Giving back in so many ways…

Each month on the BLOG, we feature an interview with one of our incredible volunteers. We have dedicated volunteers who have been with us for more than 20 years and some who have given of their time for less than two months. All are deeply appreciated and deserve a moment in the spotlight!

Cheryl living life to its fullest!

This month’s Volunteer Spotlight features Cheryl Hertan. 

Cheryl Hertan is fortunate enough to work at home remotely for John Muir Hospital in the Bay Area.  For the last 10 years (and plans to be for the rest of her working life), she has been a Cancer Registrar – meaning she collects from a patient’s medical record their demographics, cancer diagnosis, and treatment. This information goes into a database that goes to the state and then to the nation.  Basically, Cheryl helps develop the stats like “1 in every 8 women will get breast cancer”.  Cheryl became a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) because she was one of those eight women, but has now been cancer free for 16 years!

Cheryl, having lived in SLO County for 30 years, chooses to live in Atascadero because her son, daughter-in-law, and most importantly her granddaughter (Susie – 7) live there.  Cheryl is very involved in her church, Atascadero Bible Church, including volunteering as a greeter every other week.   You may also see her volunteering at other community events around the county.   Cheryl also spends her time volunteering with Lifewater Canada as the Board of Directors chair and with California Cancer Registrars’ Association as the treasurer.

Enjoying some time with family

Volunteer Director, Lacey McNamara, asked Cheryl a few questions about volunteering at SLO REP.

LM: What volunteer jobs have you had here at the Theatre?
CH: Pretty much everything except the concessions stand! I volunteered in the box office (when that was still a volunteer position) and continue to sign up for hospitality, bartending, and office volunteer opportunities.

LM:  How long have you been volunteering here?
CH: At least 5 years.

LM: What got you started in volunteering?
CH: Wilda Rosene! I knew her through the Women’s Network, the First Night event (a non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve party), and Leadership SLO (Chamber of Commerce.) She volunteered in the box office and got me to sign up too.

LM: What is your favorite part about volunteering?
CH: Getting to know the actors. And the volunteers…And the patrons! It’s really wonderful seeing the same faces and building a rapport with all of the people who walk in the door.

LM: Do you volunteer at any other non-profit organizations?
CH: I’m a greeter at Atascadero Bible Church and occasionally at Paso Pops.

LM: Do you have any words of wisdom or a bit of advice for someone thinking about volunteering at SLO REP or tips for someone who is coming in to volunteer for the first time?
CH: It’s very comfortable. Don’t be afraid! You’re treated like family. I love the benefits, too. The ticket vouchers let me see shows that I wouldn’t ever, ever see!

Our volunteers are what keep SLO REP running smoothly. From painting sets to setting up the coffee bar, stuffing envelopes to organizing costumes, pouring wine and mixing martinis, the incredible volunteers who give their time to this theatre mean the world to us and to our patrons.

For more information about joining our volunteer crew, backstage or in the lobby, please visit our volunteer page, where you can find out more and sign up! 

Greeting patrons with a smile on her face! Join Cheryl and the rest of our volunteer family!