Christine Pinedo is a graduate student at Loma Linda University, pursuing her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. Her first volunteer memory was in high school when she volunteered at Casa Hogar, an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.

“I visited and spent time with the children,” she said. “It was an experience I will never forget.”

Working as an Occupational Therapist with Children

As a pediatric occupational therapist, Christine helps children with various impairments, including physical, social and cognitive disabilities.

“The main focus is helping them develop appropriate skills to be as functional and independent as possible,” she said. “Children are our future and if I could be of aide to the caregivers and parents who are struggling with their child, I will be fulfilled as an occupational therapist.”

Volunteering with CFA

Christine had been searching for an organization that serves children in the community when she was introduced to the Foundation by her classmate and CFA volunteer, Delilah Debellis.

“I have enjoyed meeting new people [through CFA],” Christine said. “And the welcoming and peaceful atmosphere CFA has to offer.”

In the past few months, Christine has helped make blankets for Warm & Fuzzy February, prepare flyers and blue-ribbon pins to distribute in the community for Child Abuse Prevention Month and help set up for She Stories, a special Foster Care Month event.

“I feel it is important to advocate for children especially those in special situations because most of the time they do not have a voice for themselves,” she said.

Be The Difference

CFA relies on the dedication of volunteers like Christine to continue its mission to help children heal, learn and thrive. If you’re interested in getting involved, click here to learn more.

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Marie Maghuyop, AmeriCorps VIP Fellow
Marie is serving with the Children’s Foundation of America as an AmeriCorps VIP (Volunteer Infrastructure Project) Fellow. Her main goal as a VIP Fellow is to expand the volunteer programs at the Foundation and develop an effective, sustainable volunteer infrastructure. She creates content for social media, engages with volunteers and supports the Foundation team with coordinating events and volunteer opportunities. Marie has earned two associate’s degrees from San Bernardino Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Fullerton. She has always been driven to do meaningful work by helping others and is excited to inspire volunteerism in the community. In her free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, writing, playing ukulele and board games, and dancing.