Category: Star Volunteers

Region 10 – South Orange County

– Tsuyoshi Johnson. TJ started tutoring with School on Wheels in May of this year. He tutors with the Teen Math program at one of our shelters in Santa Ana. He has the patience of a saint, and he is amazing working with the teens. Not only is he an outstanding tutor, but he is always happy to help in other ways. He has taken the lead in helping us test a new Khan Academy Pilot at the shelter, and he offers his support for new tutors at his site. It truly is a better tutoring experience for the teens because TJ is there! We are so thrilled to have him on our team. In his own words:

My tutoring experience with School On Wheels has been great! I am fortunate to have found this avenue to offer some assistance to kids with their studies. School On Wheels provides the perfect atmosphere for tutors and tutees to concentrate on the lessons. Also, the School On Wheels’ portal offers an online solution that allows you to log your sessions and track your progress with the kids.

Through the years I’ve found that most children have the necessary tools within them to be successful in school. However, there are so many kids who are in circumstances that are not conducive to such success. We are all born into certain situations without a choice in the matter. I often wonder why I was chosen to be born into my own unique situation where I had the essentials and the ability for my parents to play an active role in my success. These thoughts often led me to a feeling of guilt, but one day I decided that I too can provide support to kids to assist in their academic success. About four years ago, I decided to tutor. I enjoy it very much and find that, in working with kids, they are able to get my mind off of my daily responsibilities. It’s like they have a magical way of turning me into a kid again.

Lilian Pahn, Regional Coordinator

Region 3 – Westside

– Peter Westermayer. Peter is simply one of the most dedicated tutors I have ever met, and we are lucky to have him at School on Wheels. He has been tutoring Lily for years and has made such an impact on her life that it really exemplified to me just how special that tutor / student bond can be. Thank you so much, Peter, for your continued dedication, and we hope to have you many more years! I In his own words:

As with most wonderful things in life, I stumbled upon the great organization, School on Wheels. I was looking for volunteer opportunities in 2010. My first two assigned students were living with their families at the Union Rescue Mission and both boys were great. During my assignment both families were able to thankfully transition into permanent housing. I then took a break to work overseas with Doctors Without Borders in South Sudan for a few months, but I was eager to start again with SOW upon my return. My experiences in South Sudan only reinforced my belief that education is a lifeline. Since then my current student Lilly has been a wonder to me as Lilly is bright, articulate and very funny. Our three years together have been a journey upward in academic progress and increasing confidence. I am constantly amazed at how much difference one hour per week can make in a student’s academic life. These students need the extra help and attention to help them achieve an academic foundation and the springboard to realizing their dreams. What better way to “count one’s blessings” than to give back to the community of Los Angeles? I would recommend this program to anyone who is willing to lend a patient hand.

Kyle McDonough, Regional Coordinator

Region 5 – Hollywood, Silver Lake, Highland Park

– Daisy Salinas. This month we would like to highlight Daisy’s outstanding volunteer work with School on Wheels. Along with being a great tutor, Daisy decided to tutor two students at a time because there was a need for more help at the location. Daisy previously worked with children as a Teacher’s Assistant, which provided an opportunity to share their wonderful knowledge with students. We are grateful to have Daisy with us! When not tutoring, college course work and creating amazing art take up Daisy’s time. Thank you for all that you do! In Daisy’s words:

My brother was my first tutor. I was a terrible student. Couldn’t read, couldn’t write, my math was bad, but he worked with me to help me. I would be tired, my hand would be sore from all the writing. Sometimes we’d stay up all night just finishing homework or reading. It was tiring, but looking back it was worth every moment. I think it’s important to share one’s knowledge and experiences with others. Though the results and influence one has on others may not manifest itself right away, in the long run every little action has meaning. I am grateful to have the chance to with with both Andre and Denzel. Both their parents have worked so hard for them and care deeply about their education. I hope that I am a positive influence in their lives as well.

