Volunteers of the Month – September 2025

Sandra Incontro

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I saw an article on the LA times and it was founded from someone at USC which is my undergrad, I tutor so I said I’ll tutor here!

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
Be patient and Be consistent. You are all progressing towards the same goal.

What inspires you to overcome any challenges that arise with tutoring?
Anything I’m going through is nothing near what my students are going through, in addition there’s so many resources at SOW and knowing the people to ask for help. My student is getting better at asking for help. Just be patient and persevere!

What have you learned from your student?
He is so positive, I’ve learned it doesn’t matter what situation you are in there is always a way past and through it. It’s not what you don’t have, it’s what you do have that you need to focus on.

Daizy Gutierrez

What motivated you to start volunteering at School on Wheels?
I heard about the program through a friend and just thought it was a wonderful way to get involved. Children and dogs have a special
place in my heart so it was an easy decision to become a tutor 🙂

What advice would you give to a new volunteer at School on Wheels?
The most rewarding aspects of tutoring for me is the relationship you build with your student. Knowing that your student trust you and continue to show up is extremely rewarding.

Can you share the most memorable and rewarding moment you have had so far at School on Wheels?
One experience that sticks out from my tutoring sessions is a time when my student taught me how to use art to help with anxiety. It was such an eye opening moment and I am so grateful for that experience.

What have you learned from your student?
If someone is considering becoming a tutor I would say do it, you learn so much from your students 🙂