February 2010

Lisanne Shumway

Teen Center Program Assistant

Why We Love Lisanne Shumway: Lisanne has been a volunteer in the Teen Center since September 2009, mostly working with middle schoolers and assisting Lizzeth Nevarez, one of our community educators. Not to give her a big head, but "Lisanne has contributed immensely to this organization through her dedication, enthusiasm, care, motivation, and much more. She brings a positive spirit to the class so that when a girl becomes frustrated, she knows what words to use to make her feel better. Her enthusiasm is perhaps the best thing she brings to class because working with middle school girls, it is needed. She cheers for the girls when they win a competition, jumps when they get excited, sets a great example through her own actions, and dances if the occasion calls for it." And, "Lisanne has a versatile personality. I was not expecting her to be as cheerful as she has been, but it has turned out to be helpful. She can be a multitude of personalities, which makes her approachable and at the same time she can be taken seriously. Undoubtedly the girls miss her when she does not make it to class. Moreover, she has been a great support for me and knows when to come in and help. Her positive attitude makes things manageable during a loud class. She does not give up on the girls, and for that she is to be admired. I do not think that all people are fit for her job with 20 tweens, but she is." Thank you Lisanne for all you do!!

Who's The STRONGest Person You Know: My Mother-In-Law is the strongest person I know. She has faced many challenges in raising her children, including the many sacrifices it takes to continue to care for her disabled adult son. Regardless of the amount of energy and patience she uses everyday, she still finds time to give, give, give, AND to take a little time for herself, which is also important. She recently took up the new sport of paddle boarding in the ocean! She is so positive and always laughing. She is an inspiration to push on and to be happy doing it!

What's The SMARTest Thing You Have Ever Heard: It all starts with a seed. This applies to anything in life: setting new goals, helping your community, starting something that seems impossible, and yes growing food and large trees too!

What's The BOLDest Thing You Have Ever Done: Leaving my hometown and state and moving to a new one, all alone. This was difficult because I was leaving a wonderful base of family and friends. Living in a new place where I knew NO one was scary and lonely at times, but pushing through those moments provided me with strength and structure to face other challenges in my life.

Volunteers Of The Month Main Page