Lancella Hunter, Regional Coordinator

Region 6 – Inland Empire

– Mathangi Suresh. It is an honor to recognize Mathangi as Tutor of the Month. She has been a tutor for School on Wheels since 2014 and has been an exceptional inspiration to students! She is well respected and engages her students to help them meet their challenges and goals. In her own words:

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology in May of 2014, and am currently applying to medical school. My dream is to become a surgeon and spend some time serving in underserved and rural communities. I got involved with School on Wheels because I wanted to give back to my community and felt this program was the perfect way for me to share a part of myself with the wonderful people around me. The year I’ve spent with School on Wheels has been an amazing experience! I’ve met and become friends with a diverse group of students, each with their own unique dreams and goals. I have had so much fun working with my students and have learned a lot from them.

Trish Arias, Regional Coordinator

Region 8 – Ventura County

– Clinton and Eileen Vocke. Clinton and Eileen Vocke have been married for 35 years and have lived in Ojai for 30 years. With five grown children, and four grandchildren, ranging from age 1 to 21, they brought a breadth of wisdom and experience to tutoring at the Kids to Kids group home with girls. They heard about School On Wheels through their church newsletter and will be celebrating ten months as tutors in September! Despite the walls foster youth build up, Clinton and Eileen were patient, kind, and always arrive at the group home prepared with fun activities to engage the girls. In Eileen’s own words:

The group home was different than what we initially expected but we have found it very rewarding. The girls remind us so much of our own daughters. Although they are in very difficult circumstances, they always seem pleased to see us. Our greatest compliment was when one of the girls called us “everyone’s grandparents”. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a connection with these girls.

Terrie Soto, Regional Coordinator

Region 12 – North Orange County

– Naomi Sunshine. Naomi has been tutoring with School On Wheels for just a few months. In that time, she has shown dedication, care, and patience to her student Jonathan. As a future teacher, Naomi always brings energy and expertise. Week after week, she has a smile on her face and a new, creative activity perfectly tailored for Jonathan that inspires him to learn. In her words:

I truly believe student learning should not be hindered by the stresses of poverty. The simple act of supporting homeless children is a positive influence in their lives. As a future teacher, I understand how vital it is to close the educational gap for all students and to provide them with quality educational assistance that is modified to meet their unique needs. Volunteering for School on Wheels makes a positive difference in my life as well because I am able to create a meaningful bond with a student who faces adversities but is still working hard towards meeting his personal academic goals.

Laura Schickling, Regional Coordinator

Online Tutoring

– Sophia Batalha. Tutoring Railene for the past several months has been a wonderful experience because I know I am helping someone that needs the mentorship and support. Every time we have a lesson, we accomplish something. We fill out multiplication tables, read stories, and even work through division problems. When I first started online tutoring with School on Wheels, I was a little nervous. But, when I got more comfortable with tutoring as well as with using the online tutoring platform, I wasn’t nervous anymore and got excited before every session. Before I started tutoring with School on Wheels, I was oblivious to how many kids and teens need the help. I am glad my sister introduced me to School on Wheels!

Sophia, thank you for continuing to be a light for Railene and for showing up each week with so much energy and passion. Fun fact: Sophia (a high school student) online tutors Railene from across the nation with her older sister, Natasha Batalha (a graduate student). Online tutoring has enabled them to connect not only with their student, Railene, but also with each other, for an hour and a half each week.

Ian Chan, Digital Learning Coordinator

Region 5 – Hollywood, Silver Lake, Highland Park

– Tyler Edmonston. This month we would like to honor Tyler Edmonston for being an outstanding tutor to his student. Tyler not only takes the time to tutor his student, but he really does goes the extra mile to personalize his tutoring sessions to her needs. In his own words:

When I first heard of School On Wheels, I was truly in awe of the positivity the organization brings to students and the community. Yet, after learning of School On Wheels last year, I spent several months making sure that I was “ready”, so to speak, to become a tutor. When I joined in early 2015, my only regret was that I did not pursue tutoring with School On Wheels sooner! It’s been inspiring to see my student progress and to also meet the other volunteers. I’m so thankful to be part of this organization!

Lancella Hunter, Regional Coordinator

Region 3 – Westside

– Debra Kaufman. Debra has been such a great help to Jonathan, and I am so glad the two of them have connected. She has especially helped him with his writing and has always been flexible with her time to make sure she meets with him each and every week. Thank you, Debra, for all you do! In her own words:

I love working with young people, especially teenagers. I had read about School on Wheels before but another mention on the radio reminded me. I attended the volunteer training and, after a couple of false starts, was matched with Jonathan. He’s a bright student who wants to improve his writing – and teaching writing is a specialty for me, since I’ve been a journalist for over 20 years. It’s a great match and I really enjoy my time with Jonathan…and with School on Wheels.

