January 2011: Jim Stockdale, Surgery Unit and H5
Jim Stockdale has been selected as the January Volunteer of the Month because of his sincere commitment to the Surgery Unit and other departments at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Jim has been volunteering at Nationwide Children’s since 2005. Recently, he was hospitalized for a serious medical condition but was undeterred in his return to the hospital as a volunteer. He continues to volunteer on the Surgery Unit and helps out whenever he can in the Family and Volunteer Services department, as well. “Jim has been a very dedicated volunteer,” says Amy LeRoy, Child Life Specialist on the Surgery Unit. “The children and the families love his personality and his great sense of humor.” Jim cares about not just the families and patients at Nationwide Children’s, but is dedicated to serving the institution as a w hole. Since 2005, he has contributed 455 hours of service. Everyone in Family and Volunteer Services and the Surgery Unit thanks Jim for his continued dedication and support of the families, patients and staff of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
February 2011: The Development Board
Congratulations to the Development Board, whose members have been selected as the February Volunteers of the Month. The Development Board decided to support the Admitting Gift program in 2008 as a way to not only maintain its funding, but to also support and have direct contact with patients at Nationwide Children’s. The current 24 volunteers share the responsibility of circulating the gift cart to newly-admitted patients every Monday and Tuesday evening. In total, they’ve given over 1,300 hours of service. “It is unimaginable how many miles they have pushed the gift cart or how many smiles they’ve created through their financial support toward the purchase of these gifts that are distributed daily,” says Donna Trentel, Child Life specialist. Member Subha Lembach deserves special recognition for not only volunteering to assist with the cart, but also for coordinating schedules and communications with members. She has also advocated with the Development Board’s Executive Board to create an Admitting Gift Committee to be in line with the other projects and efforts the Development Board sustains. This committee has focused on laying the groundwork to make the relationship between the Development Board and the Admitting Gift program one that will be sustained for years to come.
March 2011: Terri Yelle, C4/A2 NICU
Congratulations to Terri Yelle on her selection as the March Volunteer of the Month! Terri has been volunteering on the C4/A2 Neonatal Intensive Care Units since 2006 and has over 800 hours of service. She is a very caring and enthusiastic person and comes in on holidays when she knows parents may not be able to be at the hospital. She has been recognized with many Service Stars and the President’s Bronze Service Award. “Terri is extremely conscientious and always communicates with us and asks questions about our patients,” says Laura Crisp, Volunteer Coordinator. “She kept Nationwide Children’s in her thoughts even when she was out of town caring for an ill family member.” Terri has recently added a second day of volunteering on the C4/AR units, further showing her dedication to helping our patients and families. Everyone in Family and Volunteer Services thanks her for her wonderful work here at Nationwide Children’s!
April 2011: Ronnie Phillips, Art Cart and Clubhouse
Congratulations to Ronnie on her selection as the April Volunteer of the Month! Ronnie operates the Art Cart and understands how important the cart is to children and families at the hospital. She does very well interacting with patients and families and always exudes a patient, friendly and fun demeanor. In addition to the Art Cart, Ronnie also spends time in the Clubhouse and acts as a role model to other volunteers. Fluent in Spanish, Ronnie can also communicate with many families when others cannot. With over 475 hours of service, Ronnie has earned numerous Service Stars and was honored with the Family and Volunteer Services’ New Kid on the Block Award in 2010. Everyone in Family and Volunteer Services thanks her for her continued dedication and support of the patients, families and staff at Nationwide Children’s!
May Volunteer of the Month: Shahana Prakash, Reach Out and Read and 6th Floor
Congratulations to Shahana Prakash on her nomination as the May Volunteer of the Month. Shahana is a student at Worthington Kilbourne High School and has served over 200 hours of service at Nationwide Children’s in the past two years. As a volunteer, Shahana reads books to children in the waiting area, initiates literacy activities and keeps the waiting area clean. “I love watching the kids flock toward her when she sits at our table and begins reading,” says Suzette Rathke, Reach Out and Read volunteer coordinator. “It’s provides a fun distraction for the children.” Shahana also added a patient unit to her volunteer assignment, now coming in two days each week. Congratulations again to Shahana for her dedication to our patients, families and staff!
June Volunteer of the Month: Jon Young, Emergency Department
Congratulations to Jon Young on his selection as the June Volunteer of the Month! Jon has volunteered in the Emergency Department since October 2009 and has over 175 hours of service. “Jon is one of the most consistent and reliable volunteers we have ever had,” says Jacquie Wludyga, child life specialist. In addition to spending his time visiting patients and families at the bedside, Jon also keeps the toy closet, activity carts and book racks clean and well stocked. His easy-going nature allows him to interact comfortably with patients, families and staff. Jon is always willing to lend a hand and he is a great person to help with special projects. He has a good relationship with the staff and takes the extra steps to get to know them. Congratulations again to Jon for this achievement!
