How long have you been volunteering at Grandview Kids?
I began volunteering at Grandview Kids in 2017 when I retired from teaching. I had had the privilege of teaching children with physical and intellectual challenges for the last 15 years of my career and many of my students had a connection to Grandview Kids. I also worked with a variety of professionals from Grandview Kids who visited my classroom and shared their expertise so that my team and I could develop and implement academic and life skills that would best suit the needs of our students. I had nothing but positive feelings towards Grandview Kids, and I thought it might be a good fit for volunteering.
What is the best part of volunteering at Grandview Kids for you?
I thought I knew a lot about Grandview Kids from my teaching days, but I had no idea of the scope and depth of the Grandview team or the many amazing children who benefit from their work.
I knew about Speech and Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy, but perhaps my biggest revelation was learning about Recreational Therapy. I love participating in the many recreational therapy group sessions, such as music, movement, and play, and summer camps like bike camp.
I often say that I receive far more from Grandview Kids than I give. The hugs, smiles, and high-fives I get from the kids I interact with and play with are what make me want to come back again and again.
Who inspires you to volunteer or give back?
My son Daniel is perhaps my greatest inspiration to volunteer. Daniel was born with very complex physical and intellectual challenges. We had many therapists in our lives who helped us in so many ways to help Daniel grow and develop to his greatest potential. He passed away as a young child, but had he been able to grow up, I know Grandview Kids would have been part of our lives for sure. By volunteering, I keep Daniel’s memory alive within me and spend time with kids who are as beautiful and special to their families as Daniel was to me.
What would you say to someone who was thinking about volunteering at Grandview Kids?
To anyone who might be thinking of volunteering, I would heartily encourage them to come to Grandview Kids. It is a place filled with hope and positivity, and after you have seen the smiles on the faces of the kids and their parents, your heart will be full.
