“But why, Ms. Lynette?”
As anyone who has spent time with preschoolers knows, their healthy curiosity knows no bounds and it’s expressed through an endless stream of questions. Lynette Kean—our December 2019 KidWorks’ “Volunteer of the Month—not only welcomes questions from our littlest scholars, but also encourages their inquisitive minds.
“When I arrive at KidWorks’ state-licensed preschool at the Dan Donahue Center, I’m prepared to get asked numerous questions, as well as getting asked ‘but why?’ over and over again!” Lynette says “Kids at this age are always curious. When working with the preschoolers, I try to use open-ended questions to stimulate thinking and develop their reasoning skills.”
Lynette has volunteered a remarkable 700-plus hours so far since she began her internship in December 2018. She’s at our Dan Donahue Center 15 hours each week, helping with a wide array of programs and supporting our staff in countless ways.
Lynette attends West Coast University in Anaheim and anticipates earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing by June 2021. Her ongoing KidWorks’ internship comes through our partnership with the university.
“My hope is to work in a multitude of hospital departments once I start my nursing journey, such as pediatrics, orthopedics and the intensive care unit,” she says.
“Lynnette is very daring, caring and with a gentle heart,” says Idalia Galdamez, our Preschool Director. “She moves rapidly when she sees the need to assist in any matter--whether it’s taking a student’s temperature, applying a band aid, reading to an individual student, kitchen clean-up or reminding parents of meetings and forms that are due. Lynnette has a compassionate heart and is a great role model of empathy for the children. The kids learn to show compassion because they see how she cares for others.”
One example is Antonio, who in 2018 attended the morning session of our preschool.
“When I first met Antonio, he struggled with words and how to express himself,” Lynette said. “I worked with him each day. Over the course of six months, he begun to enunciate his words more clearly. I also sat with him, getting him more involved with singing and dancing. It led to such a wonderful turnaround!”
Lynette is a big believer in KidWorks’ preschool and after school programs for students of all grades: “I have never seen a program that works so hard to make certain students achieve their dreams and receive all the help they could ever imagine. Growing up, I went to an after school program, but it was nothing compared to what KidWorks offers.”
Idalia says that Lynette jumps in wherever she’s needed in all aspects of our preschool. That includes administrative tasks, breakfast and lunch times for the children, small group activities and one-to-one academic help.
“Lynette is going to be such a wonderful nurse,” Idalia says. “She’s sure to be an RN with a daring, empathetic and caring attitude!”
Says Rachel Cervantes, Arts Coordinator and Program Leader at our Dan Donahue Center: “I very much appreciate Lynette’s valuable help when she assists me with KidWorks’ Love in Music and Avanti Music programs, KidWorks’ University and administrative needs. She’s at our center faithfully each Saturday, before, during and after programs. She’s savvy about music and musical instruments, helping to care for them and also teaching students how to read music.”
Adds Rachel, “Lynette is so organized, responsible and punctual. I admire her work ethic. If I ask her to help me with a certain assignment, she is often finished and asking me for something else to do before I have even gathered a new assignment. When I and another team member were out on maternity leave, Lynette handled many tasks so that we didn’t have too much to catch up with when we returned to work.”
In addition to working with students at various grade levels, Lynette has also assisted our volunteer department with administrative duties, helped with enrollment for summer programs and lent a hand with event/program set-up and clean up.
When not studying for her nursing degree or volunteering at KidWorks, Lynette enjoys playing with her two dogs, Mayson and Jacque. She also loves to knit and is proficient on the clarinet.
Please join us as we congratulate December “Volunteer of the Month” Lynette Kean for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and for being such a positive presence at our center each and every week.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.For more details, please visit: