What a great match I have with Abby! It took a little time but we've really connected. Her teacher says she asks about me and she's pretty excited when I come. I met her dad, and was pleased, he's a caring dad. Her home life isn't easy, not too many reliable females involved. When I left her today there were tears in my eyes... I mean something positive to her and she means so much more to me. Thank you for this opportunity, it's powerful.

Terry Potesta

The pure joy of spending time with Willow is the most important thing I have gotten out of this program. She makes my Wednesday mornings something to look forward to during the work day.

Rhonda Henson

Matteo and I developed a bond very quickly and he was easy to talk to and work with. Even on days he started out in an upset mood he quickly became happy and enjoyed hanging out. It was nice to escape my own day to day work routine and focus on helping someone. Just spending time with Matteo every week seems to improve both of our moods by the end of our meeting.

Jeremy Smith

Being an Elevator is rewarding personally. Colton is always excited to see me and seems very happy in general when I am there.

David Sheppard

When A'Nayla and I first met, she was hesitant. During our last meeting, she told me her favorite thing about the school year was seeing me and that she was not looking forward to summer break because it meant we could not see each other. A'Nayla enjoys having 1-1 attention from someone with as much energy as she does, and I love being that person for her. Being a strong, reliable role-model for A'Nayla meant a lot, but I did not expect her to teach me just as much and to form the close bond that we did!

Mackenzie Leffingwell

The most important thing I get out of being an Elevator is seeing the trust form and grow. We have an easy relationship. Over the course of our relationship, I have noticed a little more maturity in Amelia's thinking. She is comfortable with me and at ease. I have learned it is a two-way street, I get as much from our visits as Amelia does.

Pam Lucas

I think the program has been successful for a wide variety of reasons. I've been at Amherst for 17 years, so I already have a strong relationship with many of my co-workers, but being involved with EE has helped us have a stronger connection.  My experience with Aerius at Malden Elementary has felt easy from the beginning. I think I've built a good relationship with him. It feels like I'm helping make a difference to a child. I have really seen his maturity level increase. And, we've gotten very good at throwing a frisbee to each other!

Jeremy Hodges

Breanna is a blessing! Smart, beautiful, caring, well-mannered and she can light up a room with her smile. I love everything we do during our visits. We talk, laugh, paint, swing and make crafts. Breanna was a bit shy when we first met but she is building self-confidence and is more comfortable around others. This is one of the best things I have ever done in my life!

Tara Facemyre

Seeing my student's face light up and his happiness during our times together gives me hope for his future. You can feel that he is craving attention and another adult figure in his life. Education Elevators does an excellent job promoting the connection of students and Elevators. I love this program and you can really see a change in the child as the year progresses.

Chris Miller

The joy of being a positive role model and mentor for a student in need is important to me. I felt like this experience has helped me grow as a person and that it was a benefit for Josiah as well.

Tyler Layne

I love helping people - you never know what is going on in lives around you. I am in a position where I feel I need to help the youth in this challenging world. It's not easy for anyone anymore. Helping people understand that everything is going to be OK is important to me.

Joe Green

Emma is always happy to see me. When I see her smile, it warms my entire day.

Kathy Cochran

I always bring lunch and we talk while we play various games that have an educational component. I am hopeful that I made an impact on students I met with this year.

Adam Krason

I like to spend time talking with Klaira and we enjoy playing on the playground. I feel like I am making a difference in Klaira's life.

Beth Billups

Ariel seemed to share more with me as the year went on. She was happy to tell me that she got two awards at awards day at the end of the school year. I absolutely love this program and sing its praises to everyone I know!

Mary Claire Davis

Zion and I are really connecting and get along well. He listens and is accepting of the guidance I give him and we have fun. Realizing the importance of helping children who need positive adult attention is the single most important thing I get out of being an Elevator.

Steve Grimm