2024 Volunteer of the Year: Jane Hopkins

Every year, Words Alive celebrates a Volunteer of the Year whose passion and commitment to Words Alive’s mission creates a truly extraordinary impact in our community. After a decade of bringing stories alive in English and Spanish to hundreds of elementary school students, Words Alive is honored to recognize Jane Hopkins as the 2024 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year.

Born to a family of educators, literacy and education have always been core values for Jane. Her work as a bilingual reading specialist with San Diego elementary students introduced her to Rolling Readers, a nonprofit classroom reading organization. Her passionate volunteer service eventually led to serving on the Board of Directors of Rolling Readers, including being elected to Board Chair in 2009.

Jane and Bruce at Words Alive’s 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

Jane joined the Words Alive community in 2014, when Words Alive merged with Rolling Readers to create our Read Aloud Program. She and her husband, Bruce, quickly became beloved members of the Words Alive family. They were even jointly recognized as Read Aloud Program Volunteers of the Year at Words Alive’s 2014 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration!

Jane and Bruce’s passion for literacy shines through in their family, including a son who majored in English, a romance novelist daughter-in-law, and a five-year-old granddaughter who absolutely loves reading! Bruce passed away in 2022, though his legacy of service and learning lives on.

Today, Jane volunteers in eight classes at Burbank Elementary and Emerson Elementary. Jane also serves as a site lead for her schools, coordinating book deliveries and tirelessly recruiting new families to enroll in Words Alive’s programming.

Jane is also a remarkable fundraiser. She has volunteered for Champions for Youth - Words Alive’s largest fundraiser - every year we have participated, raising a total of nearly $20,000 by mobilizing her community to invest in Words Alive’s mission.

A cornerstone of the Read Aloud Program is the relationship built between the volunteer “reading role model” and the students they share stories with every week. Even years after Jane volunteered in their classroom, students will eagerly approach her to share memories of their time together and declare they still have the books she gave them!

Words Alive thanks Jane for her years of dedicated service and the impact she has made on countless young readers!

Meet Pranusha, our April Page Turner of the Month!

Page Turner of the Month!

This April, we are happy to recognize Pranusha Appanabhotla as Page Turner of the month! Pranusha has been a Page Turner since November 2022 and has since read fourteen books, totaling 36.5 hours and 2,918 pages.

1. Can you give a brief introduction of who you are? (As much as you’re willing to share)

Hello! I am Pranusha (she/her)! I'm a 7th grader who loves and enjoys reading books, writing, drawing, and building!! I'm very excited to be part of the Page turners community which helps me get closer to my interests, and help others at the same time!

2. How did you come across Page Turners/Words Alive?

A teacher recommended it to me!!

3. What are your hobbies/interests outside of volunteering?

My hobbies are reading, writing stories, STEM building, and drawing!

4. Has reading with Page Turners impacted your perspective on society or your community?

I have many hobbies reading and writing which would be my top favorites! To see that by reading I can help my community and others around me brings me joy, especially since technology has taken over many lives! By reading Pageturner's books, I know more about the world around me as well!

5. What is your favorite book(s) so far?

My favorite books are "Mananland", "Apple: Skin to the Core", and "Guero"...These books all focus on people outside my culture, who have many different experiences!

Shout out to Pranusha for all the time she’s dedicated to Words Alive! We are so thankful for their participation and dedication. 

If you would like to join Pranusha in their participation, you can sign up to be a Page Turner here.  

2024 Weekly Warrior of the Year: Karen Miller

By vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Karen Miller is Words Alive’s Weekly Warrior of the Year.

Week after week, Karen is a huge asset to our Learning Kit assembly team, improving processes and leveling up materials while patiently showing new volunteers the ropes. With an incredible eye for detail, her quality control ensures no child receives a kit missing a pom pom or googly eye!

By day, Karen is a quilter making treasures to donate to local children’s organizations. By night, she crochets baby beanies for Mary Birch Hospital and cuts/counts take-home projects for Words Alive. She has three grandchildren whom she adores and they love to ride roller coasters together. She recently began playing mahjong and is hooked.

