Registration 

The 2025 Volunteer Academy is open to all Words Alive volunteers — classroom readers, curriculum writers, service event attendees, workshop facilitators, Board/committee members, Page Turners, and more.

Whether you are able to join for a portion of one day, or all three, we are thrilled to welcome you to our Volunteer Academy. Please register for the day(s) you are planning to attend. More details will follow.

NOTE: Youth volunteers are welcome to attend virtual sessions on Saturday and in-person Sunday morning sessions.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 5, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Casual Gathering / Happy Hour, Sponsored by Molina Healthcare

Join fellow volunteers in and around San Diego for a social hour. Appetizers will be provided. Cash bar. Nearby cash parking lots and street parking available.

Location: Original 40 Brewing Company, 3117 University Avenue, San Diego CA

 

Thank you to our Friday Night Social Sponsor, Molina Healthcare!

 

Saturday, September 6

Join Words Alive volunteers for a virtual day of workshops, discussions, and community building.

All sessions will be virtual on Zoom and led by Words Alive volunteers and staff. Participants will receive links and instructions prior to the Academy. All workshops and panels will be recorded, archived, and provided on a secure webpage for volunteers to revisit.

Although encouraged to attend the full day of activities, registered participants are welcome to attend any portion of the day.

8:30 a.m. Coffee Chats (optional)

Bring your own coffee and join a breakout room for a casual conversation hosted by members of the Words Alive Board of Directors.

9:00 a.m.  Welcome & Housekeeping

9:05 a.m. Greetings from Words Alive Leadership

  • Meredith Baratz, Chair of the Board of Directors

  • Leslye Lyons, Founder

  • Rachael Orose, Executive Director

9:30 a.m. Introduction to 2025-2026 Theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

  • Melinda Casey, Director of Learning & Engagement

9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion 1: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

Over the course of the 25-26 school year, we’ll be exploring powerful links between literacy, the natural world, and our individual and shared identities. This panel will introduce the theme and explore books that we are featuring in the upcoming year.

Guest speakers to be announced soon!

11:00 a.m. Break

11:15 a.m. Workshop Sessions (Round 1)

Join a breakout room for an engaging workshop:

12:00 p.m. Virtual Lunch Rooms

Take a screen break or join fellow volunteers in virtual lunch rooms for casual conversations.

12:30 p.m. Workshop Sessions (Round 2)  

Join a breakout room for an engaging workshop:

2:00 p.m. Concluding Remarks & Evaluation

  • Rachael Orose, Executive Director

2:30 p.m. Live Zoom Discussions End

Sunday, September 7

Join Words Alive volunteers in San Diego for an in-person morning of workshops and community building as we continue to explore the 2025-2026 theme: “Grow Where You Are Planted: The Stories that Root Us.”

Activities will be at the Words Alive offices in Downtown San Diego. You can find nearby paid parking lots, street parking, bus lines, and trolley stops. You do not need to participate in Saturday’s workshops to join the conversations on Sunday.

9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

Join us for breakfast and spending time with fellow volunteers.

9:30 a.m. Greetings from Words Alive Leadership

  • Meredith Baratz, Chair of the Board of Directors

  • Rachael Orose, Executive Director

9:45 a.m. Panel Discussion 2: “Grow Where You Are Planted: Stories That Root Us”

Over the 2025–26 school year, we’re digging into the connections between literacy, the natural world, and the ways our personal and collective identities take shape. This panel will explore why our future depends on nurturing STEM literacy across all ages. We’ll examine how stories about science, nature, and technology can inspire curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and strengthen our sense of belonging. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas for integrating STEM-rich narratives and a deeper understanding of how these stories can help readers see themselves as part of a shared ecosystem.

Panelists:

  • Marcie Colleen, award-winning author of numerous picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels for kids

  • Hilary Ego, Environmental Sustainability Manager, City of La Mesa, children’s book author

  • Julia Loman, Sr. Director of Program Planning and Development, Early Head Start/Head Start, Neighborhood House Association

10:45 a.m. Break and 1:1 Discussions with Panelists

11:00 a.m. Learning Demonstrations

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to engage in demonstrations of interactive learning activities, tied to thematic anchor texts, planned for the 2025-2026 school year.

11:45 a.m. Concluding Remarks & Evaluation

  • Rachael Orose, Executive Director

12:00 p.m. Academy Concludes

Volunteer Academy 2025: Grow Where You Are Planted, the Stories that Root Us.

Join us September 5th - 7th for the 2025 Volunteer Academy, taking place both online via Zoom and in-person at the Words Alive office, located at 770 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101.

