This month’s Volunteers of the Month are Adrian Kershaw and Lisa Vavrick!
Adrian Kershaw came to DNAngels after completing the prestigious Boston University Genealogy Course and scoring top marks. She immediately impressed us with her quick ability to solve a test case,her thoroughness in her responses and her kind and caring attitude. Research Team Lead, Ashlee Krump says, “Adrian was such a huge help on my husband’s case. And then when she knew I needed help with my cousin, she quickly volunteered, checked my work, and invited me to join DNAngels. She immediately made an effort to help me learn and gain experience as a new team member and I will forever be grateful. She’s always willing to answer questions, and she’s always been a positive voice here.”
Adrian became a member of Kate Penny Howard’s Team and Kate describes her as “Amazeballs” and went on to say “When she came on, there weren’t any “easy cases” to give her…she took on the difficult ones and worked them until they were solved or there was nothing left to work with. She came up with an impressive format to present all of her identifings to the client (which also ensures that she does all the required steps). She’s a joy to work with and keeps me on my toes.” But it’s more than just Adrian’s skills that make her a valuable member of the DNAngels family. Assistant Team Lead, Kat Cunningham describes her as “nice, caring and a great friend” who works hard to bring others their answers. Associate Director of Administration, Kelly Grace says Adrian is “sweet and caring, and her personality really shines through, she’s always willing to help out when needed. She filled in for me on TikTok when I was on vacation.”
Adrian is also part of the Writing Team, and she was a valuable asset to the Christmas in July fundraiser, recommending the vendor who provided the wooden angels that were so very popular this year. She’s a bright spark in the DNAngels Family, and in fact, according to Lead Intake Specialist, Enjoli DeLeon, “Adrian is one of the most down to earth people you will ever meet. Her clients feel loved and understood under Adrian’s care. I’ve seen clients send her updates months after their case is concluded simply because they feel THAT connected to her. She is amazing.” Rachel Kiley Trout says “Adrian consistently reaches out to lend support and lift up others in need. I have been the recipient, and also a witness, to her kindness and sympathy. I am very proud to call her a colleague and a friend.”
Adrian currently lives in Oregon and when she isn’t volunteering for DNAngels, you might identify her making TikTok videos, crocheting really cool clothing or other items, gardening, or reading about Quantum Physics.
Lisa Vavrick first came to DNAngels as a match to a client that Heidi Billingsley Keuper was working with, she says “I met Lisa a year ago. I was working a bear of a case and she was my client’s top match. She had no tree or demographic information on her profile. I thought to myself, “hhhmmmmm, how many Lisa Vavrick’s could their possibly be?” Fun fact there are 5 and Lisa was the 5th in line that I connected with. We IMMEDIATELY hit it off. Even though Lisa’s father was adopted and she was not able to provide me the information I needed, I knew that Lisa was someone I wanted to continue a friendship with. We have the same sense of humor and we have each other in stitches with our conversations. Lisa showed interest in becoming a part of DNAngels. I knew that I had to share her with our organization. If you ever need a smile or good laugh… reach out to Lisa!”
Lisa joined DNAngels as intake specialist and immediately impressed Lead Intake Specialist, Enjoli DeLeon, “Lisa is a fantastic intake specialist and amazing graphic designer!! She is honest and real. She has a heart of gold! Our team is better with her on it.” Assistant Team Lead Cindy Billingsley Arocha agrees “DNAngels is so blessed to have Lisa as a part of our organization. She has a caring heart and a desire to help our clients identify their answers. As a part of the Intake team, she screens potential clients with warmth and compassion. Our clients know they are in good hands when Lisa takes care of them! Lisa is also an amazing graphic artist and the images she has created have brought added value for DNAngels. We just love Lisa, her amazing soul, and her exceptional skills and talents!”
Lisa recently stepped up to assist with some of the graphics for Christmas and July and really impressed Founder and Executive Director Laura Olmsted, “Lisa V has been such a valuable asset not only as an Intake Specialist, but she brings 25 years of experience as a graphics specialist to our team. Lisa has recently helped me create graphics for a new social media series “Did you Know” she gives selflessly and it is appreciated.”
Lisa was born and raised in Pittsburg, PA. You already know she has a terrific sense of humor, but what caught my attention was a quote in her Facebook profile “Well-behaved women seldom make history.”
Musings of An Angel – Volume 17
