The Art of Volunteering
Connecting volunteers worldwide through conversations with individuals, leaders, and organizations that have volunteering as a core value.
Leslie Holt, A Child's Light
Today we are joined by Leslie Holt. Leslie is the Founder & Executive Director of A Child's Light and is a former Victims Advocate and Certified Trauma Specialist. Leslie is the force behind the success of ACL and is responsible for the Care Management of over 200 children receiving mental health treatment through A Child's Light which serves Chester County, PA.
Links for today's episode:
Angela Williamson's Volunteer Engagement Accelerator - https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com
Angela Williamson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva
A Child's Light's website - https://www.childslight...
Marie Wenzel, MSW, NAMI Delaware
Joining us today is Marie Wenzel, MSW. Marie is the CEO of National Alliance on Mental Illness Delaware, where she leads programs and initiatives supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. With extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, governance, and community engagement, Marie focuses on building innovative programs, strengthening volunteer networks, and fostering partnerships across the state. She is passionate about creating inclusive, impactful solutions that improve mental health awareness and access to care.
Links for today's episode:
Angela Williamson's Volunteer Engagement Accelerator - https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com
Angela Williamson's LinkedIn...
Sheila Rossi, Phoenixville Free Clinic
Joining the conversation today is Sheila Rossi, Volunteer Director of Phoenixville Free Clinic. Sheila has been in the healthcare field for over 30 years. Her career began in the Rochester, NY area at a community hospital in the Finger Lakes where she worked with the strategic planning department of the hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield to manage a joint health insurance product to bring lower cost health insurance to residents of the region. She later moved to Plymouth Meeting, PA, where she led a patient safety organization focused on collecting and analyzing hospital adverse events to improve patient care an...
Darya Sabocsik, Ambassador & Board Member
Today's episode, we are joined by Darya Sabocsik! Darya is a Coatesville Youth Initiative Ambassador and sits on the board of the Brandywine Valley Active Aging. We had a great conversation and hope you find value in it as much as we did.
Links for today's episode:
Angela Williamson's Volunteer Engagement Accelerator - https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com
Angela Williamson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva
Coatesville Youth Initiative's website - https://www.coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org
Coatesville Youth Initiative's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theCYI
Coatesville Youth Initiative's...
Lynne Cohen & Allison Mafodda, American Red Cross
In conversation today are Lynne Cohen and Allison Mafodda of the American Red Cross. Lynne is the Executive Director for the Delaware Valley Chapter and Allison the is Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist. Join us in learning more about these wonderful individuals and their passion for volunteerism.
Links for today's episode:
Angela Williamson's Volunteer Engagement Accelerator - https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com
Angela Williamson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region's website - https://www.redcross.org/philly
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region's X...
Kathy Gullickson & Sue Donkersgoed, Minnesota Sports and Events
Joining the conversation today are Director of Volunteer Programs Kathy Gullickson and volunteer Sue Donkersgoed of Minnesota Sports and Events! We talk about the World Junior's coming to Minnesota, SafeSport, and more.
Links for today's episode:
Angela Williamson's Volunteer Engagement Accelerator - https://www.angelawilliamsoncva.com
Angela Williamson's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilliamsoncva
Minnesota Sports and Events' website - https://www.mnsportsandevents.org
Minnesota Sports and Events' Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mnsportsandevents
Minnesota Sports and Events' X - https://www.x.com/MNSportsEvents
...
2026 New Year's Intentions
Wishing all of our listeners a Happy New Year! With 2026 on the horizon there is no better time to make volunteering a part of your intentions. On this episode, we will be highlighting three organizations from this season to inspire your journey.
Links for today's episode:
Anthony Stover, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House - https://youtu.be/wMSyWMkDyLA
Hanna McCarthy, Volunteer Firefighter - https://youtu.be/IwJt4hHk1I0
Christy Marshall-Silva, Aidan's Heart Foundation - https://youtu.be/xznmztdl4oQ
Join the Mailing List: https://www.stormy-bell.kit.com/55c5d52...
Jeff Westover, Santa Update
Joining us this week is Jeff Westover, Santa's Chief Elf Officer at Santa Update. Jeff is a Dad and a Grandpa providing a safe place online for believers in Santa and lovers of Christmas.
