Volunteer Spotlight
Jessica Moore
As a childhood brain cancer survivor, Jessica understands what children go through when they are hospitalized and dealing with a difficult diagnosis. This experience, along with discovering an interest in psychology during college, has led Jessica on the career path of becoming a Child Life Specialist. Her goal is to help children find positivity and hope during a medical situation that may be stressful or scary.
She practices some of her skills as a dedicated volunteer at CARES Northwest, where she spends shifts interacting with families in the waiting room and helping their experience go smoothly. We asked Jessica a few questions to get to know her better.
What is your volunteer role?
As a volunteer at CARES Northwest, I support the children and families who come into the clinic by providing a friendly face, fun activities, and accompaniment in the waiting room. I also help ensure the appointments run smoothly and assist the staff with office work.
How long have you been volunteering at CARES Northwest?
I started volunteering at CARES Northwest as an undergraduate intern during the summer of 2018 while getting my bachelor's degree at Marylhurst University/Concordia University and have continued volunteering after I obtained my graduate degree due to my love of working with children and my alignment with CARES Northwest’s mission.
How does your work contribute to CARES Northwest’s mission to end child abuse?
As a Child Life graduate, my passion is to work with and help children who are going through or have experienced a traumatic event in their life. I use my training and knowledge in child development to provide play opportunities and therapeutic activities. I use my time at CARES Northwest to focus on the children and families’ emotional health as they face scary or tragic times.
What is your favorite thing about CARES Northwest?
My favorite thing about CARES Northwest is being able to interact and work with children, families, the amazing staff, and DHS workers of all different backgrounds and education levels.
What is one of the goals you want to accomplish through your volunteerism?
Through my volunteer opportunities at CARES Northwest, my goal is to gain more experience working with children, their caregivers, and staff members in a medical setting which is much of what I will be doing once I am certified as a Child Life Specialist. The volunteer coordinator, Kristen Campbell, has been a huge supporter and advocate for me while I have been a volunteer and has also supported me as I apply for internships to complete my certification.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy hiking, 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles, and curling up with a good book and my cat.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
Old Scars/Future Hearts by All Time Low
If you could visit any fictional world, what would it be?
“Wonderland” from Alice and Wonderland
What book are you currently reading?
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
What one celebrity would you choose to be on your team during a zombie apocalypse?
Channing Tatum