Mentor Monday
Introducing Amy Silverman
I’ve always known that I wanted to help others. As a young child, my mother used to call me a magnet for lost children as I used to bring home friends who needed food, clothes, or just guidance that I would happily provide at no charge.
As I got older, I gravitated toward friends who had bigger problems such as drugs and alcohol and had a tougher time helping them. Who was I kidding, I was in way over my head. So, I sought out an education and decided to make a career out of this so called “gift”. I chose social work and for the next 35 years performed all types of it in varied venues, but always with children, adolescents and families. For some reason it gave me some satisfaction at the end of the day. I enjoyed a diverse and interesting career.
As the years went on, and as my family grew,
the job became harder and the satisfaction became less of an occurrence. As an employee you tend to get caught up with the day to day struggles with paperwork and productivity and that took quite a toll on me.
But then came retirement. That was a sweet time for me. I took the time to rest up and recharge, however I soon realized that I missed the contact of working side by side someone and supporting them through their struggles. Then I saw Children’s Network of Southwest Florida and knew I had found my next job in life. I look forward to many new adventures and learning from others in this new experience. I’m so happy to be back helping others to help themselves.
Introducing Barbara
Hello, my name is Barbara, and I am a new mentor. I just started working with my first mom and I’m looking forward to building our relationship and helping her in her journey….
My husband and I moved to SW Florida from Raleigh, North Carolina where we raised our three children. As a small business owner in North Carolina and now in SW Florida, I hope to bring my passion for community involvement to the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida.
Introducing Renee
Hi, my name is Renee and I’m excited to be a part of the Family Mentor Program. I met my mentee a few weeks ago and already I’ve been rewarded by seeing this young mother make progress and be able to have her three children come to live with her again.
I believe there’s nothing more important than a strong family unit and I’m happy to be able to help families in any way I can!
Introducing Toccara
I’m a bonafide Floridian mother of 3; two sons, daughter and I have one younger brother. I am currently a Document Control Specialist and a Realtor and love to garden in my spare time.
I’m excited to be a part of The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida’s Family Mentor Program. I’m passionate about helping families reunite and rebuild.
I love the family atmosphere, so I enjoy spending time with my family and making everyone smile; that alone brings joy to my heart.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Mentor Team at the Children’s Network. It is such a blessing being able to help others with resources. I look forward to building a multitude of relationships!
Introducing Laurel
Hi, I’m Laurel – I’ve been in SW Florida for almost 7 years now. My now husband and I came down to attend FGCU and when we graduated back in 2019, we felt SW Florida was the place for us!
Both my education and professional experience have given me a solid background when it comes to research and communication. I hope to utilize these skills to their fullest in my service with the Family Mentor Program to help families in need.
I am greatly looking forward to the opportunity of being part of the Mentor Team with the Children’s Network of SWFL and doing whatever I can to make a positive impact on the community.
Introducing Lisa
My name is Lisa Munkelwitz. Born in New Jersey, raised on Long Island, New York, and currently living in SW Florida for the past 30 years. I have been blessed with three sons, Nick, Andrew, and Jeremy, and have been married for 35 years to my wonderful husband Walter.
I love watching football and hockey. My hobbies are fishing, hiking, camping, and skiing (when I can get out to Colorado to visit Nick). I am passionate about helping others in need and have been a volunteer all my life, whether it is in nursing homes, my children’s schools, St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry, etc., and I am very excited to begin mentoring for the Children’s Network of SWFL.