Links for today's episode:
Santa Update's website - https://www.santaupdate.com
Santa Update's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/trackingsanta
Santa Update's X - https://www.x.com/santaupdater
Online Santa Believer Community - https://www.northpoleflightcommand.com, https://www.santatrackers.net, https://www.kringleradio.com, https://www.elfhq.com
Christmas Community - https://www.mymerrychristmas.com<...
Sue Carter Kahl, Sue Carter Kahl Consulting
Joining the conversation this week is Sue Carter Kahl. Sue has spent her professional life working and volunteering in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Her work as President of Sue Carter Kahl Consulting is infused with lessons learned as a nonprofit executive, board member, fundraiser, volunteer, and researcher. Her current projects include consulting and training on the value that volunteers bring to organizations, translating research on volunteer impact into practitioner-friendly resources, and blogging at Volunteer Commons. Sue has a PhD in Leadership Studies and a Master’s in Social Work Administration.
Links for today's episode:
Kelsi Waltemire Palmer, Kite & Anchor
This week, we are joined by Kelsi Waltemire Palmer of Kite & Anchor. A self proclaimed "super communicator," Kelsi has held many different roles professionally - working in advertising, marketing, sales & management. After losing 2 positions in a matter of 5 years through company restructuring, Kelsi established Kite & Anchor in 2018 with the goal to assist local businesses & nonprofits in navigating growth of all kinds.
Links for today's episode:
Kite & Anchor's website - https://www.passionpeoplepurpose.co
Kite & Anchor's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passion.people.purpose
Kite & Anchor's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/c...
Christy Marshall-Silva, Aidan's Heart Foundation
This week we are joined by Christy Marshall-Silva, Founder and Executive Director of Aidan's Heart Foundation. Christy, a PA-certified Reading Specialist and mother of four, founded Aidan's Heart Foundation in 2011, named after her oldest son who died from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at age 7. When she learned how many youth are affected each year by SCA, and that death from cardiac arrest is often preventable, she plunged into action to educate, empower and enact public awareness and training with life-saving skills and provide cardiac testing for kids and teens. Since officially incorporating in 2013, Aidan's Heart Foundation has trained over 13,000 youth...
Travis Merrick, Volunteer
Joining us today is Travis Merrick. In his time volunteering, Travis has dawned the roles of President, Director of Events, Head Coach, Grade 3 Volunteer Coordinator, and more. Travis finds himself drawn to volunteering as his parents both exemplified it to him as a kid. He enjoys meeting people, giving back, and feeling like he's making a difference. If he can make someone else's life better that's reason enough for him to volunteer.
Links for today's episode:
Kincora Community Association's website - https://www.kincora.org
Kincora Community Association's Facebook - https://www.facebook...
Laurie Ryan, Exton Region Chamber
Joining us today is Laurie Ryan. Laurie is the President of the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce since January 2016. Her responsibilities include strategic and financial planning, events and programming, and membership growth and retention. As the Executive Director, she continues her commitment to advancing the economic success of member businesses, non-profits and the community and is proud of the growth and vitality of the chamber. Laurie is most proud of the connections she facilitates between businesses and organizations in the region.
Ms. Ryan enjoys trying new recipes and loves to meet and get to know new people. S...
Viviann Schorle, West Chester University Foundation
Viviann Schorle joins our ongoing conversation today! Viviann is the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for the West Chester University Foundation where she look for opportunities for Corporate and Foundation Partners to volunteer with West Chester University in the community or on campus to deepen relationships.
Viviann is a seasoned non-profit professional with 20 years of experience in fundraising, program administration, professional coaching, grant writing and community engagement. She has a passion to bring people together and work on common goals that impact the larger community. Viviann's work ethic, positive attitude and energy to encourage others to w...
Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, Latino Professional Luncheon
Joining our ongoing conversation today is Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo! Nelly has been a community leader for the Latino community in the Greater Philadelphia area for more than 28 years. She was an appointed member of the Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs. Mrs. Jiménez volunteers as a board member and advisor for many nonprofits. She has been invited to speak on numerous panels and presentations about housing, food insecurity, social determinants of health, voting rights and other social impact issues. She currently she holds a position in local government.
Links for today's episode...
Monique Riotto, American Cancer Society
Joining us this episode is Monique Riotto. Monique is Senior Development Manger on the Greater Philadelphia Community Events Team for the American Cancer Society. She oversees four Relay events in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Relay For Life is more than a walk – it’s a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life.
