NKDO Announces 2025 Volunteers of the Year
NKDO members who have been named Volunteers of the Year: Billie LaVallee, Katharine Carney, Francis Beaumier, Michelle Shaw, and Clay Hopkins
NKDO is proud to highlight the hard work and accomplishments of five outstanding members who have gone above and beyond this year to contribute their time and energy to participating in vital programming to support our mission.
Billie LaVallee, Windham, ME
From Sarah Benson, NKDO’s Donor Navigator Team Leader: Billie has been a longtime NKDO volunteer who brings endless positivity and compassion to our community. She plays a vital role supporting liver donors, offering encouragement and steady guidance that truly make a difference.
Quote from Billie: “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to share my organ donation experience with others. My NKDO mentor was invaluable to me when I was considering becoming a living liver donor. Her insight helped me to feel informed, prepared and confident in my decision.”
Katharine Carney, Arlington, VA
From Sarah Benson, NKDO’s Donor Navigator Team Leader: Katharine has been part of NKDO’s volunteer team for many years, sharing her kindness and uplifting energy with every kidney donor she mentors. Her genuine care and optimism help donors feel supported every step of the way.
Quote from Katharine: “As a NKDO volunteer in the community of fellow living donors, I am among the most nurturing and inspirational people around. ANYONE who is healthy enough can give the gift of life while they are living, and reap the rewards of that act in their OWN life. I treasure my volunteer mission to support and educate others considering giving this huge gift of living kidney donation.”
Francis Beaumier, Green Bay, WI
From Emily Polet-Monterosso, NKDO’s Executive Director: I can trace an email back to October of 2024, when the seed of the idea of the Community Ambassadors program was first beginning to be planted, and Francis was the first person to respond to my email inquiry to express interest in the program. Francis, a living kidney and liver donor, began officially representing NKDO as a Community Ambassador this September, but since that time has already put in the effort and energy to orchestrate attending four local community events. He is now also beginning to volunteer as a moderator with the Engage Ask Me Anything sessions. We can’t wait to see how he grows with us!
Quote from Francis: “For me, it’s all about planting the seeds. At my booth at our local pride event, I had one recent high school grad who gave me a ‘huh, I could donate a kidney’ and took a brochure, so I definitely consider that a win. There’s a whole lot of life left for that seed to grow.”
Michelle Shaw, Stone Mountain, GA
From Emily Polet-Monterosso, NKDO’s Executive Director: Michelle has been a Community Ambassador since the inception of the program, finding several receptive venues in her community to share information about living kidney donation. She, along with a friend who is a kidney and liver recipient of 20 years, have attended the volunteer events she has organized, and has reported having meaningful conversations with a high percentage of the people in attendance at those events. We are thrilled to have her as a part of our volunteer team!
Quote from Michelle: “I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the NKDO table at several blood drives. It has been wonderful to chat with people who never thought about donating a kidney before but are willing to consider it and people who know people in need of a kidney. I have also run into someone else who donated a kidney who was willing to share her very interesting donation story. I’m looking forward to doing more of these drives.”
Clay Hopkins, Garner, NC
From Emily Polet-Monterosso, NKDO’s Executive Director: Clay has expressed enthusiasm for helping NKDO execute its mission since his donation in mid-2024. A dedicated Community Ambassador, he’s also participated in committee work, initiatives to get the Abundant film screened locally, and has made himself available to the leadership team at NKDO to help in whatever capacity we need support. We are so grateful for his involvement!
Quote from Clay: “Being able to speak to my local community about the need for living donors and having the support and materials to provide information is amazing. I would recommend anyone with any connection in the kidney sphere get involved with this organization.”
NKDO is tremendously grateful for the hard work and dedication of all of our volunteers this year. We could not do what we do without our members partnering with us to achieve our mission!
To get plugged in as a volunteer with NKDO, head to https://www.nkdo.org/volunteer .