Kyle McDonough, Regional Coordinator

Region 4 – South Bay, Long Beach

– Lisa Utsinger. Lisa has been a tutor with School on Wheels since February. Because she is such a great role model for the students, Lisa is Region 4’s Tutor of the Month. Lisa joined the Army at a young age and was stationed in Germany for many years. Once she finished her tour of duty in Germany, Lisa came home and enrolled as a full-time student at Hope International University. She is now in the Army Reserves and works full time as a computer consultant at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Long Beach.

Lisa loves the outdoors, running and doing outdoor obstacle courses. She also enjoys reading and writing. With all that Lisa does, she has found time to tutor with School on Wheels. She says that it is her most enjoyable hour of the week. She also says that she feels a responsibility towards the youth of our community and that this is the best way she can help. Lisa, thank you for all you do for School on Wheels’ students and for our country.

Louis Mena, Regional Coordinator

Region 6 – Inland Empire

– Song Jeong. Song has been a volunteer with our program since June 2014. She’s been instrumental in getting students at both of the group homes she works with to be successful. Song even helped co-facilitate an online workshop we hosted last year for all our tutors. In her words:

I first got interested in volunteering for School on Wheels because of its cause. As a graduate student at CSUF for special education, I wanted to give back to the community by doing what I know and enjoy doing the most, which is teaching. Also, I liked the fact that School On Wheels focused on helping homeless youth which was both new and a bit nerve-wracking at first. However, as I have been volunteering at the group homes for a year now, I have learned tremendously. Behavior, classroom management, and building rapport have been the biggest areas where I grew with the experiences. Yes, there are times when things get hard and my patience is tested. But my students have allowed me to mature as an educator just like red wine. Therefore, I cannot thank the students and School on Wheels enough for allowing and trusting me to be a part of the team. I am truly looking forward to what the next year with School On Wheels will look like.

Thank you Song! We are truly happy to have you be a part of our team!

Trish Arias, Regional Coordinator

Region 7 – San Fernando Valley

– Laura Hine. Laura has been a fantastic tutor for School on Wheels since she joined the team in April of this year. She has worked hard to help Arman improve in reading and math. As a tutor, she is a great example of being flexible with the family, making tutoring fun for Arman, logging her hours, and going above and beyond in everything she does! In her words:

My journey with School on Wheels began a few months ago with an ‘Aha’ moment. I was in the checkout line at the grocery store and was saddened by the efforts of a teenage girl trying to read the cover of a tabloid magazine but with no success. While she outwardly struggled to sound out the word ‘summer,’ I experienced an inner struggle, a real crisis of consciousness. How could I give back to the community and help such a prevalent problem with our youth? Enter School on Wheels. School on Wheels has allowed me to tangibly use my English degree while giving my student the consistent one-on-one attention that is crucial for his bright future and current success in school. Although watching the educational progress of my student is unbelievably rewarding, the true reward lies in the gratitude and patience we have acquired for each other, and how elated I feel that I get to spend time with him and make a difference every week.

Brianna Grothe, Regional Coordinator

Region 12 – North Orange County

– Yuri Ceriale. Yuri has been tutoring with School On Wheels for over a year. A student of Troy High School, she dedicates every Friday night to working with Jeshua, her student of over a year. During this time, she has constantly gone above and beyond for Jeshua. She is patient and caring, all while keeping a sense of humor that is always appreciated. She has helped spread the word about School On Wheels at her school, and many other students have followed her lead.

When asked what motivated her to tutor, Yuri responded, “I am currently attending a top high school, enrolled in the most rigorous curriculum. However, I’ve realized that I am only here because of the tremendous amount of help I’ve received from others. I want to be the provider of that help in another person’s life. I want to inspire kids to aim high, too.”

Thank you for all you do, Yuri!