July Volunteer of the Month: Lari Hummer, Central Processing
Congratulations to Lari Hummer on her selection as the July Volunteer of the Month. Lari volunteers in Central Processing where she assists with putting away stock and packaging goods that need to be sterilized. Lari has impressed the Central Processing staff by being a self-starter who is always willing to work hard and complete all projects. “The shift loves and misses Lari when she isn’t here,” says Comekco Kenny, supply system coordinator. Since August 2008, Lari has contributed over 700 service hours at Nationwide Children’s and has additionally volunteered on the 5T Pulmonary unit. She also has received numerous Service Star nominations, reflecting her strong work ethic. Nationwide Children’s thanks Lari for her continued support of our patients, families and staffs!
August Volunteer of the Month: Heather Yoho, IDC and 5th Floor
Heather Yoho has been selected as the August Volunteer of the Month. Heather began volunteering with Nationwide Children’s in the Hematology Clinic and presently volunteers in the IDC Clinic. Since volunteering at the hospital, she has earned over 100 hours of service. Heather plays with children in the waiting area, helps the office staff and keeps the playroom area clean. “Heather is a wonderful addition to the IDC Clinic,” says Cindy Jarboe, child life specialist. “She is great with the children and is always smiling and willing to help.” During the IDC’s Halloween party last year, Heather came to the hospital outside of her regular volunteer hours to help facilitate the arts and crafts table. This is just one example of Heather’s positive and helpful spirit that led to her nomination as volunteer of the month.
September Volunteer of the Month: Amanda Spires, Emergency Department
Amanda Spires has been selected as the September Volunteer of the Month. Amanda has been a volunteer since February 2010 and has contributed more than 165 hours of service at the hospital. Her excellent work ethic includes arriving on time for her scheduled shift, following directions from the child life specialist and being independent. Amanda is aware that the Emergency Department is stressful for families and her focus is to make their experience as easy and pleasant as possible. “From the first time Amanda volunteered with us, she was a team player,” says Bonnie Bishop, child life specialist. “She is undaunted by the atmosphere, adapts to change readily and is always up for a challenge.” Everyone in Family and Volunteer Services and the ED thanks Amanda for her continued support at Nationwide Children’s.
October Volunteer of the Month: Christina Kaffenbarger, J5
Christina Kaffenbarger has been volunteering on J5 Hematology/Oncology since November 2009 and has contributed more than 210 service hours. Christina is always on time and is dedicated each week. She is comfortable with patients and families and is especially helpful working with infants and toddlers who are alone. Christina is willing to help with any job including filing consent forms and sorting bravery beads when the unit is slow. She is able to pick out age appropriate activities for patients and expresses how she enjoys working with children which shows in her interaction with them. “Christina is the ideal volunteer on J5. Each week, she could receive a service star for her work,” says Megan Hall, Child Life Specialist.
November Volunteer of the Month: Chelsey Dikeman, OT/PT and Surgery Unit
Chelsey has been volunteering since February 2010 and has contributed nearly 125 service hours. Chelsey has a unique comfort and ease when working with children within the hospital setting. It is clear that she loves working with the children, as evident by the smiles on their faces when working with her. You can often find Chelsey working with the infant and toddler population who is frequently hospitalized. Chelsey is a huge support to our patients who are frequently alone and has come to be a familiar and comforting face to them. “She is a wonderful volunteer, who always has a wonderful attitude,” says Amy LeRoy, a child life specialist who works closely with Chelsey.
December Volunteer of the Month: Abigail Robbertz, Surgery Unit and Art Cart
Abby began her volunteer experience in the Behavior Clinic in 2009 and has over 170 hours of volunteer service. As a volunteer in Outpatient Surgery Abby assisted with responsibilities such as engaging patients prior to surgery, toy washing, restocking of the ocean room, organizing the toy supply, clerical duties, assisting with room turn-over, and assisting surgery unit staff. Abby has also helped to rebuild the CALM program. CALM stands for Calming Anxieties by Listening to Music and was created by Child Life and our Music Therapy programs. Abby has helped upload music to the department laptops and iPods, and sorted through our large music catalog. Always looking for new challenges, Abby is now volunteering with the Art Cart. “She has a great way with patients and is very comfortable on patient units,” adds Arleen Tripp, child life specialist.
