Our Mentor of the Month for August is Ellen Whitlatch. Ellen has served as a mentor for the past three years at our summer and school-year programs. This summer she was a mentor at Walnut Street School.
As a former elementary teacher, she has a passion for reading and books. She shares this passion weekly with her readers.
Ellen really stepped up to the plate this summer (always with a smile) and read with a different child almost every week. Attendance varies greatly for the students and mentors over the summer, so she graciously read with a child who most needed a mentor.
“I am present for the benefit of the student, and the student helps me grow as a person at the same time,” Ellen said. “Reading one on one is a wonderful opportunity to give someone your undivided attention and be that one more caring adult in the life of a student. It is truly rewarding. My life has been enriched by developing friendships with the other mentors , our site coordinator, and the students I read with. We look forward to seeing each other once a week. That time is reserved, just for us.”
Thank you, Ellen, you rock!