Volunteer Spotlight: Robin Ruhf

Welcome to our new Volunteer Spotlight series! Each month, New Haven Reads will highlight one of our spectacular volunteers. Read on to learn more about one of our Dixwell tutors, Robin Ruhf.

Robin Ruhf is a retired teacher who once headed Arts Programs and taught theater, among many other things. She considers herself a “teacher by calling”. At our Dixwell Site once a week, Robin spends an hour with Kwame. Each week Kwame looks forward to seeing Ms. Robin and working on Lexia. When asked about his favorite memory, Kwame recalls the gift Ms. Robin gave him the week after his birthday: a pen that could transform into a race car. Kwame and Robin have been reading about inventors and inventions lately. In addition to volunteering her time at New Haven Reads, Robin enjoys traveling, anything cultural and painting with watercolors.

When did you first begin tutoring at New Haven Reads?

I began last summer, and Kwame is my first student. Kwame tutors me in how to be a tutor.

What made you want to be involved? 

I had some time after I retired, and am very interested in the connection between creating, learning, and imagination.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at New Haven Reads?

The interaction with kids and seeing growth.

What keeps you coming back?

Watching the progress and cycles of learning.

Do you have a fun fact about yourself that you would like to share?

I was the first girl born on this particular Air Force base and had a plane named after me.

Thank you to Robin and all of our wonderful tutors!