Laura Schickling, Regional Coordinator

Online Tutoring

– Megan Barrett. Over the past several years, as I’ve continued to expose myself to a greater diversity of people through volunteer work, I’ve become less interested in “being the best” and more focused on enabling others to become their very best. School on Wheels has been paramount in this transition. I find myself anxiously awaiting my next tutoring session, thinking endlessly about how I can best convey the information to my student, and smiling awkwardly to myself as I think back to the previous week when my student was finally able to solve that fraction problem on their own. School on Wheels has afforded me the ability to use education to empower a child, to help (even in some small way) provide them with the confidence necessary to take on life’s daunting tasks…and that opportunity is absolutely unparalleled! Overall, I can confidently say that tutoring has afforded me the recognition that my greatest potential, my ability to “be the best”, is realized not through personal triumph but through empowering others and through cultivating their own success.

Thank you, Megan, for the consistency, thoroughness, and passion you bring to your tutoring sessions. You make a difference! Fun fact: Megan has tutored 10 students online since joining our team!

Ian Chan, Digital Learning Coordinator

Region 1 – East LA to Pasadena

– Liz Reznak. Liz has been an amazing School on Wheels tutor for ten months. Her creativity and passion for teaching have made learning fun for the students. Here is what Liz has to say about her experience as a tutor:

In 2014, I decided to join School on Wheels through the volunteer program at my work. I was encouraged by my best friend Matt Haze who has been involved with School on Wheels since 2009. Now we tutor together, and I look forward to it each week. I’ve always had a passion for education; working with our students and seeing them progress helps me to keep it alive. Thanks, School on Wheels!

Thank you, Liz, for being such a phenomenal tutor and a consistent person in Lariell’s life.

Marisol Farfan, Regional Coordinator

Region 2 – South Los Angeles

– Alejandra Lepe. Alejandra has been with School on Wheels for a short time, but she has been amazing. She joined as a Tutor Coordinator and has contributed tremendously in her two months of volunteering. Alejandra has helped start group tutoring at a L.A.U.S.D. school in Gardena, which was not easy. As a result, we have helped eight homeless students who were significantly behind academically. I look forward to working with Alejandra to identify more students in need in L.A.U.S.D.

As I found myself succeeding in life and education, I knew I had to find a volunteer program where I could give back for all the help I received. I came across School on Wheels through VolunteerMatch. I can’t express how fascinated I was to learn about this amazing organization. We may think that we will be an inspiration for these children, but I believe they are our inspiration. Homeless students encounter many obstacles on a daily basis and still manage to join us for an hour once a week for tutoring.. They have the will to keep trying and not give up on their educational goals. I work with five to six children in a group setting; we have developed a bond that is more important than tutoring. I hope that I can impact their lives in the best way possible. My experience so far has been incredible!

Kenisha Edwards, Regional Coordinator

Region 3 – Westside

– Mahsaw Motlagh. Mahsaw has been so enthusiastic about helping from the very beginning; she comes to her sessions prepared and structured so that her student gets to work on a little bit of every subject. Thanks, Mahsaw, for all your hard work and commitment to your student!

After graduating from college last year, I knew that I wanted to spend more time serving the community in Los Angeles. As a first-hand witness to the disparate nature of education in LA, I started researching volunteer tutoring positions. Now, nearly twelve weeks later, meeting with my student is the highlight of my every week. As serendipitous as my arrival was to this organization, I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to be a tutor. I have cultivated a sincere passion for teaching and am inspired in the presence of my student during our sessions. The feeling of making a positive impact on someone’s life is truly unparalleled — and I am fortunate to experience this every week with Joseph. At the end of each session, we draw together, and I can tell that Joseph is an artist in the making. My favorite moment thus far has been when he drew Pete the Cat for me (and even signed his name at the bottom of the page too)!

Kyle McDonough, Regional Coordinator

Region 8 – Ventura County

– Jennifer Moore. Although Jennifer has only been a tutor for a little over a month, it is already evident that she and her student will be making great strides. After seeing her in action, I admire that Jennifer gives her student a voice and allows her to make decisions about what she would like to learn during their tutoring sessions. Jennifer has really taken advantage of many of School on Wheels’ resources; she will be participating in the Summer Program with her student. When asked, Jennifer says, “I am really looking forward to using the summer program, and I appreciate that School on Wheels offers a structured summer program.” Raising her own child with learning disabilities, Jennifer wants to help other kids who may not have the same resources that her son has. She sees School on Wheels as the perfect fit; and, the rest, as they say, is history!

