Meet the Sneable Sports 5 Volunteer Mentors
Coach Bevel and Mrs. Angleton
Tommy’s Football Coach, Coach Bevel, overheard Tommy
talking to his teammates before a big game. He knew Tommy had what it takes to be a strong leader, so he encouraged Tommy to lead a pep rally to get the whole
school cheering for the team! Coach Bevel continued to see that leadership quality in Tommy and he earned his place as team captain.
Tommy’s Teacher, Mrs. Angleton, knew he was being
bullied, but she knew how to help him. Tommy struggled to sit calmly and stay focused on his work in the classroom. Mrs. Angleton explained to him that it wasn’t his
fault, and she helped him discover how he learns best. She worked with him and overtime, Tommy became more confident and his love for learning returned.
When Tommy told them how he wanted to start an
organization to help kids tackle any challenge they face and to excel in
whatever they do, Coach Bevel and Mrs. Angelton were proud to become volunteers
and mentors for the Team!
Ms. Dorothy Surething
Jenny’s Speech Therapist, Ms. Dorothy, is a sweet lady who makes everyone around her feel special. She helped Jenny work through her issues with stuttering. When Jenny felt nervous or excited, she stuttered, but when she was on the tennis court, she felt calm. Ms. Dorothy used Jenny’s love of tennis to help calm her nerves. She practiced bouncing the tennis ball on her racket, listening to the slow and steady beat it made to help her slow down her thoughts and take deep breaths. With Ms. Dorothy’s help, Jenny found her voice and regained her self-confidence to sing on stage.
When Jenny told Ms. Dorothy about the organization Tommy was forming to help children and families to face challenges with courage, kindness, and confidence. She was happy to join as a volunteer mentor!
Carl Coolwick, Dottie Jammer and Frankie Fearless
J.T.’s Uncle, Carl Coolwick, is a respected businessman
in the city where J.T. grew up. When J.T. saw his community was in need of a safe place for children to play, he knew he wanted to do something to help. Uncle Carl had the solution. He owned a building that would be perfect for a new community center.
Dottie Jammer, J.T.’s mom, is a single mom, a nurse
and the superintendent of their apartment building. Her hard work and persistence had a positive influence on J.T. She encouraged him to take pride in his school
and community. She was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.
Frankie Fearless, J.T.’s childhood best friend, is brave,
and outgoing. He speaks English and Spanish fluently. Frankie encouraged J.T. when the task of building the community center felt like it was too big of a project. His favorite saying is, “if you didn’t bring your ‘A game’, go back
home and get it!” Which means, always strive to do your best, and when feel frustrated, take a break, pull yourself back up, make a fresh start and try again.
When J.T. was approached by Tommy to join the team as a
co-founder, Uncle Carl and Frankie joined right away as mentors. His mom Dottie needed to clear her very busy schedule before she eagerly joined. They are all proud to
be part of the Team!
Dr. Shana Lane and Seargeant Harvey Crankmeister
Samantha’s Therapist, Dr. Shana Lane, is kind-hearted,
patient and an excellent listener. She makes other people around her feel important and comfortable. Dr. Lane helped Samantha work through her overwhelming emotions
in a non-judgmental way. She helped her understand that her feelings are valid. She gave Samantha the right tools to find her way back to calm.
Seargeant Harvey Crankmeister, is a semi-retired
police Sgt. and Samantha’s friend Charles’ grandfather. Before she met Charles, Sgt. Harvey helped Samantha when she felt lost and alone. Thanks to him, Samantha made new friends and he introduced her to Dr. Lane. Sgt. Harvey also volunteered to sponsor the "Friends Helping Friends Club" Samantha and her friends started at their school.
Samatha approached Dr. Lane and Sgt. Harvey to tell them all about Tommy and his organization and they both jumped on the opportunity. They are delighted to be a part of the Sneable Sports 5 Team as volunteer mentors!
William Batkins and Dr. Peter Posilutely
Billy’s dad, William Batkins, is also the baseball coach for his school team. He is co-owner of the farm Billy grew up and he takes care of all the animals. When Billy approached him about the need to encourage his teammates to spend more time exercising outdoors, he knew how to help. That’s how they started their summer camp days. Billy’s teammates and their families come out to the farm to play games and socialize. Then the team gets together in the barn for their “Team Talk” sessions.
Dr. Peter Posilutely, Billy’s stepdad, is the lead veterinarian at the Sluggertown Nature Center where Billy volunteers. They take care of injured and abandoned wild animals to rehab them and get them back out in the wild whenever possible. He also trains horses for equine therapy for children with special needs. Dr. Pete is always happy, and his positive energy is contagious.
When Billy’s friend Zoe told Billy about Tommy and the
Sneable Sports 5 team, Billy knew this was perfect for him. William and Dr.
Pete put aside their differences for the sake of helping kids, because, they
both have a desire to help through any challenges they may face in life.