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 Lynnee 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, Lynnee 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 la Vega, 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!

Meet Maria, Words Alive’s New Program Coordinator!

BY BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

Words Alive is proud to highlight one of our team members, Maria Mariscal, whose incredible growth and dedication have been inspiring to watch. Maria started with us as a volunteer, then became a Family Literacy Instructor, and recently stepped into her new role as Program Coordinator.

Maria started her journey with Words Alive in 2021 as a volunteer working with HandsOn San Diego to pack Family Literacy Program kits. By assembling learning materials and supporting classroom sessions, Maria discovered her true passion for family literacy.

Maria graduated with her bachelor's degree in Communications and Entrepreneurship with a specialization in project management from UC San Diego in 2021. In her capacity as Program Coordinator, Maria utilizes her direct experience from our family literacy program to maintain the operational effectiveness of Words Alive’s literacy initiatives. Her role as a behind-the-scenes leader involves logistics management alongside fostering family engagement and building a motivated volunteer team.

Maria grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in Los Angeles and relates closely to the challenges of learning to read in English. She began helping her mom’s goddaughter with reading English and by doing this, she discovered a passion for supporting young learners and their families. 

Although she did not consider herself an avid reader as a child, teaching others helped her find joy in reading, leading her to become an instructor.

Maria is currently reading Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow because the book offers valuable insights into decision-making processes that complement her developing skills in project management.

When reflecting on her transition from volunteer to a Words Alive team member, Maria shares:

“As a volunteer, I did a little bit of everything in the Family Literacy Program — from curriculum writing to packing books. I was always involved, and I built strong connections with the families. Now, as a project coordinator, it’s not just about being a friendly face — it's about making sure all the logistics run smoothly, putting data into systems, and making sure everything is in place behind the scenes. I get to combine both the heart and the structure of the work.”

Maria wants to advance in her career by improving her project management abilities so she can establish a solid base in operational and coordination skills to maintain throughout her professional journey.

Outside of Words Alive, Maria enjoys hiking, visiting the beach, and enjoying moments with her dogs as well as friends and family.

Maria’s journey from volunteer to leader shows how dedication and passion can create meaningful change for herself and her community, and we’re proud to have her as a valued member of the Words Alive team!

Meet Our New Governance Intern, Noah Perullo

Noah is a junior at Syracuse University, majoring in Policy Studies and Psychology with a minor in Strategic Management. His interest in expanding literacy began as a middle schooler when he started reading to younger students. He has carried this interest into college, where he has worked in the Syracuse City School district giving literacy lessons.

Noah is very excited to be joining the Words Alive team, where he will be working as our non-profit administration and governance intern. Using team building and policy skills, he hopes to further the Words Alive mission of creating empowering programs that inspire life-long learners through reading.

Outside of schoolwork and volunteering, Noah likes to play soccer and basketball and is on a variety of intramural sports teams. He also enjoys anything outdoors, from hiking to kayaking. When he wants to relax, he listens to music or goes to a museum.  

Noah’s passion for nonprofit work has grown throughout his time in college, where he has volunteered at various organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Special Olympics. He has also developed an interest in administration from working in a planning and development department recently. These experiences coupled with his interest in literacy made Words Alive the perfect fit for him.  

How did you discover Words Alive? What drew you to interning here? 

I discovered Words Alive from a weekly email that is sent out to Syracuse University students about places they might be interested in interning. After reading Words Alive’s mission statement, I knew that this is an opportunity that I wanted to pursue. The work that they do here is extremely meaningful, and doing fulfilling work is at the core of why I wanted to be a Policy Studies major. I also hope to possibly pursue a career in nonprofit administration, so this internship aligns well with my future career goals.

What book or story has had a big impact on you? Do you have a favorite quote? 

One book that has had a big impact on me is Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. This book has fueled my passion for nature, and it has inspired me to get in touch with outdoors activities and try new things. A quote from the book that really resonated with me is, “The core of man’s spirit comes from new experiences.” I try to have an open mind when trying new things, and this sentiment is part of what drove me to Words Alive.

What do you hope to gain from being a non-profit administration and governance intern? 

I hope to gain real-world experience about how a non-profit works. The nonprofit sector is somewhere that I can envision myself working at in the future, so learning as much as I can during my time here will give me an invaluable base to take to my future.

Words Alive Celebrates its 16th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration

BY: BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

The Words Alive community came together on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our volunteers!

The 16th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was filled with games, interactive activities, and a very popular ice cream bar! The joyful gathering paid tribute to more than 600 volunteers who devoted 6,900+ service hours over the last 12 months, creating an impact worth over $268,000 and achieving an immeasurable effect on improving literacy in people's lives.

The success of Words Alive solely relies on the support of volunteers. This ranges from delivering programs to recruiting members, spreading social media messages, and distributing books. Throughout this year, volunteers distributed over 15,000 books to children and families from San Diego’s historically disinvested communities, while they developed Learning Kits and teaching guides. 

Volunteers also supported the Words on Wheels initiative and in just the past month, delivered 2,500 books across 800 miles to Read Aloud Program participants.

In recognition of outstanding contributions to Words Alive, we proudly presented a few exceptional volunteers with awards for their service in 2024-25: 

Youth Volunteer of the Year: Jessie James Olesco

Engagement Volunteers of the Year: Steve & Gabrielle Heide

Curriculum Volunteer of the Year: Nanna Steffensen

Program Volunteer of the Year: Debbie Boyd

Rookie Volunteer of the Year: Andrew Hawkins

Volunteer of the Year: Meredith Baratz

As Community Engagement Manager at Words Alive and the organizer of this year’s event, Robyn Grand discussed the impact on the volunteer community.

“We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by volunteers from around the world who help us fulfill our mission of addressing the literacy crisis in San Diego,” Robyn said. “It’s important to recognize and celebrate their dedication, and this event is our way of showing gratitude for their contributions.”

The celebration highlighted our community's true power by showing how our collective efforts create meaningful connections and shared appreciation for a common purpose.

We appreciate all volunteers who support our mission of opening opportunities for life success by inspiring a love of reading. The stories of every book read and each child motivated originate from your time, commitment, and passionate.

Want to join the Words Alive volunteer community? Learn more at wordsalive.org/becomeavolunteer. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Meredith Baratz 2025 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year

BY: BRANDON CONDA, STORYTELLING INTERN

Meredith Baratz (right) pictured with Words Alive founder Leslye Lyons

In her Words Alive tenure, Meredith Baratz has served as a leader and strategist, demonstrating her love for books while actively volunteering her time. Meredith provided a consistent source of inspiration while standing at the organization’s core through a year marked by both significant achievements and obstacles.

While serving as Chair of the Board of Directors, Meredith guided Words Alive through a critical phase that included both its East Village headquarters transformation and the unplanned medical leave of its Executive Director. Her leadership style combined strategic thinking with a deep focus on people, which made sure community voices stayed prominent throughout the entire planning process.

Her influence extends well beyond board meetings and strategic planning sessions. Meredith dedicates her skills and time throughout the organization by evaluating program titles on the Page Turners team, refining literacy materials with the Curriculum Crew, and physically preparing learning kits for families. She demonstrates exceptional fundraising abilities, which resulted in the acquisition of more than 120 donations for the Champions for Youth campaign during the last four years.

Meredith’s connection to Words Alive is rooted in something personal: Her dedication to Words Alive stems from her enduring passion for books and her wish to pass on that delight to other people. She says that the organization's mission to connect children, teens, and families with the power of reading resonated with her.

She feels proud about the strategic groundwork being established for Words Alive’s future. Thanks to numerous leaders who served on Words Alive’s Board and leadership team, as well as staff members, the organization stands ready to extend its reach in new and dynamic ways. The creative energy and passion shown by this organization's staff make any observer proud of their daily work.

As Words Alive marks its 25th anniversary this year, Meredith points out the collective power that contributed to its success. Words Alive operates based on the essential work of approximately 800 - 1,000 dedicated volunteers who facilitate our operations and 80 partner organizations that ensure our programming reaches those most impacted by the literacy crisis.

Through high-level strategic planning and boots-on-the-ground volunteer service day after day,  Meredith exemplifies how effective leadership emerges from compassionate care and unwavering mission commitment. We are grateful to acknowledge Meredith Baratz as the 2025 Words Alive Volunteer of the Year.

Jessie James Olesco: Words Alive’s 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year

BY: BRANDON CONDA STORYTELLING INTERN

When Jessie James Olesco first heard about the Words Alive internship through his high school’s workforce class, he saw it as a chance worth taking. Having been introduced to Words Alive through the Read Aloud Program in elementary school, Jessie recognized the powerful impact the organization had on underserved communities by fostering a love for reading.

 “When I saw Words Alive, something clicked. I remember they used to send boxes to my elementary school. I didn’t know a lot about it, but I thought—why not give it a shot?”

A familiar name combined with a leap of faith transformed into an experience that defined his senior year and altered his life perspective. As an 18-year-old student in his senior year of high school, Jessie received the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year recognition due to his dedication and growth which resulted in significant impact.