Now let’s hear from Karen about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

Having taught preschool for 25 years, the mission of Words Alive is a natural fit for me. Children + Teachers + Books = Perfect Trifecta! I also value their inclusive philosophy, respecting each staff person and volunteer as an individual. I love the vibe at Words Alive. It's a happy, vibrant place, buzzing with productivity and camaraderie every week. I look at assembling the learning kits as wrapping a gift and I picture the children opening their gift with a bright smile and diving into a new book. Now, that's a beautiful thing.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Each week I’m reminded that many hands make “work” fun. I enjoy talking with volunteers and hearing their life experiences. I soak up their ideas and methods for a new or better way to get the job done. With Alex’s operations leadership and enthusiasm, Weekly Warriors is thriving and I’m so happy to be a part of the team.

What are you reading right now?

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Yes, that War and Peace. It’s a challenge and I’ve given myself permission to not finish it, if it comes to that.

Any book recommendations?

On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. Difficult subject matter yet the most beautifully written prose I've ever read. I learned that the author is a poet and this is his first novel. Bravo! (His name drew me in too.) 

Apeirogon by Colum McCann. I saw this book on the library shelf and said, “I don't even know what that word means.” So I googled the definition, read the book, and then was compelled to research further and watch interviews with the author and the story's real life dads. What a visceral reading experience — is this a true story, are they really forced to live like this, it’s unstable and confused — all of which the author said was intentional because that's the daily reality of the region and the people. Apeirogon is the most impactful book I've ever read, bar none.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

“Don't judge a book by its cover.” Well, that's usually how I select a book - by its title. No book jacket reading for me. I want to know as little as possible about the story so I can read it without preconceived ideas, hints, or spoilers.

2024 Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year: Luann Mathson

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Luann Mathson (née Raposo) is Words Alive’s Family Literacy Program Volunteer of the Year. Since 2022, she has inspired a love of learning with young children and families in her Family Literacy sessions. As an engineer, Luann is especially gifted at tying themes of science, curiosity, and exploration into her workshops.

The “Let’s Read with Words Alive” Family Literacy Program ignites the love of reading in young children and their families by nurturing book-sharing habits at home through play-centered strategies and building home libraries over 6-week sessions of early literacy workshops.

Luann lives in San Francisco where she is a medical device engineer and was a first generation college student. She is passionate about making STEM subjects and careers more accessible to students and families. She enjoys watercolor painting, running, reading, and traveling in her free time.

Now let’s hear from Luann about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

It brings me so much joy to see kids genuinely fascinated and excited about the books we read together! They point out little details in the illustrations or characters that I’ve never noticed before and often make me laugh. Their unique creativity and imaginations bring fun and excitement to every story. It’s all about having fun, using your imagination, and sparking the joy of reading

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

One time one of my students joined us to read wearing a full Spider-Man costume! We had a lot of fun trying to relate Spider-Man into the story. 

What are you reading right now?

I just got back from a trip to Chile, so I’m reading Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende since it was partially set in Valparaiso, a coastal city I traveled to.

Any book recommendations?

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

2024 Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year: Meg Mandel

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Meg Mandel is Words Alive’s Adolescent Book Group Volunteer of the Year Award. The Adolescent Book Group (ABG) brings books alive for teenagers facing extraordinary circumstances such as unstable housing, systemic racism, and impact by the foster care and/or justice systems. Through projects, writing workshops, and spirited discussions, teens enhance their critical thinking skills, self-esteem, and ability to express themselves.

Meg has volunteered with Words Alive’s young adult programming since 2015, currently facilitating our teen book group at the Monarch School for youth facing housing instability. Her dedication to the students and program, coupled with her thorough preparation for each session, makes her an integral part of the book group team.

Meg lives in La Jolla and is the director of development for Congregation Beth Israel. She serves on the Women’s Philanthropy Board of the Jewish Federation of San Diego and is in a monthly book group that has been together for more than 10 years.

Now let’s hear from Meg about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I love to read, and being part of Words Alive gives me a chance to share that with others. By fostering a love of reading, Words Alive helps students build confidence, expand horizons, learn about new ideas, and make connections to their own lives. Selfishly, being part of Words Alive is a lot of fun, and I always learn from the students in the class. It’s great to work as part of a team with committed volunteers, passionate teachers, and inspiring students. 

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

I am always energized and impressed by the students' insights and comments during discussions in our ABG sessions.

