Tag: Program Coordinator

He says his worst quality is singing… which really makes us want to take him to a karaoke party.

But what he lacks in performing arts, he makes up for in building playsets. As a program coordinator, Mike works with our build leaders and oversees all the logistics that go into our Play It Forward program.

Mike graduated from Longwood University with a Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. He has a long history of involvement with nonprofits and loves making a positive impact in his work.

He’s enthusiastic, passionate, open-minded and easy to convince for tagging along on last-minute adventures.

Kelly always knew she wanted to work with kids. But it wasn’t until her sister was diagnosed with Leukemia that she was introduced to Roc Solid Foundation.

“My sister passing away taught me how short life can be and made me realize that I needed to do something I was passionate about. That’s how I knew Roc Solid was a perfect fit.”

A graduate of Old Dominion University, Kelly is best described as a kind, nurturing person. Which is why she’s so good at working with our Roc Solid families. In many ways, she can relate to what they’re going through, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to spread a little hope to them during their toughest days.

Kelly’s favorite quote pretty much sums her up: “In seeking happiness for others, you will find it in yourself.”

“John? Oh, he’s the loud one.” It’s true, but he’s also got a huge, loyal heart for kids fighting cancer. In fact, he’s been involved with Roc Solid literally since it started. As the (volunteer) Director of Play It Forward back then, he was a part of every playset build for the first four years.

John grew up in Portsmouth and received his Bachelor’s in Biology from Christopher Newport University (pretty smart, huh?). He worked in the landscaping industry for many years but always knew he’d officially join the Roc Solid team one day.

“Everything happens for a reason, and now I get to live out the dream I had when Roc Solid started,” he says.

Bryan came to Roc Solid from our local children’s hospital (Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters) where he’d worked for 17+ years as a Child Life Specialist.

Aside from needing to teach him how to “dress down,” the transition to working at Roc Solid was super smooth, as he’d been a huge advocate for our organization since the beginning. At his previous role, he distributed hundreds of Ready Bags to families who had recently been diagnosed with pediatric cancer and also worked with them to schedule Roc Solid playset projects.

“I knew right away this was the next step for my career,” says Bryan. “I’m blessed I get to now help a much larger population of families fighting cancer through this role.”

Bryan is a graduate of West Virginia University and a Certified Child Life Specialist. At Roc Solid, he works with new and existing hospital partners, as well as Roc Solid families, to engage them in our Ready Bag and playset programs.

His best quality? His compassion to care for other people. Worst? He can’t say no. For both reasons and many more, we are lucky to have him!