OTTER Program Testimonials!

Volunteer Testimonials

I loved establishing a routine the kids came to rely on. I always sang a song about reading at the end of the session. One day I forgot and the students reminded me.

Laura Firtel, John Bridges Head Start

The lightbulb moments with the children – their candid and unfiltered responses to the books – their excitement and engagement – It’s so rewarding to experience their energy and to ignite a love for reading that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Natalie Rogers, OTTER Program Manager

I love the excitement of the children during some stories. Seeing them laugh, squeal, clap, and really get into the stories is inspiring.

Hue Jacobs, VCI Executive Director

One of my greatest success stories is hearing a grandparent say, ‘My grandchild says you’re her favorite teacher.’ Moments like that, along with the joy I see in the children when they run up for a hug, remind me why I do what I do.

Laveta Hayes, OTTER Volunteer

I especially enjoy hearing from the children that they read the books I gift them at home with family members.

Sally Abruzzese, OTTER Volunteer

Each successive week, the children get more excited, and I can see them starting to understand and anticipate.

Donna Gotschall, OTTER Volunteer

I especially love watching the very young children begin talking and answering questions. Watching their language development is amazing.

Kathy Foster, OTTER Volunteer

Teacher Testimonials

Our classroom volunteer has had such a positive impact on my students’ early learning experience. One special moment was during a story time session when the volunteer read a book about friendship, the student who is usually very shy began to engage, ask questions, and even relate to story to her own life.

Ms. Sterling, John Bridges Head Start

The way Ms. Sally engages with the students melts my heart. She is very patient and compassionate about what she does. We are happy to see her on Tuesdays.

Amy O'brian, Ferguson Early Head Start

Our volunteers always pick the best books that spark interest in our students. They are always super engaged and excited to see her on Tuesdays.

Keishla Medina, Ferguson Early Head Start

The students always cheer when our OTTER volunteer arrives in the classroom. They are eager to see what new books she reads to them as well as what books she leaves for them to take home. They are always very excited to take the book home at the end of the day! Students who previously were not interested in the library section of the classroom now select this area of the classroom independently and show improvement in the way they handle the books.

Ashley Pate, Ferguson Early Head Start

Our OTTER volunteer is engaging and acts out the stories. Being silly with kids makes learning to read easy and fun.

MarKesha Brown, Millennia Elementary Head Start

Mrs. Janel brings books that the children are interested in and puppets that correlate to the story. She brought a story last week that was in both English and Spanish, which my class loved.

Chris Gonzalez, Orlando Day Nursery

Ms. Sally is really great with the story time, and the kids love her unique way to say bye-bye at the end of each session, shaking everyone’s hands! She is awesome!

Janet Filomeno, Ferguson Early Head Start

Children are connecting the information from the class to the books read by Ms. Kathy.

Itza Velez-Flores, Ferguson Early Head Start

OTTER Volunteer Spotlight: Janel Dagon

Woman reading book to children in classroom.

Being an OTTER volunteer is incredibly rewarding in so many ways. I marvel at how unique and special each year of service has been. At the beginning of the school year, during introductions, one of the students was too shy to speak to me. Her teacher shared her name, and I lit up and excitedly explained, “I will NEVER forget your name, because you have the same name as my son!” The little girl warmed up right away. The next time I visited, she sat right next to me. Her teacher asked if she enjoyed when I came to read, and with the biggest smile, she nodded and moved closer, eager for the story to begin. Making personal connections is half the battle to winning the children’s attention and igniting a love for reading. More recently, I was reading and asked a general question to the group. One of the children responded with an answer that related to a book I read two weeks prior. The teacher and I were so excited that he made such a meaningful connection. This happens frequently and confirms that my OTTER reading visits are making a difference. My greatest wish is that my efforts as a volunteer demonstrate to the children that I care about their wellbeing and their education. It is truly an honor to spend time sharing my love of books and helping the children grow and develop foundational literacy skills.

~Janel Dagon, OTTER Volunteer since 2020