Volunteer Highlights
Andrew Larson
Becky Reed Farha
Sani Smaka
Liz Lemke
Denise Artley
Claire Goulson
Usha Valappil
Alex Larson
Carolyn Barinsky
Emily Murphy
Caroline Doherty
Molly Jackson
Justin Towers
Laura Ayers
March 2012 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Andrew Larson
Volunteer Position: Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Volunteer Since: 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC...
I first started volunteering for WSTC because my sister told me about it because she was on the Youth Advisory Board. I really didn’t know too much about the clinic then but she would always mention it in a positive way. Now I volunteer for WSTC because it is a vital service to our community and I want to do my part to help out with it. I enjoy helping out the community and doing fun volunteer projects.
I remember when...
The Youth Advisory Board put together a fundraiser at the Depot. It was really cool to have something that was essentially a YAB project.
Advice for other WSTC volunteers...
Enjoy volunteering because it is a really great and fun thing!
Comments from others...
"I work with teens on a regular basis and I don't think that I have ever met anyone as dedicated as Andrew. Despite his busy schedule, Andrew consistently attends board meetings and peer education events, and attends almost every volunteer opportunity we set up. He is a YAB champion!"
Cassie Clark, Volunteer Coordinator
September 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Becky Reed Farha
Volunteer Position: Board of Directors
Volunteer Since: 2006 (on Board since 2010)
Why I volunteer for WSTC...
I strongly believe that all teens and young adults should have direct, low-cost access to fact-based, nonjudgmental health care information and services in a professional and respectful setting. I'm proud to volunteer for an organization that lives and promotes this philosophy.
I remember when...
I recently met a mother and daughter at a WSTC tabling function - the daughter, now in her early 30s, told me how much WSTC meant to her as a teen, and her mother also expressed her appreciation that WSTC was an available resource for her daughter. I am always moved and inspired when I meet current and prior patients who share their stories and tell me how thankful they are that WSTC was available to help them in their times of need.
Advice for other WSTC volunteers...
Be proud! You are part of a terrific organization that, on a daily basis, is helping improve the health of our communities.
August 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Sani Smaka
Volunteer Position: Youth Advisory Board and Ambassador
Volunteer Since: 2009
Why I volunteer for WSTC...
I first started volunteering with WSTC because I wanted to make an impact on an issue that is prevalent among individuals my own age. Little did I know just how fun and rewarding an experience it would become. Being a part of the Youth Advisory Board has allowed me to support the clinic's cause while working with an enthusiastic group of teens - I couldn't have asked for a better volunteering experience!
I remember when...
This summer, the Youth Advisory Board helped host the Friendship Olympics for youth at a local park. We played games with the kids and talked about bullying, which was different from our usual events and meetings. It reminded me of just how dedicated WSTC is to all aspects of the community.
Advice for other WSTC volunteers...
Sign up for tabling events! There's nothing like sharing your interest in the clinic with someone who hasn't heard of it before.
Comments from others...
"I don't think there are enough great things to say about Sani. She is such a capable, passionate, determined young woman who is going to do big things in the world. Getting to know her over the past two years has been a privilege and a joy. The Youth Advisory Board has been lucky to have her. She always goes the extra mile - volunteering to help at the drop of a hat, driving kids to and from meetings, arriving early or staying late to help me. She will be greatly missed, but I can't wait to hear about all the cool experiences she has in college. Thank you, Sani!!"
Nina Jonson, Community Education Program Manager
July 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Liz Lemke
Volunteer Position: Front Desk Volunteer
Volunteer Since: 2011
Why I volunteer for WSTC...
When I was in high school, one of WSTC's educators visited my health class and gave a presentation that made it the most memorable day of class: people from my grade are still talking about it! So when I started looking for a place to volunteer to gain some experience working in a healthcare setting, WSTC seemed like a great choice because I'd seen firsthand that they actually do get teens thinking about a lot of important issues. I really believe in WSTC's mission and so it is exciting to be part of an organization that really is accomplishing what they set out to do and creating a really positive connection with people my age.