Registration opens August 5th. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Virtual Workshop Descriptions (Saturday)

 

Join Words Alive volunteers and staff as they lead us through an array of engaging discussions virtually on Saturday, September 6.

The discussion topics were identified by Words Alive volunteers through debrief sessions, year-end evaluations, and ongoing feedback and recommendations.

Reading the Room: Classroom Engagement for Every Learner

Have you noticed how a simple phrase like "I wonder..." or "Tell me more..." can open up amazing conversations and help students feel truly seen? Join us for a lively virtual workshop where we'll explore strengths-based strategies to support all kinds of learners. You'll learn how to use powerful questions to spark curiosity, build connection, and encourage every child to engage with confidence. Walk away with practical tools and fresh ideas to make your reading session inspiring and meaningful for all students.

Presenters:

  • Corie Wightlin, M.Ed, CALC, Words Alive Volunteer

  • Vichittra Chaleune, M.A., Associate Program Director, Words Alive

 

A Novel Partnership: Volunteers & Teachers Working Together

Ever notice the great potential when volunteers and teachers come together and wonder how we can make those partnerships even stronger? In this workshop we'll explore how clear communication, shared expectations, and strong relationships can deepen collaboration. Participants will engage in discussions and activities designed to build trust and effective teamwork. Together, we will uncover practical strategies to create a positive, supportive environment that benefits volunteers, teachers, and most importantly, the students we serve.

Presenters:

  • Jeffra Becknell, Retired Teacher, Monarch School and long-time teacher-partner

  • Karen Malin, Retired Teacher & School Administrator and long-time Read Aloud volunteer

  • Vichittra Chaleune, M.A., Associate Program Director, Words Alive

 

PUBLIC SPEAKINg for VOlunteers: In the Classroom and Online

Whether you’re reading aloud to a class of second graders or leading a virtual literacy session, your presence and delivery matter. This interactive session will equip volunteers with practical tools for speaking with confidence, clarity, and warmth no matter the setting. We’ll cover strategies for connecting with diverse learners, using your voice and body language effectively, and adapting your style for in-person and virtual environments. Participants will practice techniques in a supportive setting and walk away with a toolkit they can use to engage audiences, elevate their storytelling, and make every interaction more impactful.

Presenters:

  • Bijan Nowroozian, Youth Librarian and long-time Adolescent Book Group volunteer

  • Melinda Casey, Director of Learning & Engagement, Words Alive

 

On The Same Page: TELLING THE WORDS ALIVE STORY

Have you ever wondered about how to describe Words Alive to the people in your life?

Learn how to succinctly describe Words Alive’s programs, impact, and the “why” behind what we do in empowering, brand-aligned language. Participants will learn key talking points for successful conversations and written communication. Whether you create content for Words Alive or just want to be able to speak more confidently about Words Alive and the literacy crisis, this workshop will set you up for success the next time someone asks you, “What is Words Alive?”

Presenters:

  • Kristina Cox, Lead Volunteer, Social Media Squad, Words Alive and 2022 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year

  • Tracy Dahlkamp, Associate Development Director

  • Kristi Stoza, Institutional Giving Manager

 

fROM THE sHELF TO THE cLASSROOM: A Primer in Words Alive Curriculum Development

Ever wonder how a book makes it into a Words Alive classroom? Hear from some of the volunteers who make the development journey possible from discovery to delivery. Participants will learn about how the Page Turners, Curriculum Crew, and Classroom Volunteers come together to find the most engaging books for the children, teens, and families Words Alive serves.

Presenters:

  • Cheryl Converse-Rath, Curriculum Crew Volunteer

  • Brian Fidler, Adolescent Book Group Volunteer & Words Alive Board Member

  • Anika Marathe, Page Turners Volunteer

  • Robyn Grand, Community Engagement Manager, Words Alive

 

Understanding The Communities We SErve: Building Bridges to Access through Connection and Compassion

To truly support and uplift the families we serve, we must begin by deeply understanding their lived realities. This session provides an opportunity to learn about the communities with whom we work. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussion and practical strategies for connecting with families navigating poverty, linguistic barriers, and systemic challenges. Together, we’ll examine how authentic relationship-building and community-centered approaches can create more equitable and responsive systems of support. 

Presenters:

  • Valentina Mills, M.Ed., Humanities and Reading Specialist, San Diego County Office of Education

  • Marlene Xochical, Child Development Specialist, TrueCare

  • Faryl Kander, Ph.D., Family Program Manager, Words Alive