In the beginning, Jessie was nervous. “I thought I’d get fired,” he says with a laugh. “I kept apologizing whenever I made a mistake.” But instead of judgment, he was met with patience and encouragement. “Alex, my supervisor, told me something I’ll never forget—‘Don’t apologize if you didn’t know.’ That hit me hard. It reminded me that this is a learning experience, and it’s okay to make mistakes. That really stuck with me.”

Words Alive allowed Jessie to discover his ability to perform tasks such as data entry and inventory tracking while mastering Microsoft Excel programs. The essential lesson Jessie gained was mastering professional navigation and effective communication to become a reliable team member and leader among his colleagues.

“I wasn’t just volunteering—I was part of a team,” Jessie says. “It gave me confidence and helped me build a better version of myself.”

Beyond the technical skills, Jessie found deeper meaning in the work. “It’s about giving back to the community,” he says. “I was once one of those kids we’re helping—kids who just need a little inspiration to love reading, to be creative, to feel seen. That’s what motivates me now.”

His future goals became more defined thanks to this experience. Jessie intends to serve in the military while also going to UC San Diego, which will help him develop both personal and professional skills. “My participation in Words Alive taught me that this experience enhances your employability,” Jessie remarks. “It sets you apart.”

He also credits part of his growth to the fellow students he shared the journey with. “Having friends like John and Jordan with me made a big difference. We leaned on each other, and learned from each other—it made it way less intimidating. If you’re thinking about volunteering or doing an internship like this, go for it—and do it with people you trust if you can. It makes it more meaningful.”

Jessie gives young people who are unsure about taking on new challenges straightforward advice: “Commit.” Expect to mess up. That’s part of it. When you show up with an open mindset, you will learn extensively about both your work and self-discovery.”

To Jessie, volunteering meant much more than just occupying his time. It was a turning point. At Words Alive, he discovered growth along with purpose and confidence. which will guide him during his nextphase at UCSD and beyond.

Andrew Hawkins: Words Alive’s 2025 Rookie of the Year

By Vikki Bowes-Mok, Words Alive Volunteer

Andrew Hawkins has supported five waves of the Family Literacy Program since beginning his volunteer service with Words Alive in 2024, and can also be found building Learning Kits at Wild Books, distributing program materials to program partners and school sites around San Diego, or representing Words Alive at community outreach events

Can you tell me about your involvement with Words Alive?

I joined Words Alive after moving to San Diego from Los Angeles, where I worked with a national nonprofit aimed at closing the opportunity gap between underinvested communities and their more affluent peers through the power of early literacy. I knew I wanted to continue this work in my new home of San Diego, and Words Alive offered volunteer opportunities that were impactful, community-oriented, and fun for volunteers and young readers.

What drew you to Words Alive?

Advancing quality early literacy initiatives has been a cornerstone of my work for the past 13 years. I’m invested in this work because I wholly believe in the transformational power of reading and its ability to change our life’s trajectory for the benefit of humankind and reverse many societal ills. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon an organization — Words Alive — that shared so many of my own values.

What part(s) of your work with Words Alive are you most proud of today?

I’m most proud of my volunteer work with the Family Literacy Program, where I facilitate virtual weekly read-alouds with young children and their families and model engaging reading strategies that maximize the gifts we receive through reading. I treasure this shared reading space, and I’m always blown away by children’s own contributions to the story, from pointing out illustration details I missed, to sharing a thoughtful perspective I hadn’t considered, or offering insight on connections between our San Diego community and themes in the books we read. It’s also been wonderful to meet some of our young readers in person through community outreach events! Seeing their love for reading in person reminds me that the work we’re doing in session is creating positive reading habits that children will carry with them throughout life.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading Black Boy, a memoir by Richard Wright. As a Black man, Black Boy has been insightful in understanding how American racial consciousness is formed throughout childhood, and how children are consistently receiving messages of status, power, desirability, and fear, even if they don’t possess the words to articulate those experiences and accompanying feelings.

Any book recommendations?

Solito, A Memoir, by Javier Zamoza, left a lasting impression on me. In Solito, Javier shares his story on migrating from El Salvador to the U.S. as a young child. I think it’s a must read, especially for communities like ours that share so many similarities with our neighbors across the border in Mexico. Stories like these are necessary to better understand the effects of migration on our neighbors and combat some of the disgusting, harmful falsehoods that are currently permeating American discourse.

2025 Engagement Volunteers of the Year: Steve & Gabrielle Heide

BY BRANDON CONDA, WORDS ALIVE STORYTELLING INTERN

Words Alive proudly acknowledges Steve and Gabrielle Heide as recipients of Words Alive’s 2025 Engagement Volunteers of the Year award! Through their friendly nature and professional skills, they have demonstrated a strong dedication to “Where the Wild Books Are” service days,  which has made this energetic pair essential to Words Alive.