I remember when...
I showed up to work at the desk one day and I was the only one there, although thankfully Kitty [Director of Clinics] was running in and out. At first, I was really nervous about handling things on my own, but as patients started coming in and the nurses started asking for things, I realized I knew how to do the job better than I had realized (not to say I didn't still make plenty of mistakes)! But that was a really standout moment for me because I gained a lot of confidence in my abilities and I realized just how much everyone has taught me since I started volunteering for WSTC.
Advice for other WSTC volunteers...
Get to know as many people as possible! Everyone on staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and if you show interest in what they do, they are all happy to teach you more. That's really the greatest part of volunteering at WSTC: getting to learn so much about what we do, how we do it, and being able to use the skills you learn to make a difference!
Comments from others...
"Liz is a fantastic addition to our clinic. Her professionalism is always appreciated and her positive attitude brightens the day of anyone who comes into contact with her. Thank you for everything you do for WSTC, Liz!"
Cassie Clark, Volunteer Coordinator
June 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Denise Artley
Volunteer Position: Growing Up Educator and Ambassador
Volunteer Since: 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I believe in the mission of WSTC and I want to show by my actions, not just by my words, what I believe in. I know that knowledge is power and I want to help young adults feel they can create the future they want for themselves.
I remember when…
A quiet, very reserved young girl, about 10-11 years old, started the morning saying in a very small voice that she was a “3” on a scale of 1 to 10 as we began the Growing Up class. At noon, she was a “10” and her mother was beaming. It’s so rewarding to see how a few hours together with a meaningful curriculum results in great things!
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Jump in! There is plenty of support for you so don’t be afraid you’ll get in over your head. Enjoy! You will always get more back than you give.
Comments from others…
“Denise is a very dedicated and passionate volunteer. Earlier this month I got the chance to teach the Growing Up workshop with her. It was so neat to see her comfort and ability to build relationships with class participants. Denise sets the perfect tone for the class and is so approachable. She also frequently helps as an ambassador with our local tabling events. She has been out rain or shine (although this year more so rain). Thank you, Denise – we appreciate everything you do for WSTC!”
Jennifer Stout, WSTC Clinic Educator
May 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Claire Goulson
Volunteer Position: Youth Advisory Board (YAB)
Volunteer Since: June 2008
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
Being a part of the YAB has been such a wonderful experience because I get to collaborate with my peers and help the clinic out with many different things. WSTC is such an amazing resource for teens and volunteering for the clinic is a great way to give back to them.
I remember when…
Sani (a fellow YAB member) and I had to put together goodie bags for our YAB Fundraiser at the Depot. It was very time consuming. We bought a ton of candy, and we also had a box of I think 400 fortune cookies, but putting it together ended up being a lot of fun because we had each other to talk to.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Volunteering is what you make of it, so always go into it with a positive attitude and you will always leave with a smile. Everyone that works at West Suburban is welcoming and they all have a great sense of humor so get to know as many staff as you can.
Comments from others…
“Claire Goulson has been a member of the YAB for the past three years, and her excitement and enthusiasm for the work done by WSTC has never wavered. She has participated in tabling, special events, fundraisers, recruiting and interviewing new members, and all manner of projects in and around our two clinics. She even was a member of the multi-generational advisory board that assisted with the creation of our Hopkins clinic! Claire is truly an excellent example of character, commitment and service, and I am so honored to have gotten to know her. She is a wonderful role model for all young people.”
Nina Jonson, Community Education Outreach Manager
April 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Usha Valappil
Volunteer Position: Health Educator, Ambassador
Volunteer Since: July 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
It is a great place to work by impacting the lives of many teens to help to make a right decision regarding their sexual life. By volunteering I can learn new skills and help others. I have a lot of fun and love to spend more time at the WSTC community.