By far, the best thing [about becoming a tutor] has been meeting Rhianna and getting to know her.

Terrie Soto, Regional Coordinator

Region 10 – South Orange County

– Kylie Toy. Kylie joined the School on Wheels family as a member of the “School on Wheels at UCI Club” last fall and started tutoring in January 2015. Since the beginning of her involvement with School on Wheels, Kylie has always gone above and beyond what was expected of a volunteer and tutor. She genuinely cares about her student and their family and took the lead in making sure that they were receiving the help that they needed. She took the initiative to organize tutoring for all the children in her student’s family. We are thrilled to have Kylie as part of our team and look forward to working with her and the UCI Club in reaching more students next year. Thank you, Kylie!

Tutoring, while initially challenging, has certainly been a rewarding learning experience for me. However, while my time working as a SOW tutor has been short, I have become very involved in the School on Wheels at UCI chapter. I immediately fell in love with School on Wheels’ mission and goals, and took a more active role in the UCI club by planning holiday parties and workshops at winter shelters. I also helped to orchestrate large-scale, campus-wide college tours for Orange County and Los Angeles School on Wheels students. Next year I will be Vice President of our club; I am thrilled to become even more involved in the organization and hope to bring light to more students’ lives.

Lilian Pahn, Regional Coordinator

Region 12 – North Orange County

– InJae Yoo. InJae has been a tutor with School On Wheels for six months. When asked what motivated him to volunteer, InJae said, “I believe in the power of education and want to share the joy of learning. Volunteering with School on Wheels is a great way to give back to my community.” He has certainly met those inspiring goals. InJae is hardworking, committed, and dedicated to helping his student. He constantly goes above and beyond what is expected of a tutor and is incredibly easy to work with.

InJae has tutored the same student throughout his time with School on Wheels. When asked about the effect InJae has during tutoring, his student’s mom said that InJae is like part of their family. Her son is so comfortable with InJae; as a result, his students’ grades and self-esteem have gone up. InJae is truly making the difference, and I cannot thank him enough for everything he does!

Laura Schickling, Regional Coordinator

Online Tutoring

– Farrah Haddad. I’m having a wonderful experience with School on Wheels. The staff are very supportive and always do the best they can to ensure successful tutoring sessions including tech support, scheduling, tutoring resources, and follow-up with families. Since I started tutoring earlier in the year, I’ve learned that these children are incredibly bright and have many exceptional qualities; it has been a touching experience to interact with them and witness their resilience. My favorite moment so far was with my student Jonathan when he rattled off the “4 “ times table just two hours after doubting that he could learn it. Jonathan’s attitude slowly changed from one of despair and disappointment in his abilities, to one of confidence as he started to repeat under his breath, “Yeah, I’m smart. I can do this!” during our tutoring sessions. Overall, online tutoring introduces a novel and fun way for students to learn; and, it eliminates the time and logistics needed for transportation and space to tutor, which in turn helps maximize the time available for learning. If you’re looking to broaden your impact, online tutoring is a great way to reach students who are most in need all across the country. I am honored and privileged to help School on Wheels students make leaps in their education!

Thank you, Farrah, for all your hard work, persistence and being such an important and consistent part of our students’ lives. Fun fact: Farrah is our first tutor from the State of Virginia!

Ian Chan, Digital Learning Coordinator

Region 7 – San Fernando Valley

– Samantha Montes De Oca. I am 17 years old and currently a high school senior. One day I was searching different volunteer opportunities in my community when I stumbled upon the School on Wheels website. I knew right away that being a tutor for a homeless child was something I really wanted to do. Now that I am tutoring, my student Hailey and I meet every Wednesday; honestly, it’s always the highlight of my day. Before we get started on homework, we always take a moment to talk about her day. I’ve enjoyed not only being Hailey’s tutor, but also her friend and someone she can count on. Becoming a tutor for School on Wheels was the best decision I ever made.

Thank you, Samantha, for being such an amazing tutor and a consistent person in Hailey’s life. Hailey says it best with the following statement, “Samantha has taught me so much about everything, like how to think about an answer before I choose it. She is so nice, she’s the best!”

