Category Archives: Volunteer Spotlight

HMT Board Spotlight: Velvet Simington

Velvet Simington is the Director of Math and Science for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and brings more than 30 years of experience as an educator and education leader. Velvet was an early partner in Heart’s expansion to Winston-Salem, serving on the steering committee and now Advisory Board. We’re deeply grateful for the perspective and leadership she brings to Heart’s mission.

What first drew you to Heart Math Tutoring?

As a math educator, I’ve seen how early experiences with math can either open doors for students or … continue reading

HMT Board Spotlight: Mark Petersma

Mark Petersma is the 787 Program CFO at Boeing, where he brings more than 15 years of experience in finance, strategy, and organizational leadership. He joined Heart Charleston’s Advisory Board in July 2024 and we’re grateful for the perspective and leadership he brings to Heart Math Tutoring’s mission.

What first drew you to Heart Math Tutoring?

When I relocated to Charleston from Seattle in 2023, I wanted to become more involved in the local community. Boeing’s community engagement team connected me with Heart and … continue reading

Volunteer Spotlight: Super Tutor Morris Rosen

As we head into another impactful year of tutoring, we are feeling grateful to Heart tutors, families, donors, and community partners for their dedication to Heart’s students’ success. It is a community effort to provide student support, and today, we’d like to shine the spotlight on a tutor who shows up each week for his students, Morris Rosen! Morris has volunteered with Heart for three years in addition to serving as a volunteer tutor with our fellow Charlotte nonprofit, Augustine Literacy Project. Read below … continue reading

2025 Volunteer Appreciation Month Spotlight Series

Heart Math Tutoring is excited to share that in the 2024/25 school year, over 1,400 volunteer tutors provided individualized math instruction and mentorship to students each week across the Carolinas. We are thankful for the time and talents of these volunteer tutors year-round, but we love having the opportunity each April during National Volunteer Appreciation Month to show our gratitude and to highlight the contributions of a few special tutors. Please see below for the volunteers featured in Heart’s 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Month Spotlight Series.… continue reading

Tutor Spotlight: LaShurn Purnell

This month, Heart Math Tutoring is proud to feature volunteer LaShurn Purnell! LaShurn began tutoring in the 2019/20 school year and since then, she has supported 9 individual students across 5 different Charlotte schools! Heart Program Coordinators know her as a “strong and consistent tutor,” and are grateful for her dedication to her students. LaShurn’s employer, Brighthouse Financial, has also been a long-time supporter of Heart Math Tutoring and is committed to positively impacting the lives of youth in the Charlotte community.

Read below to … continue reading