The team here at Partners Aligned Toward Health (PATH) is growing. This winter, two wonderful interns have joined the PATH team to learn about community health and help us with a variety of programming! You’ll probably see them around at afterschool programming, the Bursville Fit Families 5K, or the Sizzlin’ Summer Series.
We’re so grateful these smart, driven young women are here working alongside us on PATH’s many projects and programs. If you or a loved one is interested in internship opportunities at PATH, email info@pathwnc.org.
Introducing Eva Soto
Healthy Lifestyles Intern
I was born and raised in Penland, North Carolina, a little art school in Bakersville just thirty minutes outside of Burnsville, to a family of artists. I began middle school in Celo at Arthur Morgan School before transitioning to Mountain Heritage. During my final year there, I interned with PATH through a school program. Being within such a functional and caring workspace, doing meaningful community work left a huge mark on me.
After finishing my internship, I left to study abroad for a whole year in Uruguay, South America. There I lived with a Colombian host family in the center of the most populated city, Montevideo, and went to school. It was the most beautiful, challenging, and formative year of my life. It taught me so much about living and growing community, as well as solidifying my Spanish and of course, my love of soccer.
I returned in mid‑January of 2026, and by the end of the month I was back at PATH—this time as a hired intern. Here I work under Elizabeth Stephens (best supervisor!) as a Healthy Lifestyles Intern. I will be here till August, after which I leave for college in Pennsylvania at Bryn Mawr. There I hope to pursue a path along the lines of Public Health and Latin American studies while taking many art classes, joining a few club sports, and being a part of at least one book club!
Alejandra Velazquez-Leco
Youth Program Intern
I have lived in Burnsville, North Carolina my whole life and wouldn’t think about moving outside the mountains. I am currently a senior at Mountain Heritage High School, planning to major in Elementary Education at Western Carolina University. I am interning with PATH for my spring semester with Youth to Youth. I decided to join PATH because I’ve always cared for the health of others, mental health or physical health. I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which helps me provide stronger assistance, as well as being able to understand what one may need.
I have always had a passion for educating young people in ways they can grow to help others or to better themselves. I want to ensure that they can reach their goals with support and excitement. I have a passion that we can help the community be healthier and stronger as a whole with what we can provide! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family playing board games, watching the sunrise or sunset, moon gazing, walking, drinking coffee, watching movies, and doing word searches or puzzles.
