Volunteer Spotlight: Colleen Harper, Sharing the Joy of Books Every Week October 14, 2025
Every Tuesday at HelloBaby, families gather for one of our most beloved programs: Read Aloud with Colleen. At the heart of it is Colleen Harper, whose love of books and children lights up the room.
Read Aloud was launched by Ted Ratliff, who (along with his students at Lab School) continues to support the program with book donations and pop-up events.
Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Colleen grew up during the Troubles (a time of conflict in Northern Ireland) before moving to the United States in 1984 in search of adventure. That adventure led her to La Rabida Children’s Hospital, where she dedicated 35 years to caring for children—first as a physical therapist and later as director of all therapies and Child Life. After retiring in 2020, she immediately knew where she wanted to go next: HelloBaby.
Colleen first learned about HelloBaby years earlier when Debbie, HelloBaby’s founder, visited La Rabida to share her vision. The philosophy of not “pushing families from behind or leading them from in front, but walking beside them” resonated deeply. As someone who had always believed in the power of play and in supporting families with dignity, she decided that when retirement came, HelloBaby would be her next chapter.
Now, every week, Colleen shares her passion for reading with HelloBaby kids and families. “I was an only child and read from an early age—books were often my friends,” she says. “My husband, my son, my stepdaughters…we are all bookworms.” That lifelong love of books is something she now passes on to HelloBaby children, many of whom grow up to become confident, curious readers right before her eyes.
One of Colleen’s favorite memories is of a little girl who came in shy and hesitant, clinging tightly to her father. “He was convinced she would never be able to separate from him, thrive in school, or make friends,” she recalls. “By the time she turned three, she was the lady mayor of HelloBaby—she became a leader and a reader.”
For Colleen, volunteering at HelloBaby is about leveling the playing field. “The south side of Chicago is so under-resourced compared to the north side, and I am proud to be part of a team that offers quality resources at no cost. Zero to three years old is such a crucial learning time, and I want our kids to love reading and become lifelong readers.”
When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, her answer is simple: “Do it! It’s rewarding, it’s fun, and it’s a great team of people.”
We’re so grateful for Colleen Harper—for her dedication, her warmth, and the gift of reading she shares with our families each week.
Amanda Freeman / Marketing Manager