Brianna Grothe, Regional Coordinator

Skid Row Learning Center

– Katrina Jiang. On my first day of volunteering, I came in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, yet slightly doubtful of my ability to manage an army of children. To my surprise with each passing day, I grew more comfortable working with the children and, even, with letting my guard down around them. Now I supervise the Digital Learning Center with my middle-school sidekicks as we scurry around the DLC facilitating learning through online educational programs. Having worked with the organization for about two months, I’ve developed greater patience, compassion, and understanding not only for the children but also for myself. School on Wheels has been as important to me as it has been to the children I tutor. I share with them my hobbies, my academic interests, and my passions in life. I’ve come to know them better as individuals when they, in turn, open up to me. Interacting with them every day at School on Wheels has given me a sense of belonging; after all, like them, I’m still a kid at heart.

Allison Maldonado, Skid Row Learning Center Instructor

Region 2 – South Los Angeles, Compton, Lynwood, Inglewood, Watts, Gardena, Torrance

– Rejoyce Green. Rejoyce is an amazing tutor. She has been volunteering for four years along with her UCLA group. Rejoyce coordinates college tours and field trips for a group home for teen girls, where she currently tutors. She is always coming up with creative ideas to keep her students encouraged and engaged. Rejoyce has been a wonderful asset to School on Wheels.

Tutoring with School On Wheels has truly been one of the best tutoring experiences I have had. I have always valued my teachers and mentors; the idea that I could be that person for someone else is highly rewarding. As a tutor, I think I have also learned more about myself and how I can help others feel confident in their understanding of a particular topic. I look forward to Wednesday afternoons when we get to work with the students. Being able to watch them mature as individuals and grow in their knowledge of a particular topic is a heartwarming experience.

Kenisha Edwards, Regional Coordinator

Region 4 – Long Beach, San Pedro, South Bay Cities, Carson, Bellflower, Lakewood, Norwalk

– Deborah Chankin. When I retired last year, one of my goals was to volunteer in my community. I learned about School on Wheels from idealist.org and then saw the PBS NewsHour piece. I have always been drawn to groups that take a pragmatic approach to complex issues. School on Wheels’ tutoring model does exactly that. As a city government professional, I knew about the challenges of homelessness and other special living situations. As a parent, I knew about the challenges of giving each child the right academic support. Now I can contribute in a new way from both of those perspectives. I am so gratified to help one student close the education gap in his learning.

Louis Mena, Regional Coordinator

Region 5 – Echo Park, Hollywood, Highland Park, Silverlake, Mid-City

– Akina Lantow. I’m very proud to highlight Akina Lantow as the Tutor of the Month. It has been a joy to have her as part of our School on Wheels volunteer team for the past seven months! Akina is such a great role model for her student, motivating Viviane to work hard. Akina is enthusiastic about helping her student succeed, and it definitely shows. Excellent job, Akina!

In her own words:

Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, I joined School on Wheels to be directly involved in the community that I live in. School on Wheels seemed to be the best place to use the combination of my educational background and past involvement in homelessness issues. I love working with teenagers, so I was so lucky to be assigned to my student, Viviane. The most challenging subject for Viviane is math; so we spend the majority of our time working on math homework, academic planning and goal setting. One of my favorite moments of tutoring was when we spent two hours solely on geometry; the time just flew by! She shocked me by saying that it felt like we had only spent five minutes on the assignment.

Lancella Hunter, Regional Coordinator

Region 8 – Ventura, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

– Ann Klein. In March Ann Klein celebrated her first anniversary of being a School on Wheels tutor. Over the course of the past year she has worked with five students. Previously Ann had a long career as a special education teacher in Miami. After retiring she moved to Dallas to help raise her grandkids. With her grandkids grown now, she moved to Ventura three years ago, where she was sure she had found paradise. But something was missing. Ann asked her daughter to find her volunteer opportunities working with kids and she stumbled upon School On Wheels. Ann says, “ I just love working with the little ones! I need to be around kids.” Whether it’s stickers, phonics workbooks, words of encouragement or a kind smile, Ann takes the time to make her students feel special and that is what truly matters. Ann, I admire the positive, fun and creative ideas you bring to your tutoring sessions! Thank you.

