Shannon Meyer is a former Chicago Cares volunteer who planned hundreds of volunteer projects for our Business Shares program during her tenure. Chicago Cares is thrilled that, although her career has taken her elsewhere, she still is a vital part of this organization. Shannon is the Team Coordinator for Motivational Mountaineers at KIPP Ascend Charter School. The program started this year and has thrived under Shannon’s leadership. Thank you, Shannon!

Name: Shannon Meyer

How long have you volunteered with Chicago Cares: 6-7 years

Programs you most often volunteer at: Motivational Mountaineers at KIPP Ascend

First program you volunteered at & memories of that experience: I participated in one of the Discovery programs and remember being impressed with the creative assignments, how dedicated the volunteers were, and how much my cheeks hurt from smiling all day long!

How long have you live in Chicago 8 years (city and suburbs)

Favorite food : pretty much anything covered in chocolate

Why you volunteer: Too many reasons to even list. Because there is a need. Because it makes a difference. Because you meet great people. Because it tests your limits. And most of all, because I love 5th grade math J

Why you would encourage other volunteers to visit your program: Over the course of the school year, all of the Motivational Mountaineers (tutors) have seen tremendous growth in our students. One student I worked with, who had been really struggling with math and was on the verge of tears because he just didn’t understand, transformed into a confident, smiling kid who bragged that he “got it.” The students, parents, teachers and tutors at KIPP Ascend have an extraordinary commitment to learning (the kids have already attended classes for 11 hours before tutoring even starts!), and your efforts as a tutor would be put to good use.

In order to help our volunteers get to know each other, each month Chicago Cares will "spotlight" a volunteer. If you have suggestions for volunteers you would like to see spotlighted, please email volunteer@chicagocares.org.

Volunteer Spotlight Archive