[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”13168″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1586456729221{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Since April is National Volunteer Month, Apex Benefits is highlighting its employees that take time out of their schedules to volunteer with various organizations in the community.

Ali Harris, a populations health specialist at Apex, volunteers her time at Washington Woods Elementary School, where her son is in kindergarten and her daughter is in the Pre-K program.

How important is education to you?

Before I made the transition into the wellness field, I spent seven years as an elementary school counselor. Education in general but even more so being present with my kids at their school events is very important to me! I get to meet their friends, see them in a different element, and gain a better understand of the classroom and school dynamics. I know not all parents can be there to volunteer during the school day to be at special events, so I think it is also important to be there for kids other than my own to help make those days extra special.

Volunteering with school children makes me smile when…

When I see the look on my kids’ faces when I show up. I know they won’t always be so excited to see me walk through the door, so I really try to enjoy it while we have it! I also love to see (and hear) their free play and conversations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]