Yakima Peds is fortunate to have a very special volunteer, Tom Olivia. Tom retired from the YMCA this past spring after 30 years career. Originally, a financial manager for the YMCA for 17 years, he transitioned to a coordinator for their mentoring program which he found especially rewarding. He worked with mentors and students witnessed the benefit of these relationships to both.
In his retirement, he has several volunteer positions. One afternoon a week, for the past 6 or so months, Tom comes to YP and performs magic tricks in the waiting room. Entertaining the kids (and parents and staff) makes the time pass more quickly for fidgety children while they wait to be called back from their appointment. Parents have commented they appreciate the distraction and some kids, who were anxious when they came to the clinic, were more relaxed due to Tom’s mesmerizing magic!