Lisa is both a team lead AND a board member

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I saw a story about Jan [Frantz] and how she started Read and Feed on PBS, and I thought what a fantastic idea to bring resources to the students who need us! Feeding the body and the mind are the perfect combination.

Not long after hearing about Read and Feed, I became a volunteer tutor. The next year (in 2012), I became a team lead, and then three years ago I joined the board of directors.

I enjoy volunteering at Read and Feed because I love working with the students. They are excited about coming to us each week and so eager to learn and interact. I learn as much or more from them each week. I have so many special memories from my eight years as a Read and Feed volunteer. One of my favorites is a recent memory. Angel was a kindergartner who was apprehensive when he climbed up those big steps into the Mobile Classroom. His eyes were full of tears as his father handed him into our care. Watching Angel each week could be compared to witnessing the journey of a caterpillar as it matures into a beautiful butterfly. Each week Angel recognized more and more words, adding them to his visual vocabulary. During one of our last sessions, Angel and I wrote a story together. The authors of the story were Angel and Miss Flower, that is what he called me. I wrote while he built on his idea, and he was so proud to see his thoughts on paper. Miss Flower will always remember this special Angel and his voracious appetite for reading.

Lisa plays an important role for Read and Feed by representing the volunteer tutors on the board. Lisa says, “The volunteers bring a different perspective to the board. They are the boots on the ground in the program and provide the insider view. It is important when change is suggested by the board to hear how the students, tutors, and the program will be impacted.”