About Us

Purpose Our purpose is to create a vibrant volunteer program that simultaneously supports our community and Presbyterian Healthcare Services by connecting our shared purpose of caring for patients and visitors as we work to grow and develop passionate, talented, invested volunteers. Our customer service centered areas will ensure anyone who walks through the door is treated with respect and dignity. Furthermore, Gift Shop Services will continue to provide excellent options to guests, along with significant financial gifts which support the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation. Our Commitment to the PHS Strategy Volunteer Services is committed to growth and believes in the positive power of innovation and continuous improvement. We can grow by learning and understanding the needs of the organization as a whole and incorporating active and reflective feedback to guide our conversations, decisions, ideas and adjustments. By thinking creatively and embracing a growth mindset, we will find new ways to engage volunteers and sustain our blossoming program for years to come. Our vision:

 

Earning the letter through the Presbyterian Promise
Dear PHS volunteer services,

Thank you for creating a comfortable environment by placing compassionate volunteers throughout the hospital. They took the time to greet me, listen to my story, and treated me like a human. I could tell that everyone I interacted with had only the best intentions, and the kindness I felt had a profound impact on me. Your volunteers are shepherds of goodwill, they truly eased the way as I navigated a really difficult time.

Our Commitment to PHS Culture We consistently strive to create a culture of collaboration, mutual support, empathy, and inclusivity where we encourage respect and offer a welcoming space for our extended team. Our goal is to foster a strong partnership between the volunteers and various departments across the Presbyterian hospital system by celebrating the individual strengths and unique talents that each volunteer brings to their role. We will utilize the tools of compassionate listening and thoughtful communication in order to recognize and share strengths while making an impactful, tangible difference in our community.

It was in 1952 that a small group of community minded women, led by Marion Van Devanter (Mrs. Van), met at the request of the hospital administrator to see what they could do to help patients. They decided to start an auxiliary with three goals: To serve hospital patients directly, to raise money for equipment the hospital needed and to inform the public about health care and the functions of the hospital.

Mrs. Van had a heart full of purpose and a phrase that guided everything she did: "If we can, we should." That phrase still guides us today.

What makes our volunteer program different? We do not just fill roles-we build relationships. Our program is rooted in purpose, connection, and history. Volunteers are not just helpers; they are vital members of our team, bringing compassion, energy, and heart to every interaction. One of our greatest strengths is the structure behind the service. Our systemized program ensures that no matter which location you serve in, you will receive the same high-quality training, support, and recognition. Our system approach creates a shared sense of purpose and belonging, making it easy to feel part of something bigger-whether you are new or seasoned, downtown or rural. We offer meaningful opportunities, empower volunteers through structured onboarding and ongoing education, and foster a culture that celebrates service and connection. Here, your time makes a difference-and so do you.  

Statistics

 

· Presbyterian ended 2024 with 525 active volunteers.

 

· Volunteers contributed 68,000 hours, an equivalent to 33 FTEs, and savings to the organization of almost $2.3 million.

 

The Team

Mandy Guest, Director of Volunteer Services, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

What do you love most about working with volunteers? Working with volunteers is like being surrounded by the best kind of people-the ones who lead with their hearts, give without expecting anything in return, and somehow make every day a little brighter and a lot more fun.

What's your favorite moment? My favorite moments with volunteers are those one-on-one encounters where I get to truly see their heart-the quiet conversations, shared laughter, and genuine connections that remind me why this work matters so much.

If your job had a theme song it would be: "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge. Because this crew laughs together, cries together, and sometimes moves furniture together.

Three words volunteers would use to describe you: Resilient, motivated, and positive.

A motto you live by: Show up with heart, stay rooted in purpose, and always find the joy. And when things get tough, I can hear my daddy saying, "If it was easy, anybody could do it."

One thing I cannot live without at work: Chocolate and caffeine.

Belinda Dahle, Volunteer Manager - Onboarding, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

What do you love most about working with volunteers? Their stories and selfless attitude.

What's your favorite moment? When I first started this job - there were specific volunteers that would stop by the office and say hi and always had a smile on their face. Over time, these individuals have become very good friends and even helped me celebrate the birth of my two children.

If your job had a theme song it would be: "You've Got a Friend in Me" - Toy Story.

Three words volunteers would use to describe you: Kind, friendly, hard working.

A secret talent or hobby outside of work? Not a talent, but I enjoy spending time outside working in the yard.

A motto you live by: Take it one day at a time.

One thing I cannot live without at work: Coca-Cola and a good pen - sorry, two things.

Ebone Garcia, Volunteer Manager - Onboarding, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

What do you love most about working with volunteers?
I love the kindness, passion, and energy volunteers bring. Their generosity inspires me daily and makes every project feel meaningful.

What's your favorite moment? Every single sewing group meeting is a chance to recharge. We get to ask about each other's lives, we laugh, we listen to music, and we have fun.

If your job had a theme song it would be: "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves - it captures the positive and hopeful vibe I try to bring to every day.

Three words volunteers would use to describe you: Supportive, cheerful, and organized.

A secret talent or hobby outside of work? I love writing poetry, singing, and riding my motorcycle.

A motto you live by: "Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da" - The Beatles.

Kayla Phipps, Administrative Assistant, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

A secret talent or hobby outside of work? I love to play tennis.

A motto you live by: Treat others the way you want to be treated.

One thing I cannot live without at work: My trusted notebook and pen.

Amberle Davis, Manager Volunteer Services and Information Desk, Presbyterian Hospital & Kaseman Hospital

What do you love most about working with volunteers? I love endless things about the PHS volunteers! They are passionate, caring, funny, thoughtful-I love making new connections, hearing stories, seeing smiling faces, and helping each person find the perfect placement. Every part of my job is genuinely special.

What's your favorite moment? Could never name just one! I am appreciative of every moment I have with the volunteers who serve at my sites.

If your job had a theme song it would be: "The Climb" - Miley Cyrus

Three words volunteers would use to describe you: Friendly, Supportive, Approachable

Secret talent or hobby: I love watching soccer (Somos Unidos!) and I'm good at word puzzles.

A motto you live by: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" - MLK Jr.

Christine Chavez, Volunteer Manager, Rust Medical Center, Healthplex, PMG, PresNOW Locations
What do you love most about working with volunteers?
I love seeing the incredible impact volunteers make every day. Their generosity and commitment create a ripple effect of kindness that touches patients, families, and staff alike. I'm inspired by their willingness to give their time and talents to make our community stronger, and I enjoy helping them find meaningful ways to contribute and grow.
If your job had a theme song it would be:
"Rise Up" by Andra Day, it reflects volunteering's spirit of hope and strength, reminding us that together we can lift others and make a lasting impact.
Three words volunteers would use to describe you:
Empowering, Approachable, Structured
Secret talent or hobby:
I love visiting art galleries and museums, travelling to new places, and watching true crime documentaries.
A motto you live by:
Empower others with authenticity and purpose.
Christine D'Antico, Manager Volunteer Services and Gift Shop, Santa Fe Medical Center

What do you love most about working with volunteers? The lifelong friendships and family bonds created- I absolutely adore my volunteers.

Favorite memory: A drive-through Luau Appreciation event during COVID; volunteers and staff dressed up and greeted one another safely from a distance, including Rich and his dog Ffion.

If your job had a theme song it would be: "Can't Stop the Feeling" - Justin Timberlake

Three words volunteers would use to describe you: Thoughtful, cheerful, organized

Secret talent or hobby: I care for many horses and three beloved goats.

A motto you live by: "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucius