Boomerang Health Volunteer Perspectives: Interview with Victoria Galeotalanza

Victoria Galeotalanza has been a dedicated volunteer at Boomerang Health, playing a key role in supporting several group therapy programs and the group screening process. Throughout her time at the clinic, she has collaborated closely with both Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, contributing to a multi-disciplinary approach that enhances client care.

Our Manger of Group Therapy Programs and Workshops, Lauren Greenwood, had the privilege of sitting down with Victoria to learn more about her journey as a volunteer, the insights she’s gained, and the meaningful impact she’s had at Boomerang Health. In this interview, she shares her experiences and what motivates her to continue making a difference.

Lauren: How long have you been volunteering at Boomerang Health?

Victoria: It’s been an amazing year and a half volunteering at Boomerang Health.

Lauren: What inspired you to volunteer at Boomerang Health?

Victoria: The “Boomerang Health powered by SickKids” building has always caught my attention when driving through the area because, as a child, I was a patient at SickKids for several years. I know firsthand how intimidating the clinical setting can be for anyone, especially children. However, the positive and encouraging atmosphere I experienced as a child left a lasting impression on me. Once I was in university, with the ambition of pursuing a career in health, I wanted to explore pediatric healthcare as a possible interest. It was both my professional goals and my personal experience at SickKids that inspired me to apply as a volunteer.

Lauren: Can you describe a memorable experience or moment you’ve had while volunteering at Boomerang Health that made an impact on you or the children and families we serve?

Victoria: In general, assisting with groups is very fulfilling as I get to see the incredible progress children can make over the course of the program. It is very rewarding to observe the improvement and growth they make in just a matter of weeks, and the way it benefits their overall confidence and wellbeing. One memorable experience I had was from volunteering in my first Fun with Foods group. During the parent meeting after the final session for the group, a mom explained the gains she noticed with her son and the positive effect this was having during mealtime at home, such as his openness to trying new foods—something she had never seen from him before. The mom was so thrilled with her child’s progress because it not only helped him but impacted family mealtimes as well.

Lauren: How do you think the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach at Boomerang Health benefits the children and families you work with, and why is it important in paediatric care?

Victoria: From my observations as a volunteer, I have seen how each practitioner brings a unique set of skills and expertise from their discipline and provides specialized knowledge and support for the overall care and wellbeing of the child. Since one diagnosis can impact so many facets of a child’s life and the family as well, a multi-disciplinary approach with a team that communicates and considers all the specialized perspectives will provide more holistic care and achieve better outcomes. I have learned and gained so many insights into pediatric care as I watch this in action at every [group] session.

Lauren: What have you learned during your time volunteering, and how has it shaped your understanding of paediatric healthcare?

Victoria: Every child is an individual with unique needs from the program they are attending. Observing how the OTs and SLPs interact with the children has deepened my understanding of pediatric healthcare and the importance of each and the values held by everyone in this clinic. I have learned how to better connect with children and what it looks like to communicate on their level. I’ve also come to understand that pediatric care is as much about the families as it is about the child, and involves engaging the families and maintaining open communication with them as well. Boomerang Health is definitely the type of healthcare setting in which I see myself working in the future, and the opportunity to volunteer here has encouraged me to continue in my chosen academic and career path. My experiences working in this specialized setting have helped me grow and learn, and continue to prepare me for my next steps. Any student who has the opportunity to volunteer at Boomerang Health and is keen to learn and contribute to the amazing work they do here, will gain a very insightful perspective into the pediatric healthcare delivered here.

A huge thank you to Victoria and the rest of our incredible volunteer team for all that you do!