I remember when…
I was tabling in one of the community event. One person approached our booth and asked about WSTC. I felt so proud to talk about the services provided by the clinic and the impact that we make in the community. He was so impressed and appreciated me for volunteering such a great place. I am proud to be a part of WSTC.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Have fun!!! WSTC is a great place to volunteer. All the WSTC staffs are very friendly and helpful!!!!
Comments from others…
“Usha is definitely one of our go-to Volunteers. She is someone who is willing to help with anything and everything. One day she is hanging posters and representing WSTC in the community and the next she is teaching the birth control class in the clinic. She has a kind heart that shines through and makes her a very approachable person for teens and young adults. Her dedication to WSTC and the youth of our community is much appreciated –Thank You Usha! We are so lucky to have you as part of the WSTC community!”
Jennifer Stout, Volunteer Coordinator
March 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Alex Larson
Volunteer Position: J-term Education Intern; past Youth Advisory Board Member
Volunteer Since: 2008
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I volunteer for WSTC because I think the clinic plays a really important role in our community, and I want to do everything I can to help! WSTC has had such a positive impact on my life, and I want to thank them by giving my time and efforts in return.
I remember when…
I remember when some Youth Adivsory Board members and I were tabling during the lunch periods at a Twin Cities high school, and more than one hundred people came up to our table. It made me realize that WSTC improves our community not only through providing clinics for people to visit, but also in many other ways, including community outreach events like this one.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Advice to WSTC volunteers: Realize that you can and do make a difference everytime you volunteer! Even if you only have a little bit of free time, every minute counts, and your work is appreciated!
Comments from others…
“Alex Larson has always been a dedicated member of our Youth Advisory Board. When I first met her, she was a little more reserved, but quickly opened up and showed her caring nature, quick wit, and strong sense of self. Alex volunteered with YAB to expose herself to experiences that she had not been able to have at her highschool, and to meet other like-minded peers, and other YAB members always have looked up to her, and want to know her thoughts on an issue before proceeding. She has been such a passionate supporter of WSTC and the YAB that not only did recruit her brother to join our group, but spent the month of January volunteering 30 hours per week with the clinic and the education department, engaged in a variety of extremely useful projects. Alex is a young woman who is one in a million, and I feel so fortunate that she has chosen to share her considerable gifts and talents with WSTC to make it a wonderful service for young people!”
Nina Jonson, Community Education Program Manager
February 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Carolyn Barinsky
Volunteer Position: Past Board Member, Dads Make a Difference Classroom Supervisor, Growing Up Educator and anything else in the area of education that I am asked to do.
Volunteer Since: 2003
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I volunteer with programs that have a strong sense of serving our community and providing education. I also look for organizations who value volunteers and have a staff who are energetic and always looking for new ways to serve their community. WSTC meets all of those and more. I have fun working with the staff and presenting their programs.
I remember when…
(share a memorable story of one of your volunteer experiences with WSTC)
I enjoy doing the Growing Up classes It is always reassuring to meet parents who want to be involved with their children through the journey of puberty. I facilitate the parent groups and share laughter and tears with the parents. Every class is a wonderful new group of caring parents to share knowledge with. This brings me joy.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Have fun! Jump in. Share your strengths and WSTC will find a place for you.
Comments from others…
“I met Carolyn many years ago when she was a busy parent educator for the Chaska school district. We collaborated together to bring educational presentations to school district groups of parents with children ages birth –teens. Carolyn joined our volunteer Board of Directors in 2003 which was a time when our agency was struggling to rebuild it’s momentum. Her belief in the WSTC mission, connections to community members, knowledge of program design and pure enthusiasm helped our staff re-focus and grow strong.
Carolyn went above and beyond as a Board member when she dressed up as the wicked witch from Snow White (what an ugly mask and evil laugh!). She would visit our staff with a basket of apples & chocolates on Halloween each year.
