Miami Children's Hospital is blessed with many outstanding volunteers. Here you can meet a few of our dedicated volunteers.
See our 2008 Volunteer Spotlight
Why I volunteer at MCH
By: Lauren Cuenant, Miami Children’s Hospital Volunteer
Having been a volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital for well over four years now, I can comfortably say that I have done just about everything. Distracted a frightened patient from their g-tube? Been there. Drawn silly portraits to entertain a lonely child? Weekly. Fed a very vocal baby, and thus spared the busy nurses’ eardrums? Many times. I have yet to grow tired of working with the staff of Miami Children’s Hospital. I feel that people appreciate me; not just the patients, but their families, nurses, doctors, and so on. I keep coming back because I feel good about my work and even better about how it’s received. My shift begins with a quick visit to Regine Duret, an endearing child life specialist. Afterwards, I am sent off with information specific to the needs of particular patients, along with general department needs in the hospital’s CICU. Being a volunteer does not just mean patient contact. Frequently, I help the hospital staff. Whether it’s organizing the playroom in 2 NE, changing the batteries of baby mobiles, or delivering a blood sample, I am assigned wherever help is needed. By the end of my shift, I am happy to have helped, and sad to be leaving. Are you surprised? Don’t be. Working at Miami Children’s Hospital is like living on a springing rubber band; you can’t help but come back. So look out for me next week and the week after that. If you are a nurse, let me run that extra errand for you. If you are a parent, don’t hesitate to ask me for that break you’ve been denying yourself. And if you are a patient, let me remind you what it is like to be kid again.
Susan Wisliceny
Thursdays are always brighter in the surgical waiting room when Susan Wisliceny volunteers. Susan is one of eleven volunteers assigned to the hospital’s surgical waiting room. The volunteers ease the anxiety of parents and family members by providing updates on the child’s surgical and post-op procedures. Susan volunteers at MCH because of her love for children. "Volunteering at Miami Children's Hospital has given me an opportunity to fulfill my need of helping children,” she said. “Volunteering feeds my soul and makes me feel like I am contributing and doing something worthwhile.” Susan is friendly, outgoing, and has a great sense of humor. She enjoys cooking, spending time with her family and writing. The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) has received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the services these volunteers provide. CVR is fortunate to have such a loyal and dedicated group of volunteers in the surgical waiting room.
Katherine Wedekind
Every Monday, volunteer Katherine Wedekind and her dog Sophie, participate in the Pet Therapy program at Miami Children's Hospital. Originally from Indiana, Katherine moved to Florida about 15 years ago. Katherine has been a flight attendant for the past 13 years and is a former social worker and adoption counselor. Katherine’s husband was involved in the Pet Therapy program at various nursing homes. Katherine felt that her love for children and her love for Sophie could be incorporated into a rewarding experience at Miami Children's Hospital. “I love seeing the smile on the children’s faces when I walk into a room,” Katherine says. “This past week, a little boy remembered Sophie from a previous visit, and it was so heart warming to see the joy on his face when he saw Sophie again.” Katherine loves the fact that parents are so appreciative of her and Sophie’s visits, and the staff always greets her with warmth and enthusiasm. The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) presently has 14 Pet Therapy dogs that volunteer at MCH on a weekly basis. CVR feels fortunate to have such a loyal, dedicated, and compassionate group of volunteers make a difference for hospitalized children every day.
Jake Aguilera
Teen volunteer Jake Aguilera has been volunteering this summer in the Rehabilitation department. He is assisting with clerical tasks, such as running errands, making copies, filing, faxing and clearing toys in the waiting rooms. A student, just starting Columbus High School, this is Jake’s first time as a volunteer. In order to fulfill his community service requirements, Jake picked Miami Children's Hospital because he felt it is the perfect environment for him. “The staff always compliments me, says ‘thank you,’ and I am always busy and having fun at the same time,” says Jake. “Jake is awesome, energetic, and delightful. On the mood elevator, Jake always starts his day on curious and continues climbing throughout his shift. He is the embodiment of our hospital’s values and guiding behaviors,” Says Lisa Simeon, the administrative assistant in that department.
