by Audrey Walls, M.Ed., M.F.A.

Photograph courtesy of Callie Newton.
April 20-26 is National Volunteer Week, when nonprofits everywhere are taking a moment to thank and acknowledge the meaningful work their volunteers add to their organization every day. We are continuing our week by featuring another of our favorite volunteers, Callie Newton.
Originally from South Carolina, Callie moved to Virginia in 2011 to pursue graduate studies in social work and received a Master’s of Social Work (M.S.W.) from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently studying for a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotion Wellness and Mindfulness, with a certificate in Transformative Leadership from the University of Cambridge (UK).
Working with children in need is a passion of Callie’s that extends to both her personal and professional life. Her previous professional background consists of serving as a reading specialist in elementary schools, and she currently works in a therapeutic setting for children with autism. A familiar face to children and families in our Hands on Healing family support groups, Callie currently volunteers at both Full Circle Grief Center and Comfort Zone Camp, a camp for grieving children.
Callie’s dedication to serving grieving children is important to her, and she sees it as an overall benefit in many different ways – for both herself and the community. “Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who are compassionate about the same things you are,” writes Callie. “It’s a way to learn new skills and better yourself as a person.”
We are truly grateful for Callie’s skillset and compassion as she continues to volunteer with us at Full Circle, and are thrilled to feature her dedication for National Volunteer Week!