Volunteer Profile - Chiara Piccolo, MD 2024

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in the Lower Mainland in BC. I graduated from SFU with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biomedical Physiology in 2020. I have worked with children for 10 years through outdoor education programs, science education programs, and as a support worker for children and adults with autism. I now am studying at the UBC Medical Program in Vancouver. My other interests include hiking, kayaking, travelling, reading, and soccer!

How did you become involved in the Reading Bear Society?

In first year, I had already committed to a Global Health FLEX project but was browsing the FLEX Catalogue to find other volunteer opportunities. I knew I wanted to continue my passion for working with kids throughout my years in medicine and immediately knew that the RBS was an organization that perfectly aligned with my interests in education, reading, and of course all the fun that comes along with it!

What is your current role with the RBS?

I am currently the Newsletter Co-Editor and a Dr. Bear visit volunteer.

What is your best memory of RBS?

The first Dr. Bear visit I conducted over zoom will always be a favourite memory of mine with RBS. I loved seeing the kids enthusiasm and of course their sweet teddy bears. I was also so impressed to witness the concentration and effort that the pre-K kids put into their “bear breathing” techniques to reduce anxiety, I can really see how RBS makes a difference in the lives of children & parents. I also loved meeting the rest of the RBS team and look forward to working with them further.