Following in my mother’s footsteps I have been a consummate volunteer since 1973.  My first volunteer job was as a candy striper in a psychiatric hospital at 14. During my 4 years at St. Vincent’s I worked with a variety of people in need; children, teens, and adults who were confused, depressed, or suffering from other maladies.  While graduating from high school brought an end to my time at St. Vincent’s it set me on the path that has defined my life.
        In the ensuing years I have continued to work with, and advocate for, children.  While the PTA has dominated the past 24 years I have also collected food for the hungry, waited tables for Cystic Fibrosis, and raced for the Cure.  Each one of these charitable organizations is a well-oiled machine with many years of advocacy to their credit.  My contributions were always a mixture of time, energy, enthusiasm, and passion.  It is, however, my partnership with the PTA where I derive the greatest satisfaction.  It allows me to combine my love for child advocacy and volunteering with my gifts as a public speaker and creative force into a single effort.  Multi-tasking at its finest!    
        It’s funny, but when I began volunteering my motivation was to help others.  Over the years, however, I have gained so much from the people I help that it almost seems like I get more out of it than they do.