University majoring in Biomedical Health Sciences. She has volunteered with LUM for three years and currently serves as the Director of Operations for Level Up. She is responsible for scheduling, communication, and ensuring mentors have the tools they need.
Kambell shares a close bond with her twin sister, Kennedy, and says that serving together in Level Up has strengthened their connection even more. Their parents, Lori and Chad, have been strong supporters of their academic and volunteer efforts.
“Going to LUM is one of my favorite parts of my week,” Kambell said. “Seeing how excited the children are to see me, followed by the biggest hugs, is a very special moment for me. I have seen such growth in all of the children, and that fills me with so much pride.”
In her free time, Kambell enjoys playing soccer, traveling, cooking new recipes, and visiting museums. After graduation in May, she will attend medical school with the hopes of becoming a pediatrician or sports medicine doctor.
Valentina Gacharna Torres – Director of Engagement and Mentor
Valentina Gacharna Torres was born in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved to the U.S. with her mother and younger brother when she was 12. She is currently a senior at Purdue University, double-majoring in Psychology and Human Services. She serves as a registered behavior technician and head lifeguard at the Purdue Aquatic Center, in addition to her mentoring work at LUM.
Valentina lives in West Lafayette with her family. Her parents, Gloria and Edwin, are proud of her work with children and her academic path as a first-generation college student.
“LUM truly cares about the people it serves,” Valentina said. “Working with the afterschool program, I have witnessed everyone’s willingness to create and welcome innovative programs that help the kids’ positive emotional and academic development.”
Valentina’s hobbies include weightlifting, running, dancing, and exploring new activities like boxing and top rope climbing. She often brings creative movement games to her mentoring sessions. After graduation this May, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work, with a long-term goal of working in behavioral therapy and youth mental health.
Kennedy, Kambell, and Valentina have each played an essential role in the success of the Level Up Mentoring Program. Their commitment to youth development, leadership, and building meaningful relationships has made a lasting difference in the lives of the children they mentor.
If their stories inspire you, consider making a donation to LUM Youth Programs or signing up to volunteer with students during the school year or summer months. Learn more at lumserve.org/programs/children-families or email the LUM Volunteer Coordinator, Terri Anderson, at volunteer@LUMserve.org for more information.