Pam Pontillo

Falls Church, VA Volunteer at Providence Rec Center Length of Service: 3 years Instructor Assistant, Adapted Fitness

Pam Pontillo has been a valued volunteer for several years, assisting with Providence Rec Center’s weekly Adapted Fitness class for teens and young adults with mild intellectual disabilities. When classes resumed after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she didn’t hesitate to jump back in to volunteer, never missing a class or the opportunity to provide encouragement and positive energy to the class participants. Pontillo has endeared herself to not only the youth in the class but also to their caretakers who have voiced their heartfelt thanks for providing this much-needed outlet. Pontillo takes time to go the extra step, following up with families who have missed class. Patrons and their caregivers appreciate her warmth and sincerity. She was particularly eager to resume with classes, even before vaccinations began taking place, citing how much this population needs an outlet for both physical and mental health. She is also credited with suggesting the popular Wallyball activity – a class highlight.