In 2008, Carolyn started to volunteer with our education staff to teach our 3 hour puberty workshops for parents and pre-teens. Ever since then, thanks to her enthusiasm and knowledge of the local community, we have taught full classes of children and their parents to learn more about communicating about their health and growing up. Even though she’s officially “retired” from her job and as a WSTC Board member, Carolyn continues to remain involved in our parent education programming in between her travels.
I truly appreciate all the time and energy Carolyn has shared with WSTC. I miss seeing her at Halloween but look forward to teaching more classes with her each year. Thanks for everything, Carolyn. “
Molly Snuggerud, Program Director
January 2011 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Emily Murphy
Volunteer Position: Volunteer Coordinator Internship
Volunteer Since: Sept. 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I started volunteering here because my school allows us the opportunity to take on an internship to complete our bachelor's degree. I find human sexuality to be a very interesting thing and wanted to pursue my internship at a clinic of some kind, which led me to WSTC. I couldn't be happier to be here and look forward to continuing my volunteering well after my intership is over this spring.
I remember when…
Signing every single one of the Christmas cards that we sent out to every volunteer that is here at WSTC. That was a lot of cards and I got a little creative with what I wrote to keep myself going... It was a LOT of cards. I've never sent out Christmas cards on my own and nor do I think I will every send out that many ever again.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Have fun. Don't be afraid to ask for help and just enjoy what you're doing. You are making a difference, no matter how small you think it is, it helps.
Comments from others…
“Emily truly helps us reach and serve all of our Volunteers better. She keeps us organized! When she comes each week, she always has such a great attitude and will help with anything and everything. I know that any of the projects she is working on will be done well! She will be missed when her internship is done at the end of the spring semester. Thank you Emily!”
Jennifer Stout, Volunteer Coordinator
December 2010 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Caroline Doherty
Volunteer Position: Office Volunteer
Volunteer Since: 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I volunteer for WSTC because I like the idea that my work behind the scenes is helping a teenager my age. I would like to go pre-med in college but there aren’t a lot of opportunities around for high school students in the medical field, so volunteering at WSTC gives me an opportunity to really see everything that a clinic can do.
But really, there is nothing more rewarding than to know that my volunteering is helping my own demographic within my own community.
I remember when…
On several occasions I have had pretty intense battles with the machines in the work room. I have only lost once, and that was to the printer when I got MFPA forms stuck in it. I guess it was just getting back at me for not wanting to spend the time to fill them all out. The folding machine is a formidable opponent as well, and sometimes my OCD tendencies get the better of me and I end up folding a hundred brochures or so by hand.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
Try and make a point to yourself to choose a specific time to come in every week. It’s a lot easier to stay committed (and I’m sure it makes it a lot easier for Jen to make sure she has enough projects ready for you to work on).
Comments from others…
“Caroline is such a reliable volunteer – if something needs to be done and Caroline is coming in, no need to worry! It was great to see her at WSTC every Monday. She jumps right into projects and cruises through. Every Monday she came in, I had to always make sure to stock up the volunteer projects that needed to be done because she is so quick! Also, it was fun to get to know Caroline on a more personal level and hear her weekly updates! Thank You!”
Jennifer Stout, Volunteer Coordinator
November 2010 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Molly Jackson
Volunteer Position: Office and Outdoor Volunteer
Volunteer Since: Summer 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
I believe that the education and resources WSTC offers are one of a kind and the help that I provide here benefits many clients WSTC sees daily. Volunteering here also provides you with knowledge about public health that you may find useful in your own life.
I remember when…
The summer days were close to 100 degrees and as I was weeding in the gardens out back; I pulled up a weed with really thick, long roots and thousands of ants starting scattering out of the empty hole. Can you guess where they ended up? MY SHOES AND LEGS!!
