In the world of volunteer organizations, the dedication and hard work of volunteers often go unnoticed. However, at DNAngels.org, we believe in celebrating and honoring the extraordinary efforts of our volunteers who tirelessly work towards fulfilling our mission of helping individuals discover their biological roots. For September 2023, we are proud to announce our Volunteer of the Month awards, recognizing two exceptional individuals whose contributions have been nothing short of remarkable.
Pat Dunn: A True Guardian Angel
Pat Dunn has been a shining star within the DNAngels.org community. Her commitment to our organization and the individuals we serve is truly commendable. Associate Director Aimee Haynes, expresses her admiration for Pat, saying, “Pat has been amazing in the research room, picking up any tasks angels are asking/begging for help with. She has lost a ton of sleep working on three cases of mine… I woke up to a beautiful tree with things attached and ready!! It’s been super helpful, and I am very appreciative of her hard work.” Case manager Heidi Billingly Keuper, echoes these sentiments: “Pat has demonstrated a commitment in the organization and is truly an asset. She is delightful to work cases with and has proven herself to be dependable, competent, and always up for a challenge. I always get excited when I see she has been assigned to a case with me, as I know she will have a positive contribution and some laughs along the way.”
Executive Director and Founder Laura Olmsted, adds, “I always feel lucky if I sign in to take a case and Pat is assigned as my researcher. I know Pat will be thorough and considerate of the client. She steps up to all challenges thrown at her with confidence and grace.”
Pat Dunn’s unwavering dedication and willingness to go above and beyond for the clients she serves make her a deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Month award.
Liza Ceballos: A Remarkable Force for Good
Liza Ceballos, another exceptional volunteer at DNAngels.org, has made a significant impact since joining our organization. Case Manager for team Puerto Rico, Brenda Gudino, speaks highly of her contributions: “Liza is an absolute Rock Star!! From the moment that Liza has come on board, she has made a significant impact. She is a thorough and efficient researcher. When Liza is working on a case, she is diligent and persistent.”
Brenda continues, “In my absence, Liza steps in and properly assumes the caseload. She puts clients at ease and works well with everyone who interacts with her. Liza has been instrumental in bringing in new researchers into the team. She is always available to share her knowledge with the other researchers in their training.”
Furthermore, Liza’s innovative spirit has strengthened our team’s cohesion, as she played a key role in implementing tools like Marco Polo. Brenda adds, “Honestly, I feel like I am lacking in my description of all that she has done and how pivotal she has been in the work we have accomplished together. She is an absolute asset, who really embodies when someone commits heart and soul. She is involved in every case I work on, and our collaboration is what makes this team work.”
Laura also praises Liza, saying, “Liza is on speed dial for me. There are times that I don’t have a researcher assigned to a case that I am working on, and if I need something investigated further or need a WATO run to make sure we are on the right track, Liza is right there at a moment’s notice offering to help.” Liza Ceballos’ exceptional dedication and contributions to the DNAngels.org team make her a well-deserved recipient of the Volunteer of the Month award.
Honorable Mentions: Recognizing More Remarkable
Volunteers
In addition to our Volunteer of the Month recipients, we would like to
acknowledge and honor three more individuals who were nominated and deserve
an honorable mention for their outstanding contributions to our organization:
Kim Skylar Reichelt
Kim is described as a Genetic Genealogy expert who fearlessly takes on challenging cases. She consistently receives donations and glowing reviews from her clients, showcasing her dedication and expertise.
Tammy Ramos
Tammy’s leadership as the Intake Team Lead has been invaluable during a period of transition within our organization. Her dedication, work ethic, and poise have been instrumental in maintaining a high level of service for our clients.
Jennifer Schweibinz
Jennifer has been an essential part of the Executive Operations team, contributing significantly to various projects and ensuring the smooth operation of our organization. Her exceptional skills and kindness are truly appreciated. At DNAngels.org, we are deeply grateful for the commitment and passion of all our volunteers. These individuals exemplify the spirit of volunteerism, making a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. We look forward to continuing our mission of reuniting families and supporting individuals in their quest to discover their biological roots, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our volunteers.
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