Terrie Soto, Regional Coordinator

Region 10 – Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Irvine, Lake Forest, Fountain Valley, Westminster

– Eric Chang. Eric is respected and appreciated by everyone he has come to work with through School on Wheels. The shelter staff have pulled me aside specifically to let us know how awesome they think he is. The parents have called me multiple times expressing their gratitude for a tutor that has finally been able to instill confidence in their kids. And most importantly, his students absolutely love him! They look forward to tutoring sessions and learning from Eric.

My experiences as a tutor at School on Wheels have been far more fulfilling than I had hoped for. The two students I have the privilege of tutoring are both so bright, patient, and eager to work with me. Despite the stresses they have to deal with, they always do their best to never complain or have it affect them during our sessions. Their behavior and optimism constantly inspire me to be the best possible tutor I can be for them and to be much more appreciative of everything I have in my life. It’s very clear to me that if they are just given the opportunities we take for granted, like a consistent place to sleep or study, that they can far surpass anything I’m capable of doing. After college I stumbled upon School on Wheels, which sounded exactly like what I was looking for, and am very thankful for the amazing opportunity it has provided me.

Lilian Pahn, Regional Coordinator

Online Tutoring

– Catherine Santizo. It is an honor to highlight Catherine Santizo as our online tutor of the month. Catherine, a full-time college student, enjoys the convenience of online tutoring. Over the last 2 to 3 months she has helped her student Hannah pass her CAHSEE examination and develop a strong interest in pursuing a 4-year college degree.

In her own words:

Tutoring online has been a life changing experience. I used to tutor in person at a shelter, but once I heard online tutoring was an option I knew it’d be the perfect fit for me. As a full time college student, online tutoring gives me the flexibility I need. I even get to tutor at school, which fits perfectly with my hectic schedule.

I love School On Wheels and recommend it to anyone who wants to make a difference in a child’s life. The fact that online tutoring is an option makes volunteering appealing to even the busiest person out there.

Ian Chan, Digital Learning Coordinator

Region 1 – Los Angeles

Amarilis Bolaños. Amarilis has been an amazing School on Wheels tutor and tutor coordinator for the past year. Her creativity and passion for teaching have made learning fun for the students that she works with. Amarilis is always willing to help when needed, even on her non tutoring days. Her assistance as a tutor coordinator has been of tremendous help. Each week Amarilis provides consistency to her students, logs her hours regularly and uses creative techniques to engage the students in learning. Here is what Amarilis has to say about her experience as a tutor:

I could not have been happier when I stumbled upon the website and learned that School on Wheels combines both the issues of homelessness and education, two topics of interest to me. I was excited to be able to become a volunteer and tutor a group of teens. Although it can be a bit difficult to work with teenagers, it has also been fulfilling, especially when they open up about their struggles in school and personal life. School On Wheels has taught me how important it is to be persistent and how valuable volunteering can be. Being a volunteer not only makes a small difference in the students’ lives, but in mine as well. A year later I could not have asked for a better organization to be a part of.

Thank you for your dedication; you are such an amazing tutor and tutor coordinator, Amarilis!

Marisol Farfan, Regional Coordinator

Region 3 – Westside

Ruben Maldonado. My experience tutoring with School on Wheels has been fantastic. I joined School on Wheels expecting an academic setting, primarily working with the student on homework and ensuring he stays on track. Not only did my student and I work diligently on his homework, we were able to connect. Simply listening to him about his school week and his struggles helped me understand him and evaluate my approach in tutoring and mentoring him. It was a reminder to me that oftentimes students underestimate themselves or are unaware of their potential to do well. However, with some guidance, they can develop a love for learning and translate that to success in school. Altogether, this makes for an enriching experience and has helped me grow as well. Thanks for the opportunity, School on Wheels!

Blue Mc Donnell, Regional Coordinator

Region 4 – Long Beach, San Pedro

Jessica Prosper Seymour . I found School on Wheels in September 2014 when I was searching for a way to serve the homeless in Long Beach. It is been a greatly rewarding experience; my student A’janna has been a source of inspiration to me to search the internet for interactive and engaging projects to do with her. A’janna loves science! Whenever I see her get excited about some project I’ve brought, I am reminded why I make the extra effort. It has been a great privilege to work with her; I hope I can continue to stimulate her curiosity in science.