Steve and Gabrielle began their journey with Words Alive in early 2024 following their retirement and relocation from Los Angeles to San Diego. While looking for meaningful ways to contribute to their new community, Gabrielle found Words Alive through HandsOn San Diego. The couple started participating in Wild Books events and immediately became captivated.

“We were looking for meaningful opportunities to volunteer our time and expertise in the area,” Steve and Gabrielle shared. “We first started volunteering at Wild Books events in early 2024.”

Gabrielle’s career as a credentialed public school art educator and Steve’s experience as a CPA and finance officer in both local government and nonprofits resulted in skill sets that matched perfectly with Words Alive’s mission. Their involvement quickly deepened. Gabrielle started creating accompanying art projects for Words Alive’s curriculum, and Steve became a member of Words Alive’s finance and audit committees.

“We’ve also participated in a few special events, which has been great too,” Steve and Gabrielle said. “It’s been nice to feel like we’re ‘boots on the ground’ volunteers assisting with Wild Books, but also using our professional backgrounds to support the organization in other ways.”

A Meaningful Commitment

What has kept Steve and Gabrielle so engaged?

“When we volunteer with Words Alive, whether with Wild Books or in some other way, we say, ‘we’re going to work,’” Steve and Gabrielle said. “We approach each opportunity as a serious (but fun) commitment. There’s a job to be done, and we like to think that our small volunteer part in Words Alive’s mission is making an impact—and that’s very rewarding.”

They also credit the incredible community of staff, board members, and fellow volunteers:
“The people we’ve met through Words Alive inspire us with their collective commitment to the mission. Being made to feel welcomed and appreciated by the Words Alive ‘family’ is rewarding in itself.”

Memorable Moments

After six months of volunteering, Steve and Gabrielle were invited to support a special corporate donation event at the San Diego Convention Center during a financial planners’ conference—an unexpected and memorable experience.

“The event took place on an outside patio, and Jason Mraz was doing an afternoon sound check for a concert at the nearby Rady Shell,” they laughed. “It felt like we had our own private concert at a Words Alive event!”

Why Literacy Matters

“So many of the families served by Words Alive wouldn’t have access to reading materials otherwise,” they explained. “Sometimes we’re packing as many as six titles per household, each with a related craft project. That has to be impacting these families in very positive and profound ways.”

Steve and Gabrielle are passionate about literacy because they know what’s at stake.

“When you’re young, if you don’t learn to read, you won’t be able to read to learn later in life. If you struggle with literacy, it can lead to lifelong struggles—even with things like applying for jobs or housing,” they said. “We hope our efforts can make some small difference in improving literacy for the youth in our community.”

Books & Recommendations

Currently, Steve is reading The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner, while Gabrielle is diving into Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer. Both are lifelong learners and avid readers who understand the joy and empowerment that comes from a good book.

Thank you, Steve and Gabrielle, for your dedication, your energy, and the many ways you bring Words Alive’s mission to life! Your impact continues to inspire us all.

Words Alive Inspires Young Readers at KPBS’ Be My Neighbor Day

By Brandon Conda, Words Alive Storytelling Intern

On Saturday, April 5, 2025, KPBS hosted its third annual Be My Neighbor Day at San Diego State University, and Words Alive was proud to be part of the celebration!

Children learned about the importance of kindness and service while Words Alive created interactive literacy activities for families that embodied this message.

Visitors discovered the powerful literacy initiatives Words Alive is implementing throughout the San Diego community.

Andrew Hawkins and Susan Schock represented Words Alive at the event, reaching out to families at the event to connect them with literacy resources and facilitate important discussions about home reading practices. The range of programming from Words Alive excited parents who were eager to learn about opportunities to participate and ways to incorporate these resources in their homes.

Andrew made a lasting impression because several children remembered him from their previous Family Literacy Program sessions, which showed how Words Alive builds enduring community relationships. 

As volunteers with Words Alive’s Family Literacy Program, Andrew and Susan dedicate their time to reading with young children and their families while supporting the development of necessary literacy skills and self-confidence.

Visitors explored several sample books that are read in Words Alive’s programs while discovering Words Alive’s ongoing mission to inspire reading among people from every age group.

Children were also able to demonstrate their creative abilities at the Bookmark Station hosted by Words Alive’s Storytelling Intern Brandon Conda. Young people of all ages could create personalized bookmarks which served as interactive reading tools and reminders that books are for everyone to enjoy.

The Words Alive team thanks KPBS for the opportunity to interact with hundreds of families during Be My Neighbor Day. Families displayed enthusiasm for interacting with the Words Alive volunteers to ask about reading methods that could become part of their everyday routines. We appreciate everyone who visited to honor the strength of reading in building strong community ties!