Links for today's episode:
Relay For Life of Chester County, PA's website - https://www.relayforlife.org/PACC
Relay For...
Angela Williamson, Community Relations Specialist
Angela Williamson has 19 years experience as a volunteer engagement leader in a museum and at the Blood Bank of Delmarva. She began volunteering early in life picking up trash at the state fair to earn concert tickets along with many other volunteer roles. Angela is a consultant, has presented for many places, president of DAVA, started an AL!VE Healthcare COP, awarded the AL!VE Impact Award in 2022.
Links for today's episode:
Blood Bank of Delmarv's website - https://www.delmarvablood.org
Blood Bank of Delmarv's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/delmarvabloodbank<...
Leroy Roberts, Non-Executive Director
Leroy Roberts is a British Army veteran and former Jamaica Constabulary Force officer, with nearly two decades of experience in public service, law enforcement, and military leadership. He now serves as a Board Director at London Mutual Credit Union, where he contributes his strategic insight and commitment to financial inclusion. Leroy brings his deep understanding of leadership, governance, and community impact into every initiative. His dedication to service, leadership development, and empowering others through financial literacy and social mobility drives his influence and impact.
Links for today's episode:
London Mutual Credit Union's website...
Hanna McCarthy, Volunteer Firefighter
This week we are joined by volunteer firefighter Hanna McCarthy. Hanna is also serves as a board member for Maternal and Child Health Consortium. These roles align with her deep commitment to service and dedication to helping others to create a lasting impact wherever she goes.
Links for today's episode:
First West Chester Fire Company's website - www.firstwestchester.org
First West Chester Fire Company's Facebook - www.facebook.com/FirstWestChesterFireCo
First West Chester Fire Company's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/first-west-chester-fire-co
Maternal and Child Health Consortium's website - www...
Katie Amoro, The Baker Center
Katie Amoro joins our conversation today. She has over 20 years of fundraising experience in the non profit and volunteer management space. Katie is passionate about organizations that help children and families in the community.
Links for today's episode:
The Baker Center for Children and Families' website - www.bakercenter.org
The Baker Center for Children and Families' LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/bakercenter
Katie Amoro's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/katie-amoro-b6b71b13
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36...
Finding Purpose in Volunteering
Searching for purpose? Volunteering may just be the key. Today we'll cover the mental, social, and societal benefit of service and how giving back can help you find meaning in life.
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36VmYUY
Franny & Dennis McKane, Lifelong Volunteers
Lifelong volunteers Franny and Dennis McKane join us today. Franny is a retired occupational therapist and is currently the co-manager Nature Store for Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge. She has been volunteering in numerous ways for over 50 years. Dennis is a field trip assistant for the New Jersey Audubon's Cape May Bird Observatory. Additionally, he is a Project Manager for Wilderness Volunteers among numerous others organizations. Volunteering has been part of Dennis' life for over 60 years.
Links for today's episode:
Friends of Cape May National Wildlife Refuge's website - www.friendsofcapemaynationalwildliferefuge.org<...
Sean Halloran, Barnstone Art for Kids
Today we are joined by Sean Halloran, Executive Director of Barnstone Art for Kids. Sean has spent over 20 years in the non-profit, mental health world working with families as a Clinician and Program Administrator/Leader. Bringing his wealth of relevant knowledge, Sean joined Barnstone Art for Kids in 2017. His work in program development and leadership have included the integration of trauma-informed practices at both the programmatic and organizational levels.
Links for today's episode:
Barnstone Art for Kids' website - www.barnstoneartforkids.org
Barnstone Art for Kids' Facebook - www.facebook.com/BarnstoneArtForKids
...
Mary Valloni, Fundraising Coach
Mary Valloni joins our conversation today. Mary is an award winning author, fundraising coach, consultant, and trainer with over 20 years of experience. Her mission is to help nonprofits and ministry leaders raise more funds and gain greater freedom.
Links for today's episode:
Mary Valloni's website - www.maryvalloni.com
Mary Valloni's Facebook - www.facebook.com/marymvalloni
Mary Valloni's Instagram - www.instagram.com/marymvalloni
Mary Valloni's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/maryvalloni
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36...
Anthony Stover, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
Our guest today is Anthony Stover, Community Relations Manager of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region (RMHC Philly). He has been with RMHC Philly for over 26 years and previously was the Community Director for March of Dimes. Additionally, he sits of the boards of Germantown Friends School and Kendal~Crosslands Communities. Anthony is truly passionate about serving his community.
