—first grade teacher, Rising Star Elementary, Seattle
—parent of a kindergartner, Liberty Elementary, Marysville
—parent and volunteer, Kendall Elementary, Whatcom County
—preschool teacher, Rural Resources Community Action Head Start, Newport
—Head Start preschool teacher
Books for Kids was founded by six friends as a book drive to encourage the love of reading and literacy. As they reached out into communities, it became evident that there was a need for an entity to coordinate with schools and libraries across the Puget Sound region. Books for Kids transformed from a one-time book drive into a new, all-volunteer nonprofit organization focused on getting books into the hands of kids who live in historically marginalized communities and lacked access to reading materials.
In 2001, Books for Kids became Page Ahead. We expanded our mission from a book give-away to a comprehensive literacy program, including workshops and classroom story times. In 2012, we piloted Book Up Summer for K–2 students; in 2015 we launched Story Leaders for preschoolers. Across more than three decades, we have been steadfast in our mission to promote literacy and learning through reading and to increase access to books for children in disadvantaged communities across the state.
Susan has been at the helm of Page Ahead since 2006. Prior to joining our team worked at the Muscular Dystrophy Association where she directed the King County Chapter in researching causes and cures for neuromuscular diseases. Originally from Eastern Washington, she holds a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Calgary in Alberta.
Susan’s favorite children’s book series is the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
Rebecca came to Page Ahead in April 2019, building on a fifteen-year history of working in the arts, books, and nonprofits (including stints at Hugo House, Northwest Editors Guild, and University of Washington Press). She was the founding managing director of Seattle City of Literature, which brought Seattle a UNESCO Creative Cities designation. Rebecca graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and later earned certificates in web development and editing.
One of Rebecca’s favorite books from her own childhood is Patricia Wrede’s Dealing with Dragons, and one of her great parenthood victories is getting her own kids hooked on it as well.
Prior to joining the Page Ahead team in 2020, Lisa worked as an elementary school librarian and computer lab teacher. She also worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA Ames Research Center where she helped engineer the test vehicle of the 2003 Mars rovers. Lisa has a BS in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from the University of Washington, and she is a member of the Snohomish Tribe of Indians, where she serves as tribal treasurer.
When she was a child, Lisa enjoyed reading the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace, and she especially enjoyed how the adventures and friendships grew with the characters as they grew up in the books.
Stacey joined the Page Ahead team in February 2015 and has been an active volunteer in the greater Seattle community since 1993. She has dedicated time to various organizations and schools that promote reading, writing, and the arts. Stacey earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and her associate’s degree from Shoreline Community College. She has a deep affinity for literature as it has played an important role in her life and knows that access to books can change children’s lives for the better. Stacey oversees and organizes volunteer groups throughout the year to assist with special events, book fairs, and office work.
Some of Stacey’s favorite books from her own childhood are the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle book series, as she could relate to getting into trouble for learning differently (dyslexia) or being silly. “Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle seemed to really get kids like us,” says Stacey.
Passionate about children’s literacy, the Page Ahead board sets the vision for Page Ahead and ensures that we are fulfilling our promise to the community. Board members scan the horizon for new opportunities and act as ambassadors for Page Ahead in the community.
Cathy Peterman
Wayfair (2018)
Mark Fitzgerald
Effectus Group (2019)
Briony Pentecost
Banner Bank (2020)
Lydia Islan
F5 (2020)
Daniel Frankel
WealthCollab (2017)
Jim Griffin
The Pokémon Company International (2020)
Suann Harris
Northwest Farm Credit Services (2021)
Arden Leland
AuditBoard (2020)
Teresa Osborn
University of Washington School of Pharmacy (2022)
Molly Powell
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2018)
Kirsten Scheide
Boeing (2019)
Kasi Walker
Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office (2021)
Megan Wells
Ankura (2018)
Rob Young
Evans School, University of Washington
Ying Zhao
EY (2022)
Please review the Page Ahead Board of Directors job description (PDF). The average monthly commitment is four to six hours. To be considered for board service, please complete this application.
Find out more about other volunteer opportunities at Page Ahead, including working with kids, office support, committee service, and more.
Click here to read press coverage of Page Ahead’s work, including efforts about how we continued to fulfill our mission, despite the widespread shutdowns and continuing pandemic challenges of the past few years.