The Community & Volunteer Resources department currently has four volunteers assisting in the Rehabilitation Office and is very proud of all of them!
Natalie Equizabal
Every Wednesday, Natalie Equizabal volunteers with Radio Lollipop.Natalie, an elementary school teacher, has been volunteering since 2007, and has 400 hours of service. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in business administration. Natalie is the team leader for “Wacky Wednesday” and is a member of the Radio Lollipop Management Team. She leads her team of volunteers in expending high energy, and provides care and compassion to our patients. “Natalie has the respect of her entire team. She leads by example,” said Brittany Smith, Radio Lollipop and CVR Coordinator. “I love Radio Lollipop and seeing how our volunteer visits impacts the children,” said Natalie. “The parents are so appreciative of the time we spend with their child, and the Child Life staff also is very supportive and always makes us feel welcome.” The Community and Volunteer Resources Department feels fortunate to have Natalie Equizabal participate in the volunteer program at MCH!
Robert Leal
The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) presently has five volunteers helping in the Laboratory. Teen volunteer Robert Leal has been volunteering in that department since September 2007. Robert loves working in the Lab. Although he is uncertain which career path to pursue, he is enjoying his time in there. “The staff is very nice, and I like being submerged in hospital activities and I feel as if I am part of the team,” said Robert. “Robert is eager and willing to learn, and very pleasant to work with,” said Angela Williams, Administrative Assistant. Robert is a very consistent and responsible young man. He began to volunteer in order to fulfill his high school graduation requirement. He says that volunteering in a medical environment is very fulfilling. On weekends, Robert works in his grandparent’s bakery. In his free time, he enjoys being with his friends and participating in sports. CVR is fortunate to have Robert Leal in the Teen Volunteer Program and looks forward to his service every week!
Corina Serrano
Volunteer Corina Serrano has been volunteering at MCH since April. Originally from Peru, Corina has also lived in Chili, Argentina and Puerto Rico. Corina found herself with some free time and decided to volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital because she loves children. She currently volunteers in the Billing and Coding Department. “I am learning many new skills, and the staff is so nice to work with, and I feel like I am part of the team,” states Corina. “Corina is a wonderful volunteer and has become quickly adaptive to her job. We are very happy to have her volunteer with us,” said Heidi Navar, Manager.
Corina enjoys writing stories for children. This is something she receives great enjoyment doing, and her seven grandchildren benefit from her insights. When she has the time, Corina also likes to travel. Corina Serrano is very professional, responsible, and dedicated to her volunteer work at Miami Children's Hospital. The Community and Volunteer Resources department is looking forward to having her continue to volunteer at the hospital.
Reynaldo Pringle
Reynaldo Pringle, a South Miami High School student, has been volunteering at Miami Children's Hospital through the Project Victory Program, since August 2008. When Reynaldo first began volunteering, he was in a wheelchair following an accident. His determination and motivation to stand and walk was heightened by the support and increase in self-esteem he has felt from those he came in contact with at the hospital. Being a volunteer, has made a difference in Reynaldo's life, allowing him to develop skills and capabilities of that he was unaware of. "The staff treats Reynaldo as part of their team, and recognizes his potential. He has learned to adapt to his various job responsibilities and assigned tasks and has remarkable determination and a spirit," said Lisa Burger, a Project Victory teacher. The Project Victory program has been at Miami Children's Hospital for nearly 23 years. The hospital was a pioneer in launching this program by being one of the first sites in Miami-Dade County. The goal of the program is to assist students in gaining the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) has 20 participating students this school year, which also includes students from Southwest Senior High. CVR would like to thank the following departments for enhancing the students’ learning experience at MCH: Child Care, Clinical Supply, Dietary, ER Registration, Gift Shop, HIM, Information Desk/Welcome Ambassador, Mailroom, Marketing, Medical Education and Medical Staffing, Medical Library, Patient Family Services, Plant Operations, Quality Resources, Technical Support and TM&E. The Community and Volunteer Resource Department is proud to support the Project Victory Program at Miami Children's Hospital.