Links for today's episode:
RMHC Philly's website - www.rmhcphilly.org
RMHC Philly's Facebook - www.facebook.com/RMHCPhilly
RMHC Philly's X - www.x.com/rmhcphilly
RMHC Philly's LinkedIn - www...
National Volunteer Month
This National Volunteer Month, we encourage you to get involved with your local efforts. Every action counts. You bring value to volunteering. Together we can transform the fabric of our society.
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36VmYUY
Year in Review (2024 - 25)
This National Volunteering month, join us in welcoming another year of The Art of Volunteering! Thank you all for engaging with our conversations!
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36VmYUY
Angela Parker, Realized Worth
Joining Stormy today is Angela Parker, Co-Founder and CEO of Realized Worth. Angela’s work focuses on the practical application of transformative learning theory. With a background in communications, entrepreneurship, and strategy execution, Angela has consulted with globally large companies, been a small business owner, and has worked directly with non-profit organizations in addition to providing workshops and training all over the world.
Links for today's episode:
Realized Worth's website - www.realizedworth.com
Realized Worth's Facebook - www.facebook.com/Realizedworth
Realized Worth's X - www.x.com/REALIZEDWORTH
Realized Wo...
Dr. B.K. Taylor, West Chester University
Joining our ongoing conversation today is Dr. B.K. Taylor. With over a decade of experience in higher education, Dr. Taylor's focus has been on student wellness and well-being. He's consistently strived to establish a connection between students’ experiences and their inherent meaning and purpose. Additionally, Dr. Taylor frequently volunteers his time and expertise to nonprofit organizations with the intention of assisting them in developing a more profound comprehension of well-being.
Links for today's episode:
West Chester University's website - https://www.wcupa.edu
Dr. B.K. Taylor's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.co...
Patty Hillkirk, Camp Dreamcatchers
Today we are joined by Patty Hillkirk, Founder and Executive Director of Camp Dreamcatchers. Patty shares with us her journey, why she founded Camp Dreamcatchers, and more.
Links for today's episode:
Camp Dreamcatchers' website - www.campdreamcatcher.org
Camp Dreamcatchers' Facebook - www.facebook.com/therapeuticcamp
Camp Dreamcatchers' Instagram - www.instagram.com/campdreamcatcher
Camp Dreamcatchers' X - www.x.com/CampDreamcatchr
Camp Dreamcatchers' LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/camp-dreamcatcher
Patty Hillkirk's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/patty-hillkirk-6829815
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3...
Keith Cox & Marnie Powell, PaWSAR
Joining the conversation today are Keith Cox (Deputy Chief, President), Marnie Powell (K9 Captain) of PA Wilderness Search and Rescue (PaWSAR). PaWSAR provides search services on a volunteer basis in lost person incidents occurring in wilderness and rural environments. They respond to search requests 24 hours a day, all year round.
Links for today's episode:
PaWSAR's website - www.pawsar.org
PaWSAR's Facebook - www.facebook.com/PaWSAR
PaWSAR's Instagram - www.instagram.com/pawsar_su96
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36...
How to Run a Successful Podcast as a Side Hustle with Guest Stormy Bell
On this episode, Stormy guests on Kendra Corman's podcast Imperfect Marketing. The original episode was upload on January 16, 2025. The description as follows is taken directly from Kendra's podcast.
Check out Imperfect Marketing: https://www.kendracorman.com/imperfectmarketing
This week, Kendra talks imperfect marketing with Stormy Bell, podcast host of The Art of Volunteering. By day, Stormy is a Director of Development at a nonprofit in Chester County, Pennsylvania. By passion, she’s amplifying the power of giving back through her podcast, which highlights inspiring stories of volunteers and nonprofits worldwide.
Key Highlights
Johanna Gilbert & Paul Cardell, VITA
Today we welcome Johanna Gilbert and Paul Cardell to the conversation. What better way to begin the new year than with an episode about taxes! Paul and Johanna volunteer with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). VITA trains volunteers who, after passing an IRS examination, are sent out to sites to prepare tax returns utilizing provided IRS approved tax preparation software.
Links for today's episode:
Life Transforming Ministries' website - www.quietrevolution.org
LTM VITA's website - www.chestercountyfreetaxes.org
LTM VITA's Facebook - www.facebook.com/people/LTM-VITA/100063768722977
Johanna Gilbert's LinkedIn - www...
