Meet Words Alive’s Newest Board Members

By Steve Heide

Dan Gardenswartz and Steve Heide joined the Words Alive Board of Directors in September.  In common, Dan and Steve were initially introduced to Words Alive through their wives, who coincidentally both have backgrounds in education.  Now let’s meet them!

Tell us about yourself (work, personal life, hobbies/interests, etc.)

Dan Gardenswartz

Dan:  My work is a civil trial attorney with the local law firm know as Solomon Ward, where I focus on civil rights, employment, and business litigation.  I’ve been married for over 33 years and every year gets better, with three adult children.  My interests include mountain biking, running, kayaking, skiing, reading (especially physics for non-mathematically inclined) and deep conversations.

Steve Heide

Steve:  My wife, Gabrielle, and I are fairly recently retirees, and transplants from the Los Angeles area to San Diego when we retired about three years ago.  We have two adult children, one grandchild, and another grandbaby on the way.  As for hobbies and interests, grandparent-hood is at the very top of my list.  In addition, I love to cook and bake, and traveling is pretty high up there as well.  I’m also enjoying new experiences as we get to explore our relatively new hometown of San Diego, and all that the greater area has to offer.

How (and when) did you initially get involved with Words Alive?

Dan:  My wife, who is an educator, was a volunteer for several years, plus I’ve been a partner of current Board member Rick Seidenwurm and long-time Words Alive supporter Jeff Silberman.

Steve:  Gabrielle found Words Alive through HandsOn San Diego, which connects individuals and groups with local nonprofits.  That was in early 2025.  Gabrielle is a career public school educator, so right from the start the Words Alive mission resonated with us.  We started volunteering in “Where the Wild Books Are” service events, which we still do, by the way, and I was asked sometime thereafter to join the Finance and Audit Committees, prior to coming onto the Board.

Have you served on other boards of directors and/or been involved with other non-profits?

Dan:  Yes, I’ve served on a number of boards and worked with other nonprofits over the years, including as a current Board Member for the San Diego Diplomacy Council, past Board Chair of the Anti-Defamation League of Greater San Diego, and past board member of Charitable Auto Resources, Inc., among other leadership and charitable endeavors.

Steve:  I worked for a nonprofit social service agency that served children for a period of time, and I served as the treasurer for a community foundation as well.  I’ve also held various leadership and board positions, including as president, for a statewide nonprofit association for finance officers, with which I’m still involved. 

If you could have dinner with three authors (living or not), who and why?

Dan:  Socrates, Charles Darwin, and Christopher Hitchens, all of whom spoke truth to power in their own indelible ways.

Steve:  Stephen King, Ray Bradbury and Edgar Allen Poe.  I think it would make for an interesting dinner in a dark kind of way, plus Halloween is not far off, so why not?

Can you provide a fun or otherwise interesting fact about yourself?

Dan:  Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Steve:  I come from a family of recent immigrants.  My father immigrated to the states as an infant, and my mother was among the first generation of her family born in this country.

What do you hope to accomplish in your tenure on the Words Alive Board of Directors? 

Dan:  Improve the lives of the less fortunate one student at a time by improving the effectiveness of the organization in ways that best suit my skill set.

Steve:  Although I think (I know) that Gabrielle is infinitely more skilled than I am, I hope that in some small way, I can make a difference in Word Alive’s mission.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Dan:  Happy to be part of such a great organization.

Steve:  What Dan said!

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Dan Gardenswartz is an attorney with Solomon Ward.  In his daily practice, Dan advises senior executives, business owners, and in-house counsel on any number of legal issues, including compliance, investigatory, strategic, affirmative relief and defensive strategies.  Dan continues to participate in and heavily encourage other Solomon Ward lawyers to engage in pro bono activities and various charitable endeavors. Examples of this include pro bono work for Kitchens for Good, Inc., fundraising and gift-giving drives for San Diego Rescue Mission, Serving Seniors, Feeding America and Coastal Cleanup Day. Dan also currently advises and has served on – and frequently led – several local non-profit organizations.

