Ed Smoak

Ed Smoak has been volunteering at the Patient Information desk for five years. A retired Postal Inspector for 33 years and High School Dean for 8 years, Ed said retirement just wasn’t for him.

“My late wife told me that I would enjoy volunteering and she was right. I just love it here! I’d like to keep working until I’m a hundred! It’s an interesting job. It keeps me sharp. And the people are wonderful."

Catherine Donohue

Catherine Donohue is our first home-bound volunteer who works from the comfort of her own kitchen. A mother, grandmother great-grandmother and former nurse, Catherine enjoys supporting the hospital in any way she can – whether it’s stuffing envelopes, labeling flyers or filling bags with candy.

“From what I’ve read in the paper and heard from my daughter (a UH employee), miracles happen everyday at University Hospital. I’m just thrilled to be part of helping such a dedicated and compassionate group of people."

Darcelle Harris

Darcelle Harris attends school in the morning and volunteers for Food and Nutrition Services in the afternoon.

“Volunteering is great because it gives you the opportunity to meet new people and discover some of your hidden talents. I enjoy being able to help the hospital staff and at the same time, gain valuable 'on-the-job' experience."

Jennifer Rocha

Jennifer Rocha, a certified Child Life Specialist, volunteers in the Pediatrics Department.

“I begin each morning by visiting the children bedside and asking them how they feel. If they are feeling well enough, we’ll play games or read books. Lots of times, I accompany them to the operating room, holding their hands the entire time. I like to make children feel as safe, comfortable and happy as possible. Volunteering allows me to do this.”

Reotha Latta

Reotha Latta is a member of the Grandmother’s Program, a special division of Volunteer Services designed for mothers who are willing to commit four hours a day, five days a week, in the Boarder Baby Nursery.

“I look forward everyday to seeing 'my' babies. I just love to rock and sing to them. After I retired from my full time job, I was getting a little lonely around the house. Volunteering gives me a renewed sense of purpose to my life.”

Maximillian Collins

Maximillian Collins, a recent high school graduate, volunteers to gain experience and knowledge about the 'real world.' Working in patient transport, he is responsible for transporting patients from their hospital room to other locations within the hospital.

“I love it here. The people are very warm and friendly. My co-workers have helped familiarize me with all the different locations in the hospital. It feels great to give your time and effort to help people in need. When they smile at me and say ‘Thanks…God bless you’, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Gremel Street

Gremel Street, a certified medical assistant, volunteers full-time in the OB/GYN clinic. He chose to volunteer because he enjoys working and interacting with all kinds of people.

“This is a wonderful place to gain valuable experience and give back to the community. I handle the phones, do clerical work and try to lighten the load of the staff. But the best part is feeling free to use my sense of humor and making the staff and the patients laugh and relax. I work here five days a week, but if I could, I’d be here six. It’s such an inspiring place!"

Grace Rogers

Grace Rogers began volunteering in the Boarder Baby Nursery after seeing a TV show about boarder babies. A volunteer for eight years, her favorites activities are to hold, feed and cuddle the tiny patients.

“These babies deserve all the TLC they can get and I’m just the person for the job. Volunteering is so rewarding. I take personal pride in giving these babies as much love and attention as possible. I would recommend volunteering to anyone who loves babies and has the desire to nurture.”

Lamikah Hawkens

Lamikah Hawkens is a nursing student who volunteers in Environmental Services. She chose volunteering as a way to experience first-hand, the hospital atmosphere.

“Although I just started volunteering, I immediately felt welcomed here. My department is bursting with positive energy and it feels really great to help people in your spare time."