Jessica has been an extraordinary tutor and is the Tutor Coordinator at her shelter now. Thank you so much for going above and beyond, Jessica. You make all the difference!

Louis Mena, Regional Coordinator

Region 5 – Echo Park, Hollywood, Highland Park, Silverlake, Mid-City

Ruba Hsen. I’m so proud to honor Ruba as the Tutor of the Month. She started with School on Wheels last December and has done an amazing job! From the very first session Ruba has been supportive of her student. Besides helping her student receive some of her best school grades, Ruba is preparing her student for success by helping her organize a vision board to see her dreams!

In her own words:

I joined School on Wheels shortly after moving to Los Angeles. I wanted to become part of the team because I have always had a passion for helping people and getting involved in my community. Education has helped to make my dreams come true; I appreciate every teacher and mentor who has believed in me along the way. Madison is so much fun to work with and has a positive attitude about learning. I admire her in so many ways. Thanks to School on Wheels for giving me this amazing opportunity!

Lancella Hunter, Regional Coordinator

Region 7 – San Fernando Valley

Debbie Bloom. Debbie has been an amazing addition to our organization since September 2014. She is a wonderful tutor who cares a lot about her student and proudly raves about him and his accomplishments. In her own words:

As my retirement from the Los Angeles Unified School District was nearing, I started feeling nostalgic about all the students I taught and counseled during my thirty years of employment. I imagined how I’d miss those bright eyes, curious faces, and exciting learning moments! To enjoy my retirement, I needed to stay connected to the world of education. When I found Schools on Wheels, I knew it was the place for me. I wanted the opportunity to work with students who, unfortunately, have had too much instability in their lives to be successful at school. My experience with Schools on Wheels has, thus far, exceeded my expectations. I’ve been blessed to be paired with an amazing fifth grade boy, who fills me with faith and cheer during every tutoring session.

Thank you, Debbie, for being such a caring, consistent and committed tutor!

Lisette Gaeta, Regional Coordinator

Region 10 – Orange County

Anne and Cameron Deguzman. Anne and her son Cameron are definitely a dynamic duo! They started tutoring two siblings back in August of 2014 and have continued tutoring them since. Both of their students have shown incredible progress; the students’ mother and their students are so thankful. Anne has many years of experience homeschooling her own children. So she brings extra materials for their sessions that are fun and engaging. Cameron is wise beyond his years and is really dedicated to his student. They are a perfect team and we are so grateful to have them as volunteers at School on Wheels!

In their own words:

We have both enjoyed volunteering for School on Wheels this past year! Both Bruce and J.R. have such adventurous, warm personalities which immediately drew us in. We are greeted week after week with smiles and stories that make the time spent with them feel too short. The four of us together are dedicated to making learning fun and interesting, whether it’s practicing spelling words, working on math problems, science assignments, or brain teasers!

We were first introduced to Schools on Wheels from a flier we saw posted on a bulletin board at UCLA. After learning more about School On Wheels, we felt like it was a good volunteer fit for the both of us. We wanted to be a part of helping others see the potential within themselves and the role education plays in helping to achieve one’s goals for a bright future.

Lilian Pahn, Regional Coordinator

Online Tutoring

Folu Oyefeso. It is an honor to highlight Folu Oyefeso as our online tutor of the month. Folu moved to Washington to continue his education after originally joining School on Wheels as an in-person volunteer. We are lucky to have Folu. Miles away, he continues to make a difference.

In his own words:

Overall, online tutoring works well for me because I can adjust sessions to easily work within my schedule. The location doesn’t matter too. Since starting online tutoring in January, my experience has been very eye-opening and inspiring! The look on students’ faces when they understand a new concept is invaluable.

One of my greatest successes was when I received an email from a student after our final session. In the email, he said how much my tutoring meant to him. He even referred to me as an older brother, which meant so much to me. Fortunately, the student was able to move forward from the program to a better environment. I hope to continue tutoring as long as I can with School On Wheels!

Ian Chan, Digital Learning Coordinator