2025 New Year's Resolutions
Happy New Year! As 2025 rolls in, consider making volunteering part of your resolutions. Today we're spotlighting three organizations from our catalog to inspire your volunteering journey.
Links for today's episode:
Celeste Mergens, Days for Girls - youtu.be/v8NhCGk0qXM
Michal Smith, Cradles to Crayons - youtu.be/t5o0Ug_apVE
Kate Lannan, A Haven - youtu.be/Hfw9qc27gpc
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit.ly/36VmYUY
Babita Jagnanan, Phoenix Family Resources
Today we welcome Babita Jagnanan to our conversation. In her vital role, Babita oversees initiatives that provide essential resources to underserved communities. She actively coordinates efforts to distribute clothing, food, and everyday items to individuals in need, while also fostering partnerships with local businesses and donors. Babita’s hands-on involvement reflects her deep commitment to empowering others and creating a supportive environment for those in recovery, re-entry, and vulnerable populations.
Links for today's episode:
Phoenix Family Resources' website - www.phoenixfamilyresourcesde.org
Phoenix Used Clothing's website - www.phoenixusedclothing.online
Phoenix Family Resources' Instagram...
Javonna Wylie, Chester County OIC
Today we are joined by Javonna Wylie, President and CEO of Chester County OIC (CCOIC). Javonna is building community connections, heading coalitions and breaking barriers so that underrepresented, unemployed and unemployed residents of Chester County can access greater economic opportunities. Additionally, she is a strong advocate for the wellness of women and girls.
Links for today's episode:
Chester County OIC's website - www.ccoic.org
Chester County OIC's Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChescoOIC
Chester County OIC's X - www.x.com/ChesCoOIC
Chester County OIC's Instagram - www.instagram.com/chestercountyoic
...
Jan Michener, Arts Holding Hands and Hearts
In conversation today is Jan Michener, Founder and Executive Director of Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH). AHHAH's mission is building equity and justice by empowering youth, strengthening families, and mobilizing communities through arts, literacy, and mindfulness.
Links for today's episode:
AHHAH's website - www.ahhah.org
AHHAH's Instagram - www.instagram.com/artsholdinghandsandhearts
AHHAH's Facebook - www.facebook.com/ArtsHoldingHandsAndHeartsInc
AHHAH's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/arts-holding-hands-and-hearts-ahhah
AHHAH's YouTube - www.youtube.com/@ArtsHoldingHandsAndHearts
Jan Michener's LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/janmichener
Join the FB Community...
Angelique Hinton, PA Youth Vote
Joining the conversation today is Angelique Hinton, Executive Director of PA Youth Vote. Angelique is a political and community organizer and advocate for a new generation of voters. Through PA Youth Vote, she is able to educate young people ages 18 to 24 on the vital issues affecting their daily lives to ensure they show up to the polls and choose their elected leaders wisely.
Links for today's episode:
PA Youth Vote's website - www.payouthvote.org
PA Youth Vote's Instagram - www.instagram.com/payouthvote
PA Youth Vote's Facebook - www.facebook.com/PAyouthvote
...
Emily Rice, Yellow Horse
This episode we welcome Emily Rice, Associate Director of Yellow Horse Equine Therapeutic Riding Programs to the conversation. Yellow Horse is a 501c3 non profit organization that program teaches children and adults of all abilities how to ride horses. Emily oversees all levels of the program, working closely their our volunteer coordinator to assist in training, scheduling, recruitment, and outreach.
Links for today's episode:
Yellow Horse's website - www.yellow-horse-equine.com
Yellow Horse's Facebook - www.facebook.com/YellowHorseTherapy
Join the FB Community: bit.ly/3tLaY1B
Join the Mailing List: bit...
Milena Lanz, Maternal and Child Health Consortium
Joining our ongoing conversation today is Milena Lanz, Executive Director of Maternal and Child Health Consortium. In addition, Milena has volunteered at her church since 2014 and in 2020, she joined the Chester County Law Enforcement Task Force on Race and Justice. Since 2019 Milena been a member of the PA Standards for Excellence for Nonprofit Organizations Committee (past chair) and serves as treasurer for the Chester County Women’s Commission. She also serves as the Board President of the PA Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) as well as a Board member for the Coatesville Center for Community Health in Coatesville PA.
Li...