Steve Heide is a certified public accountant and recent retiree.  Over a professional working career spanning some 36 years, Steve held a number of finance, accounting and management positions in private industry, not-for-profits and local government.  He has a proud history of professional association and volunteerism with non-profits.  Steve continues to actively maintain his California CPA license, and is enjoying this next exciting life chapter, including give back to his community through volunteerism. 

Mary Tibiatowski: Words Alive's October Volunteer of the Month!

Written by Robyn Grand

This October we’re excited to recognize Mary Tibiatowski as our Volunteer of the Month!

Mary prepares to distribute Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin.

Mary joined the Words Alive family four years ago after discovering us through California Volunteers and supports multiple areas of Words Alive through her volunteer service, including Words on Wheels, our newest volunteer team. Our Words on Wheels drivers help distribute books and other literacy resources to our partners and program participants all over San Diego county. Complete our interest form to be among the first to learn about upcoming distributions!

Mary is also a regular face at our Where the Wild Books Are service events where she helps prepare Learning Kit craft activities for our classroom programs. We’ve just added new dates for these service events through the end of November! All events run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Words Alive office, located at 770 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101. Register here to join us at an upcoming event.

Mary (right) prepares Learning Kits at a Where the Wild Books Are service event.

During the summer months, Mary participates in the Page Turners where she reads and reviews books Words Alive is considering for classroom programming. Mary has helped Words Alive identify several books for use in our programs, including Breathing Makes it Better: A Book for Sad Days, Mad Days, Glad Days, and All the Feelings In-Between by Christopher Willard, Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky, and Fear Not! How to Face Your Fear and Anxiety Head-On! by Christina Furnival. If you’re looking for a new book to read, check out our reading list here.

When she isn’t participating in one of these impactful roles, Mary can be found in the classroom supporting the Read Aloud program. This year she is excited to be reading to four classrooms at Hamilton Elementary, an experience she intentionally sought out in her retirement.

“When my granddaughter was in school, they had what they called Family Reading Day.” Mary shared, “Since her folks worked, I would be her representative and go to the school and read. If there were kiddos who didn’t have any representation from their families, they could join our group, and it was just so much fun! I could tell that the kids loved it and looked forward to it, and got me interested in doing this as a project after I retired… I found Words Alive and it’s a perfect fit!”

Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor

When asked if she had a favorite moment from volunteering with Words Alive, Mary excitedly told me about an experience she had reading Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You by Sonia Sotomayor, a book that explores different types of disabilities and accessibility devices, in the Read Aloud program last year.

“There was one kid in the class that always sat right up next to me but never talked. We came to stuttering in the book and there was a little rumble in the class. I asked, ‘hmm, does anyone know somebody who stutters?’ and that kid got so excited! ‘I stutter!’ he exclaimed, and he was so excited because he was in the book. It brought tears to my eyes and what I loved about it was how the class was so supportive. They were all excited because he was in the book, and he felt like a hero.”    

Have you been thinking about volunteering with Words Alive? Mary has a message for you: “Do it! Do it! Do it! Sign up today!”

We couldn’t agree more, Mary!

Book Q&A

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Did you have a favorite book growing up, or is there a book that’s had a big impact on you?

I was an Anne of Green Gables girl! When I started reading Anne of Green Gables, that would be my Christmas gift, the next book in the series, and then for my birthday I would get the next book. That’s how special Anne of Green Gables was to me. It was my present.

Do you have a specific memory of reading with a caring adult from when you were a child?

The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess.

My grandmother always read to us, but she, of all things, read me The Burgess Bird Book by Thornton W. Burgess. I learned to identify birds when I was in elementary school. I’m not a birder out there with my binoculars in the rain or anything, but it was another avenue of interest to me. When I see interesting birds, oftentimes I know what they are and can talk about them and that’s what I remember most.

What are you currently reading, or do you have a favorite book to recommend to others?

My favorite current book is Culpability by Bruce Holsinger it’s about the impact of culpability of AI. It’s about a car wreck in a self-driving car. I’m also reading Lost Souls Meet Under the Full Moon by Mizuki Tsujimura. It’s set in Japan and it’s about the people they call “go betweens” who can set up meetings between people who are still hear and people who have passed [away] and explores why do people want to see someone who has passed and do they accomplish what they thought they wanted.

Meet Oli

Written by Vikki Bowes-Mok

Words Alive recently welcomed Oli Loeffler (they/them) as our Development Coordinator.

Oli Loeffler grew up in Southern Orange County where they studied at Irvine Valley Community College before graduating with a bachelor’s of arts in political science from California State Polytechnic University of Pomona in the spring of 2020. They just started their final year of a Master of Arts program in Communication at San Diego State University. When they aren’t working, they love watching any good horror movies, documentaries or docuseries, reading, hiking, or spending time finding new food locations with friends.

Now, a few words from Oli:

What intrigued you about Words Alive?

I think things can seem quite bleak these days, especially if you keep up with the news regularly, but Words Alive really embodies the practice of community taking care of community. In most of my past roles, I’ve started out a step removed from the people directly impacted by the work. But at Words Alive, being supported and led by such dedicated volunteers and community members has been a powerful reminder of why this work matters. It’s rare to find a role that so fully aligns with my passions and connects me to the people we are serving. I’m grateful to have found that at Words Alive.

What are you most excited about in this position?

I’m quite excited to be on the development team for the organization. Whether it’s helping grow our list donors, expanding our impact in the region, or working on our monthly newsletters, I love being a part of every project. It’s just exciting to wake up and know that you’re making a difference just by showing up to work!

What is your relationship with literacy and learning?

I’ve always had a close relationship with literacy and learning. With a mother and father who both received higher education degrees and were avid readers, my brother and I were raised with a sincere passion for learning. That said, I do recognize the privilege that came with having my own personal library and access to educational resources that others didn’t have. That’s one of the major reasons that I’ve loved teaching and coaching Speech and Debate for the last nearly decade of my life. Making the same skills, resources and support that I had available to me accessible to my students is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve been able to do with my life so far.

What are you currently reading?

I’m making my way through Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, but it’s unfortunately been put on the backburner since the fall semester started for my graduate program. However, I can always be found reading some kind of critical philosophy or communication article for school as well!

Emily Mason: Words Alive's September 2025 Volunteer of the Month

Emily revealing KPBS’ One Book, One San Diego 2025 Children’s selection: The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi at the first annual KPBS Book Festival.

Words Alive is thrilled to celebrate Emily Mason as our September Volunteer of the Month! Emily recently represented Words Alive as the MC for the children’s Story Stage at the inaugural KBPS Book Festival, demonstrating reading strategies and sharing her love of reading with families attending the event. When she isn’t rocking the microphone, Emily can be found supporting the Read Aloud program.

Emily first discovered Words Alive through a referral from one of our community partners in 2020. As a former English teacher, she wanted to volunteer with an organization focused on literacy and discovered the San Diego Council on Literacy through a Google search. Partnerships with community organizations, like the San Diego Council on Literacy, help Words Alive find and recruit passionate volunteers just like Emily. Words Alive’s mission aligned with Emily’s vision of her volunteer service, and the rest was history.

When asked if she remembered her first volunteer role at Words Alive, Emily immediately recalled her time with the Thank You Troop. She connected with projects the Thank You Troop worked on, like making brief thank you calls to volunteers and donors supporting Words Alive. Emily’s favorite part? Connecting with the passionate reader on the other end of the phone line and thanking them for helping the next generation fall in love with reading too.

Emily (bottom left) with the Community Outreach Team at the first annual KPBS Book Festival.

Emily credits her time supporting the Thank You Troop with falling in love with Words Alive, “It’s a brilliant idea!”

Recently re-launched as Thank You Thursdays, participants get the opportunity to celebrate and connect with other volunteers as they support recognition efforts for the organization by making thank you calls, preparing mailings, and completing other office-related tasks. Learn more about the volunteer opportunity through our partnership with HandsOn San Diego here.

As much as she loved the Thank You Troop, it wasn’t long before Emily found her way into one of Words Alive’s classrooms as a Reading Role Model with the Read Aloud Program. Jumping right in with four classrooms at Rolondo Park Elementary, Emily reflected that her primary motivation when she started volunteering was to give back to her community. She wasn’t anticipating that her community would give back to her. Emily’s time in the classroom reading to students became the highlight of her week:

Emily reads to one of her classrooms. Photo credit: San Diego Sun

 “[The children] would rush up to me and give me hugs, show me what they’re working on… I’m going [into the classroom] and I’m getting my energy and soul fed. The kids are absolutely wonderful.”

New Read Aloud volunteers may recognize Emily as one of the trainers for the Read Aloud Program. When asked how she enjoys the opportunity to support volunteers new to Words Alive, she immediately exclaimed, “Oh, I love it! I’m a trainer at heart” with pride and excitement in her voice.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to volunteer with Words Alive, Emily wants you to know that time is right now: “Do you believe in the power of what literacy can do? If that’s an automatic yes, you should [volunteer]”.

Emily is inspired by the ripple effect that is created by Words Alive’s Reading Role Models:

               “Kids get to learn about books that they never had an opportunity to. You spark imagination, spark conversation, institute critical thinking in kids and you make reading fun… kids need to see reading as being a fun thing to do. Words Alive does a phenomenal job doing that especially with the books they curate for each grade.”

There is still time to secure your spot in the classroom during the 2025-26 school year. Register for the next classroom information session, taking place on Thursday, October 16th, at the Words Alive office (770 Park Blvd San Diego CA 92101) to get started.

When asked if she had any advice for new Read Aloud volunteers, Emily chuckled.

“Never ask for hugs from the whole class at the same time,” Emily shared, “You’ll fall over.”

Thanks for the tip, Emily!

Book Q&A

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt.

What is your favorite book in the Read Aloud program?

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt.

Did you have a favorite book growing up, or is there a book that has had a big impact on you?

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parrish

The first books that I fell in love with were by Margaret Hillert. I wasn’t a strong reader as a kid, and I liked these books because I started to memorize them, and it made me feel confident that I was actually reading.

The other book that comes to mind is Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish. She was so funny!

Do you have a special memory of reading with a caring adult from when you were a child?

In 6th grade there was a teacher named Mrs. Libert. Right after recess she would read to us, and it was a book that took several weeks to get through to get kids refocused. I remember being so invested in this book, Danny Champion of the Word by Roald Dahl, that I remember telling the other kids to be quiet so we could go inside to read more of the book!

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders by Michael D. Watkins

What are you currently reading, or do you have a favorite book to recommend to others?
The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders by Michael D. Watkins

Grow Where You Are Planted: The Stories That Root Us

BY MELINDA CASEY

DIRECTOR OF LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT

“Though the wind is howling, I am rooted like the trees.”
—Gloria Anzaldúa, Borderlands/La Frontera

This year, we are inviting readers of all ages to grow curious about their roots with stories that ground us in place, in purpose, and in connection. Our 2025–26 theme, Grow Where You Are Planted: The Stories That Root Us, explores the powerful links between literacy, the natural world, and our individual and shared identities.

We are celebrating books that explore our relationship with nature, place, identity, and community, and we invite young readers to explore the idea that stories, like people and plants, take root when nurtured.

Read Aloud Program reader sharing their curriculum-backed learning kit craft

WHY STEM AND STORYTELLING BELONG TOGETHER

Children are naturally curious! They wonder why the sky changes color, how a bear survives the winter, and what lives under a rock. When we combine this natural wonder with stories that explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), we help children develop not only literacy skills but also the tools to understand and care for their world.

At Words Alive, we know that when children, youth, and families feel connected to the world around them, whole communities thrive. This is why we’ve integrated a curriculum-backed learning kit into every program at our 26-year-old organization. Ensuring readers have fun while they engage with our books and materials is forefront of every decision we make - small and large.

Words Alive’s STEM themed learning kit template for the book Dig, Dig, Digging

A 2024 study in the International Journal of the Whole Child found that authentic STEM experiences in early childhood support creativity, observation, and long-term academic growth.

Dr. Sally Moomaw’s “Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom” (2023) shows that children thrive when science and storytelling are connected through rich language and hands-on exploration.

BOOKS THAT HELP US GROW

The stories in this year’s program help readers explore both the world around them and the world within. Centered in nature, identity, or resilience, each one shows how growth is shaped by connection to place, people, and purpose.

For young readers:

The Earth Book by Todd Parr (2010)

A bright and engaging book that helps kids understand why protecting the Earth matters and shows easy actions they can take to make a difference.

Counting Lions by Katie Cotton (2015)

A beautifully illustrated counting book that blends poetic language with portraits of endangered animals, encouraging both awe and advocacy.

Step Gently Out by Helen Frost and Rick Lieder (2012)
A quiet invitation to pause, observe, and connect with the small, often overlooked parts of nature all around us.

Early reader shares a book with her caregiver in the Let’s Read family literacy program

For youth and teen readers:

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014)
A memoir in verse about growing up Black and female in the American South, and finding power through words and memory.

El Deafo by Cece Bell (2014)
A graphic novel that explores disability, identity, and belonging through the lens of childhood and superhero imagination.

The Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur (1999)
A collection of poems about struggle, survival, and beauty rooted in unexpected places.

These books remind us that growth is not only about stretching upward. It is also about where we’re planted, how we connect, and the stories we carry with us as we grow.

Book Group participants create their own graphic tales at College-Rolando library

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR

This theme will guide every part of Words Alive’s work this year. You will see it in our curated reading lists, in the way we train volunteers to ask open-ended questions, and in the hands-on activities we offer participants to deepen engagement with text. Our readers will be invited to observe the world like scientists, reflect like poets, and respond with care and curiosity.

When we grow where we are planted, we honor our environments, our stories, and our communities. And when we do that together, through shared reading and learning, we help young people grow strong, rooted, and ready for anything.

Are you interested in building the movement to make reading matter? Visit www.wordsalive.org/becomeavolunteer.

Young readers explore The Very Impatient Caterpillar after receiving the book and learning kit to keep

References

• Stone, B. (2024). The impact of authentic early childhood STEM experiences on cognitive development. International Journal of the Whole Child. ERIC

• Moomaw, S. (2023). Teaching STEM in the Preschool Classroom: Exploring Big Ideas with 3- to 5-Year-Olds. Teachers College Press.

• Movahedazarhouligh, S., et al. (2023). STEM Integrated Curriculums in Early Childhood Education: An Exploration of Teachers' Pedagogical Beliefs and Practices. Research Gate.

Click here to explore many of the books we are using that are tied to this year’s program theme!

Words Alive receives a portion of the proceeds of any items purchased from this list.

Claire Jakovac: Words Alive's August 2025 Volunteer of the Month

By Robyn Grand, Community Engagement Manager

Words Alive is excited to honor Claire Jakovac as our August Volunteer of the Month!

Claire first joined Words Alive in January 2024 while she was taking a break from working. At the time, Claire was looking for ways to support her community that would leave her feeling like she “did something good at the end of the day.” When she first started attending our Where the Wild Books Are service events at the Words Alive office, Claire helped receive and assemble the shelving units used to organize inventory for our classroom programs. While she enjoyed the activities at the service events, she knew she had other skill sets where she could lend a hand.

Aside from volunteering with Words Alive, Claire also supports the Data Science Alliance in San Diego, helping nonprofit organizations with data-based projects. Claire has brought her interest in data analysis to Words Alive, where she hoped to build on her professional skillset.

“I wanted to apply what I was learning to a real situation, and I was already volunteering with Words Alive. I was like, ‘Do you guys need data? Cause that would be ideal.’”

It wasn’t long before Words Alive’s Learning & Engagement Team took Claire up on her offer to support the evaluation and impact reporting process for our Read Aloud Program.

Claire spoke with pride about helping design questions and analyze data to support impact reporting and program improvement.

“How do you ask a child a question in such that they understand it? Because if you say, ‘Do you like to read?’ sometimes they’re like, ‘I don’t know.’ [Instead, we can ask] ‘Do you like to read a lot? Do you like to read a little? Do you have a favorite book? Is it that you like so many books that you don’t have a favorite book, or is it that you don’t like books?’”

When asked if she thought Words Alive was a valuable place to practice building on professional skills, Claire responded:

“I would say so, 100%. The data project was my first where I was working with real data instead of a pretend data set online, and that was a really significant experience [for me]. I think this was a nice place to gently ease back into more professional atmosphere in a way that would be very wholesome and help get me back into the flow of things.”

One of Claire’s favorite volunteer moments was the process of changing the survey questions from open-ended questions to multiple choice questions. Changing the question format and seeing those changes reflected in the data collection was a really rewarding moment.

Reflecting on major takeaways from the data, Claire noted, “Most of [the kids] - like, 80% - are like, ‘I just like a lot of books.’”

We love to see it! Thank you, Claire, for the creativity and dedication you’ve brought to this project!

Book Q&A

Did you have a favorite book growing up, or is there a book that’s had a big impact on you?

King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. It’s a horse book. I was a very horse obsessed child. Before this [book], my mom had always read to me. This was the first book where the book was so good, I wouldn’t put it down. I kept saying “another chapter, another chapter, another chapter!” Finally, she reached a point where she said, “maybe if you want to keep reading, you should finish it yourself.” I just said, “okay!” and I picked it up - and that’s the first book I remember reading myself because it was so good, I just had to keep going.

Do you have a specific memory of reading with a caring adult from when you were a child?

I was homeschooled and my mom would read history lessons to me and would make it like a story, which made it a lot more engaging.

What are you currently reading, or do you have a favorite book to recommend to others?

Right now, I’m reading The Secret Lives of Numbers: A History of Math’s Unsung Trailblazers by Kate Kitagawa and Timothy Revell. It’s interesting. It’s a history of numbers, math, and human discoveries about it. It also focuses on people we don’t always hear about in traditional histories because their stories have been pushed to the side. It focuses on their contributions to mathematics and has been super cool to read.

Bringing Words Alive

Words Alive staff and volunteers in our classroom and family reading programs apply proven techniques that work for getting - and keeping - kids engaged with books.

We are sharing those techniques here to help you keep the kids you love reading all year round!

Reading with Younger Children:

• Make a Reading Time: Pick a special time each day to read together - before bed or after dinner, or any quiet time during the day. Sharing stories every day helps make reading a habit.

• Try Different Kinds of Books: Explore fun stories, true facts, poems, and comic books. Trying a variety of genres increases the fun while sparking curiosity in new topics!

• Visit the Library: Visit often and explore. Let your child pick out books they like and ask why they made their selections. 

• Talk About the Books: Ask your child what they’re reading. Discuss characters, the story, and their favorite parts of the book. This helps them deepen their understanding the book and find connections that relate to their lives.

• Be a Reading Role Model: Let your child see you reading too! Share what you’re reading and why you like it. Showing children that reading is fun for everyone encourages them to develop an identity as a reader.

Reading with Older Children and Teens:

• Explore Together: Finding a book that interests your reader helps them get off on the right foot. Look at reading lists with your reader.  Options include online sources like Goodreads, Seventeen: 56 Books for Teens, and  Teen Vogue’s Summer Reading List. At the library, try skimming book covers, descriptions, and reviews. Asking for suggestions from the Youth Services Librarian is always helpful too. 

• Consider the Reading Level: If a book is too hard for your reader, there's a good chance they'll give up. If a book is too easy, a reader may find the content too simple and not interesting.

• Pick Books They’ll Enjoy: School summer reading lists have their place and purpose, and may also be enjoyable, but if you want an older child or teen to read, it’s important that they find something captivating in the story or can see themselves in the story.

• Consider an Incentive: Particularly for reluctant readers, setting goals capped off by a prize can be a motivator. For example, finish one book, then three, then five with a modest reward at each stage can help keep things moving through the summer.  You know what will 'reward' the reader best, whether it is ice cream, a trip to a favorite store, or a day off from chores!

• Read Alongside: Young people learn by observing, sometimes even better than being instructed. Set a goal (reading a chapter, a certain number of pages, a book) by a certain time, then sit down with each other over a favorite snack and talk about what you each enjoyed, learned, and didn't like. Then, pick the next book to read together. Show them reading is important and fun.  

• Read Out Loud: Especially when reading in a second language, reading out loud, together, can help develop the skill of reading for meaning (phrasing, learning how to pause at punctuation) as opposed to simply translating words.

Learn More!

Follow @WordsAliveSD on social media for more tips on how to inspire a love of reading in the young people in your life!

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Bryce Benson: Words Alive’s July 2025 Volunteer of the Month

BY: BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

Words Alive is pleased to honor Bryce Benson as our July Volunteer of the Month!

Bryce is a senior at High Tech High and has been a part of the Words Alive family since earlier this year, when he started as a volunteer in Teen Volunteers in Action (TVIA). He completed a month-long volunteer internship in May, where he prepped Family Literacy Program materials, assisted the Development Team with mailings, and did a range of other tasks in the office.

Bryce took advantage of every opportunity and was able to learn about how a nonprofit organization functions. His spirit and curiosity were able to enlighten every one of our Words Alive staff!

Volunteering has been a significant part of Bryce’s life since he was young:

“Growing up, I would join friends and family for volunteering. Seeing the direct impact my help had on others blossomed my love for volunteering. Currently, I help out at a variety of nonprofits across San Diego via teen volunteer organizations. When I volunteered at Words Alive, I was incredibly touched by their mission and their accepting atmosphere. I reached out to Words Alive to ask if I could get more involved with them through an internship. Ever since then, I've loved helping out at Words Alive!”

One of Bryce’s favorite moments was getting to jump into a Read Aloud Program classroom.

“Up to that point, I had been preparing kits and handling tasks to help the Read Aloud Program function. Doing the preparation is important and rewarding, but being able to step into the classroom is especially satisfying. I assisted in several class readings and games,” Bryce said. “As we read, I could see the kids earnestly engaging with the book. Their excitement started rubbing off on me, and by the end of each class, my grin was as earnest as their smiles. It reminded me that reading is important, reading is playful, and reading is fun.”

The internship experience also gave him a behind-the-scenes look at nonprofit work:

“Interning at Words Alive has enriched my understanding and appreciation of how a nonprofit operates. After mentioning that I was interested in understanding how a nonprofit functions, the team went above and beyond, breaking down the different parts of Words Alive. Every team member individually talked to me about how their role contributes to the organization. I had meetings that discussed how a nonprofit balanced finance, adjusted scope, coordinated volunteers, organized donations, and provided a plethora of invaluable advice I hope to use as I get involved with nonprofits throughout my life. Most importantly, interning at Words Alive has built up my confidence working in tandem with a team. Everyone was someone I could rely on and get great advice from, and that pushed me to be a person they could rely on. I gained a lot from Words Alive, and I'm very thankful to them!”

For Bryce, Words Alive is the ideal example of what volunteering should and can look like: showing up with curiosity, care, and a learner’s mindset. Bryce’s time with Words Alive has illustrated that program materials, in-classroom support, and behind-the-scenes support are all crucial for Words Alive to deliver our mission.

Thank you, Bryce, for your passion, your heart, and your work ethic. You’ve done so much for our community!

Book Q&A

Did you have a favorite book growing up, or is there a book that’s had a big impact on you?

While not a book in the traditional sense, the piles of books I've accumulated for Dungeons and Dragons and other storytelling games have shaped me. I've spent hundreds of hours poring over different texts discussing story settings, game mechanics, and storytelling advice. Since Elementary, I've been gathering friends for story crafting and Hijinx. Playing storytelling games has made me into a better person: I'm now better at incorporating others' ideas, critically thinking, understanding relationships, and making decisive decisions because of storytelling games. Some of my favorite memories are spent around the table, laughing with my friends as our story unfolds. Words Alive cares about making reading fun, and storytelling games let you iterate on things you've read playfully.

What are you currently reading, or do you have a favorite book to recommend to others?

