Congratulations to our volunteer of the month, Barb Reichel. Volunteer Services Manager Michele Gingras says, “Barbara is fun to be around; her sharp wit and warm personality make client lessons enjoyable and engaging!”

Why we love her: Barb is a sidewalker dedicated to each of her riders, who all have different needs and abilities. “I love giving a piece of myself to each of them so they can have a better experience and enjoy their day a little more.”

Road to The Shea Center: “After I retired, I was looking for a way to give back, and when I read about Shea, it filled the needs I was looking for: To work with people and animals and be outside.”

Years of Service: Barb has been volunteering for almost two years “and loving every minute of it.”

Lessons learned: “Every day is a little different even though I work with the same riders. Watching them benefit from the therapy or adaptive riding is very rewarding. The therapists, support staff, and all the other volunteers have also played a big part in that as well. It is nice to work at a place where everyone seems to enjoy their work and takes pride in helping others.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “The clients have taught me how life can be viewed in so many different ways.”

When not volunteering at Shea, she can be found doing this: “When I’m not at Shea I’m taking care of all my four-legged friends at home. I have a full house with lots of daily activities, from taking care of them to loving them.”

She finds her bliss doing this: “Volunteering has given me a real sense of satisfaction by helping others. I has given me a purpose that I was missing after I retired.”

Are you or a friend interested in volunteering at Shea? If so, visit https://sheacenter.org/volunteer/lesson-volunteers/