Supporting Families Through the Joy of Shared Reading

Raising a Reader partners with local organizations nationwide to help families build joyful, lasting reading routines that support early learning and school readiness.

Who We Are

Passionate about ensuring every child has the family support and reading skills they need to thrive.

Our dedicated Raising a Reader team is spread out across the US. We are here to support you in starting and growing your Raising a Reader program while providing technical assistance and ongoing support to our national network of partners.

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Family Reading
Routines

We help families create simple, consistent reading routines that fit into everyday life—because shared reading builds connection, confidence, and early literacy skills.

Training for Local
Partners

We provide practical training and tools so RAR Coordinators, Implementers, and family-facing staff can confidently support children and families.

Culturally Responsive
Book Sharing

Our curated book collections reflect the languages, cultures, and lived experiences of the families we serve.

Sustainable Community
Partnerships

Our model is designed for scale and sustainability, working through trusted local agencies and existing funding streams.

Our Approach

Strong, engaged families make a major difference to children’s educational and life outcomes.


Raising a Reader partners with local agencies to strengthen their capacity to deliver effective family engagement and early literacy programming. Our evidence-informed programs are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing services and community relationships.


Each program can be implemented on its own, while families experience the greatest benefit when programs are offered together as part of a coordinated, comprehensive approach.

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Step 1

Build

Raising a Reader builds shared reading programs using customizable, curated book collections paired with guidance and training for adults.
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Step 2

Practice

Local partners use Raising a Reader to promote healthy parent–child relationships and support school readiness.
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Step 3

Grow

Caring adults develop shared reading and learning routines in the home that foster a child’s love of reading.

Our Commitment

We are committed to equity, access, and impact. That means prioritizing families furthest from opportunity, curating inclusive, high-quality books, and supporting partners with practical tools—not added burden.

We continuously learn from families, educators, and communities to strengthen our programs and deepen impact.

Meet Our Team

Our team brings expertise in early literacy, family engagement, education, public health, and community partnership. We are united by a shared belief: when families are supported, children succeed.

Phil Chavez

Manager, Warehouse and Operations

Erin Douglas

Program Manager

Rebecca Chrystal

Managing Director, Programs

Mirna Mejia

Senior Program Manager

Shelly Coulter

Senior Accountant

Rosangela R. Marquez

Data Systems Administrator

Josh Shaman

Account Manager

Together, we create stronger families and brighter futures — one book at a time.