Read to Me Project

Carla enjoyed over 30 years of creating, building, and overseeing science and natural history museum exhibits and programs throughout North America. A lifelong reader, writer, learner and passionate educator, she is delighted to be spending her next chapter with Read to Me Project and in local classrooms in Monterey County. Carla earned an MS in Biology, a BA in Anthropology, and spent her early career as a field archaeologist. She serves on numerous NASA, NSF, AAM, and IMLS panels in support of public education, and is proud to be Board Vice President of the Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation.

Originally from the Central Valley, Haleigh moved to Monterey County to obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Humanities and Communications at Cal State Monterey Bay. Bringing in her background of coaching volleyball, she developed a passion for finding ways to connect to her new home and its local community.
Haleigh is excited to combine her experiences in leadership and serving her community with her love for reading.

Uzo Ebo is a student at California State University, Monterey Bay, pursuing her undergraduate studies after earning an Associate of Arts degree in Law, Public Policy and Society, and Psychology. As a service learner, Uzo believes education and literacy are powerful tools for connection and empowerment. Through her involvement with the Read to Me Project, she is committed to supporting early literacy and building meaningful relationships with young learners and their families. She views service learning as an opportunity not only to contribute to her community but also to deepen her understanding of empathy, communication, and civic engagement.

Hello, my name is Victoria Mederos! I am currently a student at California State University, Monterey Bay, and will be graduating in May with a B.A in Psychology. In my free time, I enjoy bird watching, reading on my Kindle, and going to the beach with my son. I’m joining the Read to Me Project team because reading was a huge part of my childhood and is something that has stayed with me in adulthood. I am excited to engage with the youth in my community and share the love of reading!

Alexandre Azevedo is an Impact & Measurement Consultant for the Read to Me Project, focused on designing surveys, evaluation frameworks, and reports that measure and communicate impact. His work helps turn classroom data into clear insights that support early literacy outcomes. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University.

Jason joins Read to Me Project with a rich background in educational leadership, community engagement, and a passion for transforming lives through the joy of reading. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, along with two graduate degrees from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and a Certificate in Creativity & Design Thinking from Stanford University's School of Engineering, Jason is well-equipped to innovate and inspire. Combining academic excellence with innovative thinking, Jason's commitment to "making the ordinary extraordinary" drives his leadership, ensuring that every child experiences the magic of books. His extensive experience positions him to amplify the impact of RtMP, fostering a vibrant community where literacy and lifelong learning thrive.

Kam believes in literacy, and the lifetime advantages of having strong reading skills. Knowing the value of literacy, she changed her career to support expanding elementary school student opportunities with the power of reading. Kam graduated as a pharmacist with a Pharm.D. degree from the University of Pacific, Stockton. Her initial commitment to mainly physical health has shifted to the well-being of elementary children as they navigate to a better future through literacy.

Beverly’s passion lies in helping students find and develop the confidence to use their voice. She holds a degree in Rhetorical Communications from California State University, Long Beach, where she also studied film critique and oral interpretation. In addition, Beverly earned a Culinary Arts Certificate from Boston University. With an eclectic career that spans academics, journalism, hospitality, and entertainment, Beverly has had the unique opportunity to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and industries to collaborate on a wide range of creative projects. Since joining the Read to Me Project team, Beverly has come full circle—from coaching SAG-AFTRA actors on reading aloud in elementary schools to now coaching students on reading aloud to younger siblings at home. When not in the classroom, Beverly can be found in the kitchen baking bread.

Originally from Monterey County and a former bilingual ELD student, Sebastian brings a lived understanding of what young people need to feel seen, supported, and ready to learn. He holds a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Sebastian coordinates classroom delivery, supports teacher training, and strengthens school partnerships across the Salinas Valley. His goal is simple and powerful: make daily reading easy and joyful for families!