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
1. Make small talk with employees and other volunteers to get to know everyone.
2. Follow directions and be diligent with the tasks at hand. They are important!
3. Have fun :
Comments from others…
"Molly is an extremely dedicated Volunteer! She was here countless hours this summer (over 90 hours in 3 months!) She is someone you can always count on to do a great job. Molly is a role-model for other Volunteers and fun to be around. Thank You Molly for all you have done for WSTC - we look forward to seeing you here next summer!"
October 2010 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Justin Towers
Volunteer Position: Youth Advisory Board and Ambassador
Volunteer Since: 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
The reason, at first, I started volunteering for WSTC was it seemed like a cool thing to do and get info on WSTC that I could tell people about it. Now though after I went to more and more meeting, which are 50% fun and 50% get stuff done in an awesome way. So it is a really fun thing to do and you meet new people.
I remember when…
Laura, an adult Volunteer, and I were tabling at Shakopee Derby Days were it was fun; we laughed, laughed, and laughed some more, it was so much fun I would do it again. We educated so many people about WSTC, helped some people with their problems, as in told them to go there, it felt good to know that I was helping people and educating them
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers…
My advice would be if you want to join, learn something new, or just curious on what Youth Advisory Board is, then join this wonderful group.
Comments from others…
“Since this summer, when Justin became a member of our Youth Advisory Board, his enthusiasm for volunteering with WSTC has been contagious. He attends all meetings and events and is an active and engaging participant, but has also taken on additional volunteering responsibilities by tabling at local community events on behalf of the clinic. He has a warm and funny personality that makes him easy to approach and converse with, and he effectively communicates with both youth and adults alike. It makes me laugh to remember when I was interviewing him for the Youth Advisory Board position and he said "sometimes I can be a little shy if I don't know people very well!" He is a great asset to our board and to WSTC”
Nina Jonson, Education and Outreach Manager
September 2010 Volunteer Highlight
Name: Laura Ayers
Volunteer Position: Board Member; Development Committee Member
Volunteer Since: 2010
Why I volunteer for WSTC…
There are so many reasons I am grateful to volunteer with WSTC. I think teens and young adults deserve scientifically accurate information about their physical and mental health, and WSTC has a long history of providing just that. A few things that make WSTC special:
o Professional staff, who provide age-appropriate and culturally-appropriate sexual health information and basic health services to teens and young adults.
o By listening to their youth volunteers and parent feedback, WSTC truly meets the medical and mental health needs of young people and their families.
I remember when…
This Summer I got to staff the booth with Justin, who is on the Youth Board, at the Shakopee Derby Days festival. He was so clever, and thanks to Justin I laughed more than I had in long time. We also learned a lot from people who visited the booth – about the need for accurate sexual health education in some schools, about parents' appreciation that the clinic provides their children with professional and accessible care, and about young men's concerns about asking for help. We laughed, we learned – good times.
Advice for other WSTC Volunteers...
I think tabling is the most fun when I feel relaxed and confident. Here is what I try to do whenever I'm representing WSTC at a booth:
§ arrive a few minutes early
§ if someone else has already been working the booth, ask them how things have been going and if there is anything to keep in mind
§ read any instructions, and take a good look at the materials on the table
§ smile – a LOT
§ make friendly eye contact with passers-by
§ LISTEN to any questions and comments from visitors (if there is anything specific, write a note and leave it with the materials for staff)
§ share why you are involved with WSTC -- “I volunteer with WSTC because....”
§ be ready to say, “I don't know the answer to that question, but here's a phone number you can call to get that information (give the WSTC phone number / brochure).” or “Let me write down your question and contact info – I'll ask someone on staff to get in touch with you.”
§ Other people need to know about WSTC – help them find out!
Comments from others...
“One of our newer members, Laura Ayers has proven to be a tremendous asset to our team. She brings her invaluable background in non-profit management to the organization and consistently helps to keep us on track to achieving our goals. Laura's talents as a professional consultant are reflected at each of our board meetings and we continue to sincerely appreciate her time.”
