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Women stand in front of projector, holding awards certificates
A few of the 2024 award recipients with Shari Nethersole, MD, Vice President for Community Health and Engagement, at a celebration event.

The Employee Community Volunteer Awards recognizes Boston Children’s employees for their role as volunteers with community organizations in their communities. The Office of Community Health received many applications for this award and eight employees were selected.

Funding for the award comes from the David S. Weiner Award for Leadership and Innovation in Child Health. The Boston Children’s Board of Trustees established this award in 1997 to acknowledge former President and CEO David Weiner’s 30 years of service to the hospital.

The community organizations are all supporting children and families in the New England area. The community organizations will receive $5,000.

Read about the 2023 recipients.

This is an annual award opportunity for Boston Children’s employees. The next opportunity to apply will be February 2025.

Scroll down to meet the 2024 awardees and learn about the organizations where they volunteer.

Rachael Aresco

Rachael Aresco

  • Department: Clinical Research
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 3
  • Community organization: Somerville Community Growing Center
  • Years with community organization: 3.

Rachael assists with local farmers markets and other programs.

"The Center is one of the most well deserving and extraordinary organizations that I have ever had the pleasure to be a part of. Each member is embraced with open arms, and they have formed a strong community of people that truly cares about life in its most natural form." — Rachael Aresco

Katelin Blackburn

Katelin Blackburn

  • Department: Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 5.5
  • Community organization: RESPOND, Inc.
  • Years with community organization: 3.

Katelin is a Board member. She also volunteers and plans events.

"The agency’s mission is to work to end domestic violence. I am so proud to be a part of this organization that has worked to achieve this mission over the past 50 years. I have been passionate about dating violence prevention work since learning about the scope of the problem as a medical student." — Katelin Blackburn

Amy DeLong

Amy DeLong

  • Department: Government Relations
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 15
  • Community organization: Holy Name Parish School
  • Years with community organization: 6

Amy is a volunteer who helps with activities at the school and other fundraising efforts. She is a parent ambassador with a focus to build connections between school and families.

"The Parent Ambassadors create opportunities for families to be involved with the school and build connections with the community. We set a tone of inclusion and service in the school community, important to children’s sense of belonging." — Amy DeLong

Diana Dorci

Diana Dorci

  • Department: Clinical Education and Informatics
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 21
  • Community organization: Italian Home for Children
  • Years with community organization: 7

Diana is a volunteer and member of the Gala committee. She also works with other committee members to support activities at the Home.

"Italian Home offers youth the building blocks to envision and strengthen their future. We strive to be a diverse, inclusive, and compassionate community." — Diana Dorci

Tonya Ferraro

Tonya Ferraro

  • Department: EQUIP (Education and Quality Improvement Program)
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 5
  • Community organization: Boston Korean Adoptees
  • Years with community organization: 6

Tonya is a Board member and has led research education initiatives. 

"Rooted in our commitment to social justice, we believe in empowering individuals to enact positive change. Our programming serves as a vital nexus for families to meet, fostering opportunities to connect." — Tonya Ferraro

Clare Kiley

Clare Kiley

  • Department: IT
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 29
  • Community organization: Families for Depression Awareness
  • Years with community organization: 3

Clare is a volunteer. She has planned and executed on events. Clare also helps to raise funds for the organization.

"I was looking for a small organization where I could make a real impact. I’m aware that mental illness, especially for children and teens, has increased dramatically. I appreciate FFDA’s mission to education families and support them on their journey." — Clare Kiley

Amy Tam

Amy Tam

  • Department: Department of Neurology
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 3.8
  • Community organization: Allston-Brighton Food Pantry
  • Years with community organization: 3.5

Amy has been a volunteer working at the site and managing other volunteers. She also serves on the Board and was a founding member of the grants committee.

"At ABFP, I found people who shared our mission to build community and advance food justice. Their dedication continues to inspire me and the needs of our guests motivate me to continue doing the groundwork." — Amy Tam

Justine Zozula

Justine Zozula

  • Department: PPOC
  • Years of service at Boston Children's: 8
  • Community organization: Ukrainian American Youth Association- Boston Branch
  • Years with community organization: 8

Justine is a volunteer with many of the organization’s events. 

"Among the objectives of UAYA are to offer Ukrainian youth opportunities for social interpersonal contact and mutual support and to stimulate their spiritual, intellectual, social, cultural, education, and physical development." — Justine Zozula