Amanda Alvarez
When you first meet Amanda Alvarez, you cannot help but smile. Amanda is an amazing young lady with a big smile and bright eyes. She is one of our Bedside Music Volunteers, and brings her outstanding voice to the children every week. Amanda's passion is music and children. It is delightful to see how the children react to her music and how much of a difference it makes each week when she volunteers. Her beautiful voice has drawn attention to the nursing staff and visitors and is well received by everyone who has the opportunity to listen to her. Currently a student at FIU, Amanda has hopes of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Volunteering has helped ease the stress of school and studying. "When I leave Miami Children's Hospital, I see the world in a different way. Seeing a child's face light up in a smile when I sing makes my day," she said.
Elisha Augsburger, Child Life Specialist, 3NE, says, "When Amanda sings, she has a way of connecting with kids of all different ages at the hospital. Through her music, she is able to involve not only patients, but families and friends who are visiting. We look forward to her coming in every week." The Community and Volunteer Resource (CVR) department currently has other volunteers providing Bedside Music: Irene Inatty, Jeff Miller and Fryda Guedes. Virginia Detzner is training to become a Bedside Music Volunteer. CVR is proud of their Bedside Music Volunteers and applauds their efforts!
Claudine Fernandez
Teen volunteer Claudine Fernandez has been volunteering at MCH since 2007. Claudine was born in the United States, moved to France and is now living in South Florida and attending Carrollton High School, Claudine began volunteering at MCH to fulfill her school’s requirements. In school, Claudia is active in the National Honor Society, Human Rights Club and the school’s newspaper.
Claudine volunteers in the Rehab Department at the main campus by assisting with clerical work. "Claudine is very self-directed. We can always count on her to get the job done. She is very personable and gets along well with everyone," says Lisa Simeon, Administrative Assistant in the Rehab Department. "I love to volunteer. The staff always makes me feel welcome, the work is very interesting and I feel a sense of responsibility," comments Claudine. The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) assigns volunteers to various areas that need support. Aside from patient care areas, volunteers donate their time in numerous offices and offer assistance with routine clerical tasks. CVR is fortunate to have Claudine volunteer every week and they applaud her consistency and reliability.
Claudia Martinez
The Community and Volunteer Resource (CVR) department currently has six volunteers placed in the Dental Clinic. All of our volunteers have been very enthusiastic about working in the Clinic and with the staff. Claudia Martinez, originally from Cuba, has been in the United States for 11 years. Her career goal is to become a dentist and will be applying to dental school within the next six months. Wanting to work with children and gain experience in the dental field, Claudia chose to volunteer at Miami Children's Hospital. "I love the interaction with the children and the families. I have seen several of the children when they come back for check-ups and they remember me and are glad to see me," states Claudia. Claudia says she always feels welcomed by the staff and everyone is friendly and makes her feel that they want her to be here.
Karen Garcia, Director of the Dental Clinic, finds the volunteers to really make a difference. "The volunteers are wonderful, always willing to help, no matter what the task. We are very happy they are part of our team," Karen said. Jannet Muniz, Dental Assistant III, agrees: "The volunteers really help a lot, and it is always great to have them with us."
Claudia looks forward to volunteering every week, and CVR is fortunate to have her participate in the volunteer program.
Yanina Elias
Volunteer Yanina Elias' career goal is to be an orthopaedic surgeon. She decided to volunteer at Miami Children's Hospital for the experience and because she loves children. She currently attends Miami-Dade College and plans to continue her education at the University of Miami or Florida State University.
Every week, Yanina reports to the orthopaedic office and assists the staff with a variety of clerical and office duties. "Yanina is always willing to take on new tasks and has been very helpful. We find her to be very genial and upbeat. It is always a pleasure to work with her," said Martha Leshuk, Billing Coordinator.
"The doctors and staff have been great to work with and have taken the time to explain the work to me. I always feel welcome when I am volunteering and I am treated as part of the team," explained Yanina. "I enjoy helping and look forward to coming in every week."
The Community and Volunteer Resources (CVR) department places volunteers in doctor's offices and clinics so that they may support the MCH staff. Yanina is having a positive experience here and CVR looks forward to her continued assistance.
