Volunteer of the Week - Lesley Gallagher

For close to a year, Lesley Gallagher volunteered with Refugee Transitions to teach a few immigrant students every week at the Broderick St. Adult Residential Facility. Her class was attended by students at different levels, but Lesley rose to the challenge! Her students were always ready, waiting and looking forward to her class each week. She created excellent lesson plans based on her student's needs and provided individualized support in class. Thanks to Lesley for putting so much time and effort into teaching this group! 

Name: Lesley Gallagher

Neighborhood: Anza Vista 

Job: Occupational Therapist

RT programs/events you’ve participated in: Site-based ESL class

What are your hobbies? Reading and swimming.
If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would that person be? Both sets of grandparents and their parents. Never met any of them.
What is your favorite book? Dickens, Mark Doty's poetry and poetry in general.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go, and what would you do? The Sahara, and travel w/ the Bedouins.
If you could instantly learn how to do anything, what would that be? How to meditate without a distracted mind.
Who has been the most influential teacher in your life so far? In college a teacher who taught positive benefits of stress management and how to do it.
What has been your favorite/most rewarding moment as a volunteer with RT? Walking into a classroom and seeing students all ready with their notebooks, being called "Teacher Lesley", having my portrait done by a student, and meeting wonderful people!

Happy Holidays From RT's Beginning ESL Class!

Today, RT's Beginning ESL Class, led by Olivia Byler, made a gingerbread house! Throughout the semester, Olivia has been using fun, cultural and hands-on activities to help students build language and confidence in their listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Happy Holidays!

Lauren, Volunteer Coordinator