Boomerang Health Volunteer Perspectives: Interview with Sarah Caloiero

Sarah Caloiero is a committed volunteer at Boomerang Health, making meaningful contributions to several group therapy programs. During her time at the clinic, she has worked collaboratively with both Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists, supporting a multidisciplinary approach that strengthens client care.

Lauren Greenwood, Manager of Group Therapy Programs and Workshops, had the opportunity to connect with Sarah to hear more about her volunteer experience, the knowledge she’s gained, and the impact she’s made at Boomerang Health. In this interview, Sarah reflects on her journey and shares what continues to inspire her.

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

Sarah: I’ve been volunteering at Boomerang Health for a total of 2 years now, since January 2024! During my time I have helped out with the Social Skills and Self-Regulation group, the Executive Functioning group and have shadowed some OT sessions! 

Lauren: What inspired you to volunteer at Boomerang Health?

Sarah: Being a pediatric patient at Boomerang in the past, is what ultimately inspired me to volunteer at Boomerang Health! It had helped me so much in my childhood so it was the first place I had thought of to further my experience while I was completing my psychology degree. This facility really aligns with my values and goals as I have always wanted to work with kids and value celebrating a child’s differences, as well as improving their life as much as possible. My career goal is to become an OT and Boomerang has plenty of great OT’s that I have been able to learn from! 

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?

Sarah: Among many, the most memorable experience I’ve had was when I was introduced to a new profession that eventually changed my career path! Working alongside an OT in the social groups, I had become familiar with the work of an OT, and it became my dream. Since then, I have altered the course of my education and am now working towards pursuing a Masters in Occupational Therapy, but I originally wanted to be a Psychologist. I wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with this process without the support of the OT who mentored me from Boomerang! 

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?

Sarah: I believe that the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach at Boomerang health truly benefits children and pediatric care as a whole. I witnessed this first hand in the Social Skills and Self-Regulation group as it was facilitated by an OT and SLP. Although they had taught different concepts, they would incorporate each other’s strategies and lessons into their own. This allowed the kids to become very well rounded with their social and self-regulation skills, which made me realize how many aspects of pediatric therapy are connected. Through a collaborative approach, children can reach their full potential as their therapists are working together to fulfill all aspects of their treatment! 

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

Sarah: During my time volunteering I have learned how to handle the different needs of children and that the approach for each child will not always be the same. I’ve learned from the group facilitators the best strategies to calm children down and to help them self-regulate. After spending a few months with each child in the social groups, it’s very rewarding to see how they have improved! It has helped to shape my understanding of pediatric healthcare by learning that children benefit from different methods of engagement – a lot of creativity is involved in pediatric healthcare! 

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