Reading Partners Young Professionals is here

The Bay Area is unlike any other place in the US. It’s young and innovative. It’s classic and rooted in a history of resilience and resistance. It is also a place of immense compassion and belief in a sense of community. For this reason, we are thrilled to announce the creation of our new young professionals’ group.

Reading Partners Young Professionals (RPYP) is a community of emerging leaders who are paving the way for a brighter future for students across the Bay Area. Representing a variety of sectors, this group is committed to empowering students and raising awareness for literacy through a variety of activities.

Whether you’re a long term tutor or new to Reading Partners and looking for more ways to get involved, RPYP provides the opportunity to connect with other young professionals in a meaningful and impactful way. Leading the group is a dedicated board of supporters and tutors. 

Meet the Reading Partners Young Professionals board

Chelsea Blumenthal – Chelsea is a former Bay Area Reading Partners Site Coordinator who was looking to stay connected to the Reading Partners community when she found out about the RPYP Board! Currently, as a Program Coordinator at XQ Institute, she remains involved and committed to improving educational outcomes. When she’s not working, she loves to hike, participate in book clubs, and cook healthy meals.

Michael Gorman – Michael Gorman has been a Reading Partners tutor for two school years, and has worked with a handful of students during that time. Michael works as an alternative investments specialist at BlackRock in San Francisco. In his free time, he enjoys cycling throughout the Bay Area, sailing, languages (speaks Spanish and is learning French), and spending time outdoors as much as possible. Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, Michael has bachelor’s degrees in applied economics and Spanish from the University of Rhode Island.

Kacey Burr – Kacey has been a Reading Partner tutor for one year at Sherman Elementary School. She has lived in San Francisco for the last seven years, and her current full time job is in partner marketing at Salesforce. Kacey is passionate about creating opportunities that inspire Bay Area residents to get involved in giving back to their community.

Alex Huestis Litwin – Alex is a learning & development specialist at Google, focusing on leadership and management development. She’s been a tutor for three years at Rosa Parks Elementary School with three amazing students. Before Google, Alex taught in the Marshall Islands and has a passion for youth education. Her favorite childhood book is Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran.

MaryAnne Pelayo – Annie Pelayo is an elementary and Montessori trained teacher with ten years experience in education. Canadian born and raised, she recently made the move to San Francisco with her partner in pursuit of adventure, professional growth and warmer weather. As a Reading Partners volunteer, her passion lies in creating joyful, life-long readers. Known for being crazy about her dog, she is also a big fan of cooking, traveling and yoga.

Christina Rankin – Christina Rankin has tutored at three Reading Partners sites and is currently a tutor at Tenderloin Community School. She has lived in the Bay Area for ten years and is originally from St. Louis, MO. Christina is the Director of Marketing at NatureBridge, a nonprofit organization that provides environmental education programs in national parks. Outside of work, Christina enjoys hiking, playing tennis, discovering hidden pockets of San Francisco and spending time with her family and friends. 

Keep an eye out on Facebook and our website for announcements and events. To learn more about how to get involved in the board or to become a member, email Andrea Edelman at andrea.edelman@readingpartners.org.