When Natalie Hall starred in “All My Children” from 2009 through 2011, she didn’t know at the time that she’d also have a starring role with the kids at KidWorks just a few years later.
Our December “Volunteer of the Month” is one of our students’ favorite volunteers and classroom tutors.
KidWorks’ students in grades kindergarten, one, two and four might not know about all of Natalie’s television, Broadway and movie roles—but they do know she’s always there to motivate them with a quick joke and academic guidance.
As volunteer with us since early 2018, Natalie has also adapted along with KidWorks to the online learning model during the pandemic.
“I have been in awe with what KidWorks has done during the pandemic,” she says. “It’s definitely required a new way of learning for students, teachers and volunteers. Through it all, he kids and coaches have been so engaged.”
Natalie grew up in Vancouver British, Columbia, moved to New York City and relocated to Orange County in 2018.
“Natalie’s style is always fun and interactive,” says Cesar Ledesma, a program leader at our Dan Donahue Center. “The students always want her to help them with homework, read to them, and play games with them.”
Adds Cesar, “Natalie is such a bright, fun, and wonderful person. She always comes to KidWorks with a smile and great attitude. The students look up to her and admire her.”
“I volunteered with an after school program in Manhattan for about six years, so when I moved to Orange county I knew I wanted to work with kids again,” she says. “I always struggled in school growing up. I just don't fit into the learning style/box of how most kids learn today. My mom, Lisa, was a huge advocate when I was growing up, helping kids with different learning styles. She did a ton of volunteering; no matter what she was doing in life she always made time, along with my dad, Peter.”
She adds, “My dad instilled in me and my siblings the desire to always work hard and give back. He also taught us the importance in believing in God. That is also why I was drawn to KidWorks; they teach kids the fundamentals of being kind to others.”
Our Volunteer of the Month is a true champion of education. “I consider myself a lifelong student because I never want to stop learning and growing,” Natalie says.
She’s also committed to making learning fun and engaging for our students.
“I love joking and making the kids laugh; laughter is so important,” she says. “I also use humor as a tool to encourage focus, especially with the little ones. My own learning style was different growing up. So, if a child isn't quite getting it, I do my best to explain the lesson or homework so it makes sense. My line of work as an actor is very creative so I try and be fun and creative with the kids.”
In addition to helping out with our after school academic programs, Natalie has also volunteered at our summer programs and uses social media to promote our various giving days to raise funds.
She is also a member of Young Professionals for KidWorks, a volunteer group of almost two dozen individuals in their 20s and 30s who volunteer at our events and after school programs, recruit other volunteers and get the word out about KidWorks via social media and networking.
When not volunteering and supporting KidWorks, Natalie is very involved in her successful acting career. Her past credits in plays, movies and television include “The Good Wife,” “True Blood,” “Only the Brave,” “A Chorus Line” and upcoming movies on Netflix and Lifetime.
She enjoys hiking and bike riding. She and her husband, Jack, also enjoy time with their Yorkie, Beau. A businessperson and former infantry marine officer who served in Afghanistan, Jack has also began volunteering at KidWorks.
We look forward to one day hearing Natalie say, “I’d like to thank the Academy…” In the meantime, we can't thank her enough!
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer