Melissa Mae Wiskin, 22, of Falls Church, has joined the Peace Corps and departed for Zambia this week to begin pre-service training as a Community Health Peace Corps Volunteer. Upon completing volunteer training in October, Wiskin will be promoting community health development in her host community.

Wiskin is the daughter of Joel Wiskin and Sarinpom Piathong, and a graduate of George Mason High School in Falls Church. She then attended University of Washington in Seattle, graduating in 2011 with a B.A. in law, societies and justice.

During the first three months of her service, Wiskin will live with a host family in Zambia to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, Wiskin will serve for two years in Zambia, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.