Patient Access/Admitting
The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) currently has six volunteers placed in Patient Access/Admitting. Volunteers assist the staff by greeting parents and patients, answering the telephones, escorting patients to other areas in the hospital, scanning materials and other assisting in other clerical tasks. Teen volunteer, Andrew Tablante, has been a volunteer since June 2007, and has over 175 hours of service. To fulfill his graduation requirement of performing community hours, Andrew received encouragement to volunteer at MCH from his sister, who had volunteered previously, and his mother, an MCH nurse practitioner.
"I like volunteering in Admitting because I enjoy the interaction with patients, families, and staff, and the opportunity to help others," Andrew said. In the future, Andrew would like to become a firefighter, and feels it is productive for him to be in a hospital environment. Kristofer Rato, Patient Access Rep. III, commented: "Andrew is a true asset to this department. He is excellent with us and is always willing to do everything and anything. Andrew really is a big help to us on Tuesdays, and we are glad he is one of our volunteers." Andrew enjoys sports and going to the beach. Upon graduation, Andrew hopes to attend the University of Central Florida. We are grateful to have Andrew Tablante in our volunteer program and look forward to his continuing participation until graduation.
Medical Library Volunteers
The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) is staffing the Medical Library with five volunteers. They help distribute and collect lap tops for families, make copies of journal articles, shelve books, and perform other clerical tasks as needed. “Volunteers make a difference,” said Tatiana Consuegra, Library Assistant. “They help with all our clerical work, assist with decorations when we need them, and make our jobs easier."
Frank Garcia, a teen volunteer, has been volunteering for the past three years at the suggestion of his mother, an MCH employee. Frank has met his graduation requirement of completing his community hours, but chooses to continue volunteering. He believes that the Library staff is very nice and feels like part of the MCH team. Volunteering in the Library has been a great learning experience for him because he spends time looking up information in journals and making copies of articles for doctors and residents. Frank is active in various clubs at South Miami High School, including the key club, interact, and drama. He is deciding whether to major in philosophy or screenplay/film studies. Frank has been a consistent, reliable, and dedicated volunteer. CVR is grateful he has chosen to volunteer at Miami Children's Hospital.
Same Day Surgery Volunteers
The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) currently has eight volunteers placed in the Same Day Surgery department These volunteers have multiple duties of helping with clerical tasks, escorting parents to Recovery, transporting beds from post op to pre op, and interacting with patients and parents.
"All the volunteers are great, they are very helpful, and make our job a little easier," said Jannette Martinez, RN. One of the volunteers, Carlos Velarde, is enjoying his time at MCH. "I find it is a great learning experience, and it is truly wonderful to be able to interact with children," Carlos explained. He is an Florida International University student and is hoping to go into the pre-med program. He enjoys the positive feedback he receives from his interaction with families and staff. Carlos also serves as a translator when talking to families. Carlos feels that he is an integral part of the MCH team. "What I like best about MCH, is that it is so family oriented, and the families are quick to say what a good experience they are having here," he said.
When studying does not occupy all of Carlos’ time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing the piano, and participating in sports. We are all looking forward to having Carlos continue to volunteer his time at MCH and with Same Day Surgery.
Child Care Center Volunteers
The Community and Volunteer Resource Department (CVR) is pleased to provide volunteer support to departments throughout the hospital. Currently, 22 volunteers have been placed in the Child Care Center. This group consists of teens, college students, retirees, and professionals who enjoy their time with the children. They happily assist the staff by getting children ready for naptime, cleaning up the play area and keeping the children and babies occupied through play, buggy rides and bubble activities. "The volunteers come in every day, energetic and ready to play. They are all very responsible and great helpers for all our staff and teachers," said Aleyda Sosa, Director. The Child Care staff has made all the volunteers feel very welcome and appreciated. Olivia Ford was self-motivated to become a volunteer. "I do not see it as volunteering, because I have so much fun doing it. I chose Miami Children's Hospital because I love children," she said. Olivia is an Executive Assistant Manager at a Walgreens Drug Store and a board certified pharmacy technician. In her leisure time, Olivia enjoys going to the beach, bowling, and spending time at the library. CVR is delighted that Olivia is having such a wonderful child care experience and look forward to having her as part of the MCH team on a weekly basis.