I have the privilege of working with several students for the second consecutive year. It has been wonderful to see so many of these students participate more actively in our ABG sessions. One student in particular stands out. Last year, he rarely spoke and was very reserved. This year, he takes initiative and contributes to discussions regularly. Watching him gain confidence and share his ideas is inspiring!

What are you reading right now?

I just started Trust by Hernan Diaz.

Any book recommendations?

I could go on and on, but a few of my top recommendations include:  Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, The Overstory by Richard Powers, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, Commonwealth and Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri, Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love taking advantage of San Diego’s great weather by swimming, biking, hiking, and walking with friends.

2024 Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year: Mercedes Santiago

By vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Mercedes Santiago is Words Alive’s Read Aloud Program Volunteer of the Year. Reading role models are the linchpin of our Read Aloud Program. Launched when Words Alive and Rolling Readers merged in 2014, this is our largest program directly serving children. Volunteers read weekly in 90+ Title I elementary classrooms schools throughout San Diego County (transitional kindergarten through third grade).

Mercedes is a retired school counselor who enjoys so many activities, including reading, gardening, mentoring, ushering for Old Globe and the student’s performance for the Opera, walking in neighborhoods and hiking in nature, listening to jazz, traveling and exploring new places, meeting up with family and friends, and celebrating life’s ups and downs.

Now let’s hear from Mercedes about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive? Are you familiar with the saying “Each One Teach One.” It’s an African-American proverb that originated in America during slavery when education was being denied to them. Basically, it’s passing on your knowledge to another. It’s all about giving back and enhancing one’s community. As a young adult, I volunteered in the Big/Sister Program and the San Diego Probation Dept., worked as a school health aide in a low income community and enjoyed my 40 years as a school counselor. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of so many family members, friends and mentors that guided me in my life; I’m forever grateful to them. One way I can demonstrate my appreciation is by giving back to the community and by passing on the love of reading to the next generation. I grew up in San Diego and attended schools in City Heights. It's an honor and joy to be back there encouraging students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. 

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive? Upon retirement, I was recruited to join Words Alive by a friend, Charlene Sapien, who is just as passionate as I am to improve the literacy of students. Thanks to her encouragement, I’m pleased to be part of the Words Alive family. 

What are you reading right now? A friend recently gifted me a copy of his first published book, A Dream Immortal: Seven Tales from Seven Realms of the Spirit by Astika Royal Mason. I’m enjoying reading it.

Any book recommendations? So many….Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, Living Untethered by Michael Singer, Rose Code by Kate Quinn, Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

2024 Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year: Brian Fidler

by vikki bowes-mok, words alive volunteer

Brian Fidler is Words Alive’s Community Engagement Volunteer of the Year. 

This award is new this year and was created to recognize extraordinary efforts to mobilize a volunteer’s own community to support Words Alive. We tend to think of engagement as “time, talent, and treasure” - Brian goes above and beyond in all of these! In addition to spreading the word about our organization, programs, and volunteer opportunities, Brian helps fundraise for Words Alive by activating his friends, family, and personal network. He also is a consistent volunteer with the Adolescent Book Group and a new member of the Words Alive Board of Directors.

Brian at a pickleball tournament fundraiser he organized for Words Alive

Brian lives in San Diego and is a retired Episcopal priest, who taught and spent 38 years as a chaplain in independent day and boarding schools around the country. In addition to his work with Words Alive, he spends a lot of time writing.

Now let’s hear from Brian about his work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I started volunteering in the Adolescent Book Group (ABG) because of the Words Alive mission “to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.” I continue to volunteer three years later because it makes a difference! Note: Brian also serves on the Words Alive’s board of directors.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Volunteering with Words Alive is energizing because of its great mission, an amazing and hard-working staff, wonderfully talented and committed volunteer teammates in the classroom (shout out to Meg and Darlanne), and especially the young people with whom we work. We’ve had the joy of tracking alongside the same teacher and many of the same students for three years now, and the growth in their love of reading and discussion is gratifying. Not every day in the life of an adolescent is high octane, but we get to be with them on some of those days, most notably when they reveal some breakthrough insight into the reading, or a character, and especially themselves. When you work alongside adolescents, you’re in it for the long game, and it is so totally worth it!

What are you reading right now?

In the ABG program, we’re reading graphic novels now: Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos; Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall; and Citizen Illegal by Jose Olivarez. In my own personal reading, I just finished The Women, by Kristin Hannah.

Any book recommendations?

