Volunteer Spotlight: Dina Barnes

Published by Feeding Matters on Oct 25, 2019

Feeding Matters Volunteer Spotlight is a monthly Q & A series that shares the stories of our growing network of change agents, the driving force behind our vision to create a world where children with pediatric feeding disorder will thrive. This month we bring you Dina Barnes.

Dina has been a volunteer with Feeding Matters since June of 2018. She is always willing to help, whether it’s at our annual community luncheon or with special projects, including coordinating all of the 2018 and 2019 Colten Cowell Foundation Cave Experiences and represents our organization at the events.

Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I live in Chandler with my husband, Tom, son Jackson, and playful dog Miley. Our daughter, Kendal, is currently a senior at ASU, living in Tempe and graduating in December. Jackson is a sophomore in high school. I was a teacher for 25 years, and just last year decided to take a break from full time teaching and get a “regular” job. ???? This choice has given me time to volunteer, work with kids one on one through tutoring, and spend more time with my family.

How long have you been a volunteer with Feeding Matters?
I have been volunteering for just about a year. I love it!

In which volunteer activities have you participated?
I help to coordinate the Colten Cowell Foundation Cave Experiences for Feeding Matters’ families, assisted at the 2018 luncheon, and have attended several community outreach events.

What motivated you to become involved?
I was invited to the 2017 luncheon by a friend, not really aware of what Feeding Matters was all about. After hearing the speakers I was absolutely awestruck…I knew I HAD to be involved in some way.

What has been your favorite part of volunteering with Feeding Matters?
There are so many amazing people working at Feeding Matters, I’m honored to have met them and have the opportunity to work with them.

What sets Feeding Matters’ apart from other organizations?
Feeding Matters fosters such an atmosphere of helping and caring…from the CEO all the way down to the volunteers. Everyone works so well together and are all working towards a common goal – to help families.