A favorite of mine is Anxious People by Fredrick Backman. It is a witty, whimsical, and endearing story that explores how people navigate human connection in their own uniquely complex ways. In the beginning, a botched bank robbery forces the perpetrator to hold an open house hostage. The story then evolves as these complex and awkward characters learn that everyone is beautifully strange in their own way. If you're looking for a story that explores empathy, the search for meaning, and kindness in the most challenging circumstances, all told through sharp dialogue, Anxious People is the book for you.

Where Stories Come Alive: Inside the Read Aloud Program at Central Elementary School

 BY: BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

As part of my internship at Words Alive, I had the pleasure of visiting Mrs. Zimman and her wonderful first-grade students at Escondido’s Central Elementary School. I was thrilled to attend the final Read Aloud Program session of the school year. In the Read Aloud Program, a volunteer comes into the classroom each week to read with the students for 30 fun and engaging minutes. This session was led by Words Alive volunteer Lynne Rossman.

The room buzzed with excitement since it was the last session of the year. The moment Lynne walked in, students ran up with big smiles and happy hugs. They handed her a colorful thank you poster that was full of kind words and love. In return, Lynne surprised each child with a heart-shaped paper full of special words just for them!

Lynne started the session by introducing the book Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival. This book delivers a heartfelt story about coping with anxiety. Before starting the book, Lynne engaged the students by asking questions and warmly encouraging students to share their feelings and thoughts.

The room filled with wonder each time she turned a page. Eyes wide and alert, the children leaned forward to follow Ruby's adventure with her persistent big yellow worry. Lynne’s compassionate and energetic voice made the story come alive for everyone listening. 

To celebrate their final Read Aloud Program session of the year,  students received fun packages containing a pencil pouch stocked with colorful pencils along with erasers and sharpeners. The thoughtful little gifts proved to be excellent tools for inspiring creativity and extending learning beyond classroom walls. 

Then came the moment everyone least expected…

Just as everyone thought the celebration was wrapping up, Lynne announced a special giveaway from Words Alive: Every student received their own copy of Ruby Finds a Worry to add to their personal library! The room erupted into gasps and cheers when students learned about the news. The students showed their excitement by hugging their books and showing it off to their classmates.  

Words Alive helps kids develop a love for reading while building community bonds through its programs. This session demonstrated the powerful effect of stories and storytellers uniting together. I am so grateful  I had the opportunity to witness and be part of an amazing program!

Interested in becoming a volunteer reader? Click here to learn more!

www.wordsalive.org/becomeavolunteer

Art Director of Wepa Visits Valencia Park Elementary to Inspire Young Creators

BY: BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

In May, more than 200 elementary students at Valencia Park in San Diego’s Skyline neighborhood enjoyed a special meeting with Haydee Yanez, who directed the artwork for the vibrant bilingual children’s book Wepa. Thanks to Words Alive, students from pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at how books are created and saw that they, too, can become storytellers.

Across eight classrooms enrolled in our Read Aloud Program, Haydee conducted four interactive sessions which helped students understand how Wepa was created. She explained how books come to life by detailing the functions of writer, illustrator, editor, printer, and art director. Her friendly and accessible approach prompted students to inquire about topics such as book publishing timelines and the inspiration behind authorial works.

The students were especially excited to meet someone whose background and experiences felt familiar to their own. After moving from Mexico to San Diego, Haydee spent more than ten years writing children’s books about identity, culture, and imagination. Students showed their appreciation by bringing their Wepa copies to get them signed, which led to an unforgettable celebration. 

The author, J de laVega, and Haydee’s artistic direction create Wepa, which follows Mia Emilia Lucia Renata, who discovers joy and balance through dance and healthy activities. 

The book enables young readers to explore ADHD and neurodiversity while learning about self-expression through joyful and supportive means. The vibrant images and dual-language presentation of the book mirror the multicultural societies it depicts.

Words Alive inspire a love of reading through these visits by linking children with stories and authors, while building curiosity and broadening their perception of possible opportunities. We thank Haydee Yanez for her shared creativity and time, as well as the educators and staff of Valencia Park Elementary for their warm reception into their classrooms!