If you like historical fiction, I would definitely recommend The Women, by Kristin Hannah. In fiction, I’d also recommend The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

In addition to reading, I also love to write.

2024 Curriculum Designer of the Year: Vivian Lin

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Vivian Lin is the Words Alive Curriculum Designer of the Year. Curriculum designers create curriculum guides and learning kits that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand visually. Vivian joined the Words Alive team in 2020 and now serves as our curriculum design lead volunteer, managing a multinational team of other design volunteers. Vivian improves program efficiency and ensures accurate data while leveling up our training materials with her design expertise. No matter the task, Vivian completes it quickly and accurately.

Vivian lives in Los Angeles but says her heart will always be in San Diego. She is a master’s student in applied data science at USC and will graduate in May 2024.

Now let’s hear from Vivian about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

It's very inspiring to be surrounded by great people who share the same passion!

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

I joined Words Alive when I was still a student in UCSD (back in 2020!) and throughout the years, I’ve seen how the organization has grown and become so much bigger than what it was years ago. I love how we always look for new ways to engage the communities we serve. I really enjoy volunteering with the organization and am very proud to be a part of the large volunteer community with Words Alive!

What are you reading right now?

Circe by Madeline Miller

2024 Curriculum Translator of the Year: Alinka Avendaño

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Alinka Avendaño is Words Alive’s Curriculum Translator of the Year. At Words Alive, an extraordinary team of volunteers translates content into 10 languages beyond English in order to make our resources accessible to more families. Curriculum Translator of the Year recognizes a volunteer who took on many translation projects with fast and reliable turnaround, creating quality literacy materials and furthering Words Alive’s mission.

Alinka, who lives in Leon, Nicaragua, is a therapist and owner of Psychological Center ARIE, where she offers therapy and workshops for children, teens and adults. She’s also a brand ambassador for All Therapy Resources where she translates material. 

Now let’s hear from Alinka about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I volunteer because I love to read, work with children and meet new people with the same passions.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

Working with Words Alive has been a fulfilling experience, I have met kind people and watching how they work with books, families and children has provided great lessons for me.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors: A Clinician's Guide by Lisa Ferentz. I read psychology books mostly.

Any book recommendations?

The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel Siegel 

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

I’m easy going but passionate about the things I enjoy including music, hiking, and mental health.

2024 Curriculum Writer of the Year: Helen Rigby

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Helen Rigby is Word’s Alive Curriculum Writer of the Year. This distinction honors a standout volunteer who creates curriculum guides and learning kits to help our volunteers talk about the story with students as well as family/student-facing guides with step-by-step craft instructions and discussion questions.

Helen lives in California and is a Behavior Technician implementing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy with children with disabilities and learning differences. She spends a lot of time writing her own books and mainly poetry. She also loves going on nature walks, spending time with her parrot, Tobie, scrapbooking and puzzles.

Tobie, Helen’s parrot

Now let’s hear from Helen about her work with Words Alive.

Why do you volunteer with Words Alive?

I volunteered with Words Alive because I have always loved reading and writing. Once I saw the opportunity to be an intern who wrote curriculum for the organization, I knew I had to apply since it combined not only my love of reading and writing, but my love of working with kids and helping them love reading as well! Before my internship, I was a Read Aloud Reader to the K &1st group at my local boys and girl’s club for over a year and I loved it! Then I led the Adolescent Book Group sessions for 6-8th graders.

Is there a story you’d like to share about working with Words Alive?

It was such a joy to see how confident the kiddos became not just in their reading comprehension and listening skills, but their overall confidence in who they are. I witnessed so many students go from being shy and sitting in the back to moving to the front and making friends during activity time. Words Alive doesn’t just help kids with reading, Words Alive helps kids be themselves! It gives them space to grow. 

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading Owls and Other Fantasies by Mary Oliver and Time and Materials by Robert Hass.

Any book recommendations?

Two of my favorite books to recommend are: The Wild Iris by Louise Glück and Thirst by Mary Oliver. For fiction lovers, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman.

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?

Just how honored and grateful I am to have been selected as the Curriculum Writer of the Year. Working for Words Alive was truly such a dream come true. Out of all the volunteer work I’ve done, it was by far my favorite. I was able to be myself, fully, and have fun! I will cherish those memories my whole life. So THANK YOU!!