Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is proud to recognize Carlos Ramirez as our February Volunteer of the Month. In just nine months of service, Carlos has already given 296 volunteer hours to LVIM, supporting patients as both a Clinical Assistant and a Pharmacy Assistant. His dedication, compassion, and positive spirit have quickly made him a valued member of the LVIM volunteer family.

Carlos first discovered LVIM while searching for volunteer opportunities as he prepared for medical school. What began as a way to gain experience soon became something much more meaningful. He started in the pharmacy, where he immediately connected with the mission and the people he served. As new opportunities opened, he expanded into a clinical role, allowing him to work even more closely with patients and providers.

For Carlos, the most rewarding part of volunteering is the relationships he builds with patients. He especially values helping individuals who may feel overwhelmed navigating their healthcare. Whether that means explaining medications, assisting with translation, or simply taking extra time to listen, Carlos steps in wherever he is needed. One moment that stands out to him was helping a patient who felt confused and unsure about an appointment. By advocating for the patient and coordinating with the care team, Carlos helped ensure they received the care they needed that day. Experiences like this remind him how meaningful even small acts of kindness can be.

When asked what he would tell someone considering volunteering at LVIM, Carlos encourages others to come ready to help and ready to learn. He believes there is a place for everyone and that a genuine heart for service makes all the difference.

Whether he is assisting patients in the clinic or supporting the pharmacy team, Carlos approaches each shift with empathy, patience, and professionalism. His commitment reflects the heart of LVIM and the powerful impact volunteers make in the lives of our patients.

Congratulations, Carlos, and thank you for the incredible difference you continue to make at LVIM.

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is proud to recognize Carolina Rocha as our November Volunteer of the Month!

Carolina has been part of the LVIM family for over a year, serving as a Clinical Assistant and contributing an impressive 405 volunteer hours. Her journey with LVIM began when she discovered our volunteer opportunities through the University of South Florida’s Instagram page. As a Biomedical Sciences graduate from USF, preparing for the MCAT, Carolina wanted to stay connected to the medical field while making a difference.

From the moment she joined, Carolina has been a bright light in our clinic. She says that helping patients and working alongside such compassionate volunteers and staff has been incredibly rewarding. “Every time I leave, I feel like I’ve learned something new,” she shared, recalling how she’s gained hands-on experience and valuable knowledge from LVIM’s volunteer providers.

Carolina’s favorite part of her role is greeting patients and setting a welcoming tone for their visits. Whether she’s assisting with rooming patients or helping bridge communication barriers, she takes pride in creating a positive, caring experience from the very first interaction.

When asked what she would tell someone considering volunteering at LVIM, Carolina didn’t hesitate: “100% do it. Everyone here is so uplifting and kind. There’s no way to come here and leave unhappy.”

Thank you, Carolina, for your dedication, positivity, and the care you bring to every patient you meet. You truly embody the spirit of LVIM!

Born in Lakeland and raised with a heart for service, Kaleigh has dedicated her time and talents to uplifting the community through leadership, philanthropy, and hands-on volunteerism. She is an Operations Support Manager with MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, where she has built a successful career marked by progressive promotions, innovative workflow solutions, and a passion for developing teams.

Beyond her professional success, Kaleigh is deeply invested in community service. She currently serves as Chair of EMERGE Lakeland, a Board Member of the Swan City Piano Festival, and Webmaster Chair for the Junior League of Greater Lakeland. She also lends her leadership to United Way of Central Florida as Volunteer Chair of the Young Leaders Society, a member of the Community Investment Team, and a planning committee member for Women United’s spring event.

Her commitment to philanthropy is equally inspiring. She sustains a generous spirit as a member of the United Way Leadership Giving Association, LVIM Swan Society, and the Pace Center for Girls’ Believing in Girls Society. She is also an active fundraising advocate, supporting initiatives such as the Junior League’s Little Black Dress Initiative, the Pace Center’s Ten Story Challenge, and the LVIM Swan Derby Leaders of Polk.

In recognition of her impact, Kaleigh has been honored with the 2025 Polk Young Professionals Emerging Leader Award, the 2025 Difference Maker Award from United Way of Central Florida, and the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

Kaleigh first joined the Swan Derby family as part of the Leaders of Polk Class XI in 2024, where her team placed third in the Derby Dash while raising vital funds for LVIM. She is honored to now lead the next Leaders of Polk as Mama Swan and is excited to continue advancing LVIM’s mission of providing compassionate, quality healthcare to the working uninsured of Polk County.

“I’m here with the intention of building a meaningful legacy, spending my gift of life on improving support for those who might otherwise be left behind. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine offers a perfect avenue to make that impact. I am deeply honored to support the 2026 and 2027 Swan Derbies as Mama Swan. Following in the legendary wings of those before me feels daunting, but I know that with their support, our Leaders of Polk will soar to the greatest heights.”

Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine is proud to recognize Katy Stapleton as our August 2025 Volunteer of the Month.

Katy began her journey with LVIM as a Social Work Intern during her bachelor’s program. After completing her internship, she chose to continue volunteering as a Referral Specialist. Over the past 10 months, Katy has contributed more than 470 hours of service.

One of Katy’s most impactful roles was coordinating mammogram appointments for patients for the Mammolink Bus. During her time at LVIM, she helped 122 patients receive mammograms, playing a vital role in expanding access to early screening and prevention.

She says the most rewarding part of her experience has been the relationships she formed with patients, volunteers, and staff. “It feels like family here,” Katy said. “You can grow so much as a person professionally and become more connected with the community.”

Katy is now returning to school and continuing to work toward a career in social work, and she will be truly missed.

Thank you, Katy, for your dedication, warmth, and incredible impact. We’re so grateful to have you as part of the LVIM family.

We are proud to recognize Maria Flores as LVIM’s July 2025 Volunteer of the Month!

Maria has served as an Enrollment Screener since she began volunteering in 2013. Maria first learned about LVIM from her primary care physician at Watson Clinic after she retired and began looking for a way to give back, and she’s been a part of the family ever since.

“I had all this time, and just doing housework wasn’t enough,” Maria said. “Volunteering keeps me active, and I love helping people.”

From the moment she started, Maria has stayed in her role as an Enrollment Screener, helping new patients access the care they desperately need. “It’s incredibly rewarding to get people approved to become patients,” she says. “Sometimes I don’t know how they survive on their income. If it weren’t for LVIM, they wouldn’t have access to healthcare at all.”

What keeps her coming back? “The people. Everyone here is so friendly and supportive. It really feels like a family.”

Thank you, Maria, for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering support of our patients. You are an essential part of what makes LVIM such a special place!