Who We Are

Yissel Salafsky
Chief Executive Officer

Yissel Salafsky brings 15 years of forward-thinking leadership to Make Way for Books. She joins us from her most recent position as Senior Director of Program Operations & Strategic Initiatives at the University of Arizona, where she led online program development. She has served as a consultant to non-profit organizations, with a focus on organizational development, fund development, and  diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Yissel is driven by a passion for community impact, social justice, and educational advancement. She has lived in Tucson for 28 years with her husband and three children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Innovation.

Email: yissel@makewayforbooks.org

Jessica Novak
Chief Operating Officer

Email: jessica@makewayforbooks.org

Fernando González
Chief Information Officer

Born in Los Angeles and graduated from UC Davis with degrees in Psychology and Native American Studies, Fernando has lived in Tucson and worked in education and nonprofits since 2007, gaining experience in Montessori education, early literacy, and educational technology. Fernando is passionate about teaching and providing equitable access to books and educational opportunities – especially by leveraging mobile technology. Working at Make Way for Books since 2015, he has had the privilege to work directly with families and lead a skilled team to develop and improve the Make Way for Books App, a free bilingual early literacy resource that impacts families worldwide, as well as to develop digital platforms to increase the reach of Make Way for Books’ family education, professional development, and microcredential programs.

Email: fernando@makewayforbooks.org

Julie Fischer
Regional Director - Phoenix

Julie is thrilled to be part of the Make Way for Books team. She has been an educator for the past 35 years with the majority of her teaching experience in preschool and kindergarten. She is passionate about sharing the power, joy, and adventures that books and reading bring to children. Julie also loves spending time with her family, traveling to new places and exploring her neighborhood, downtown Phoenix.

Email: julie@makewayforbooks.org

Monica Farmer
Data & Impact Officer

Monica Farmer has worked at Make Way for Books for more than eight years in a variety of different roles. As the Data & Impact Officer, Monica is passionate about sharing the effectiveness of the program with others. Monica has a master’s degree in Information Resources and Library Science with an emphasis in cultural competency and coursework in digital collection management. Monica is a third-generation library professional and is passionate about making a difference in our community’s preschools and childcare centers. She enjoys exploring our city by bike, spending time with her nephews, and sipping tea.

Email: monica@makewayforbooks.org

Amy Lester
Development Director

Amy Lester brings over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with 15 of those years dedicated to fundraising. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Amy has demonstrated exceptional expertise and commitment to advancing philanthropic efforts. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Human Services from Montana State University-Billings. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from the University of Colorado. Driven by a passion for community impact and social justice, Amy is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves. Her dedication to creating positive change is evident in her professional achievements and personal values.

Email: amylester@makewayforbooks.org

Cynnamon Woodberry
Senior Program Director - The Story Project

Cynnamon loves working with our youngest children. Cynnamon has extensive experience working in early education settings with expertise in infant and toddler development. Cynnamon is a passionate advocate for early literacy and education. When she is outside of the classroom, Cynnamon enjoys reading, crafting, doodling, swimming and bullet journaling.

Email: cynnamon@makewayforbooks.org

Rosa Lira
Assistant Program Director - The Story Project - Tucson

Rosa has been working in the education field for more than 10 years. She has a passion for empowering teachers and giving them the tools they need to make a difference in the life of the children in their classrooms and instilling in them a love for literacy. She has a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teacher Leadership. As a former Quality First Coach, Rosa has experience facilitating workshops and coaching. Rosa loves to spend time with her family, travel and learn about different cultures and everything desert.

Email: rosa@makewayforbooks.org

Monique Perez
Program Manager - Family Education and Literacy - Tucson

Monique holds a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arizona. From a young age, Monique has had a deep love of literacy, aspiring to become a librarian at 7 years old. Monique has continuously fulfilled her passion in working with children and their families in high literacy environments at Tucson Unified School District, Pima County Public Library, and Make Way for Books. She has in-depth knowledge and training in early language and literacy for young children as well as culturally-responsive service delivery, and enjoys collaborating with staff and partners to share Story School throughout Pima County. Monique loves spending time with her family, dancing/zumba, and traveling.

Email: monique@makewayforbooks.org

Jamie Antrim
Program Manager - The Story Project - Tucson

Jamie is a certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and over 18 years of experience working with children. Jamie is passionate about education and believes early literacy is essential. Having been born and raised in Tucson, Jamie is a proud graduate of the University of Arizona and is very excited to serve her community as a member of the Make Way for Books team. In her free time, Jamie enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, playing with her dog, reading, and practicing the piano.

Email: jamie@makewayforbooks.org

Shannon Hanchett
Program Manager - Family Education and Literacy - Phoenix

Shannon has been involved in the early education field for over twenty years. She is a determined professional who enjoys inspiring and motivating others, and is passionate about the success of helping children and families surpass their goals. She has her degree in Early Childhood Education and desires to further her education even more in the near future. Shannon loves how books can warm the heart and spark ones imagination. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family, as well as home decorating and organization.

Email: shannon@makewayforbooks.org

Joe Swartz
Senior Early Literacy Specialist

Joe worked as a Lead Teacher for a tribal Head Start program, designing and implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans both in-person and virtual. He has extensive experience implementing teaching strategies in accordance with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, the Classroom Assessment Scoring System, the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale through the Quality First redesign, social/emotional learning and behavioral strategies through Conscious Discipline, and remote learning strategies. Joe has multicultural experience teaching children as an ESL instructor abroad in both China and Japan.

Email: joe@makewayforbooks.org

Anita Cano
Senior Family Literacy Specialist

Anita has dedicated over twenty years working in the field of Early Childhood Education. Anita has extensive experience working directly with young children and families in formal and informal learning environments. She is passionate about early childhood education/literacy and believes in empowering and supporting families to learn, grow, and thrive. Anita’s philosophy is that children have a pure light within their hearts and it is up to their adults to nurture that light through kindness, compassion, and love. In her free time Anita enjoys practicing Yoga and Pilates. She also loves spending time with her husband and two fur babies Lucky and Kali.

Email: anita@makewayforbooks.org

Alecy Molina
Senior Family Literacy Specialist

Alecy holds a bachelor’s in Leadership, Learning, and Literacy. She worked as a home visitor for more than four years and is well versed in early childhood and adult learning principles.

Email: alecy@makewayforbooks.org

Marisol Orozco
Senior Family Literacy Specialist

Marisol was born and raised in Boyle Heights (Los Angeles) and ventured to Arizona 17 years ago. Marisol graduated with honors from Arizona State University and for over 24 years has followed her passion of working in the education field directly with children and their families. She is passionate about literature and how children along with their families can connect and learn about all aspects of life experiences, emotions, culture, traditions, and much more. In addition to sharing her enthusiasm for literature and education, she loves playing her violin, spending time with her parents, siblings, and her cockatiel Cookie

Email: marisol@makewayforbooks.org

Maria Jones
Early Literacy Specialist

Maria received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. She has a wide-range of experience in the early childhood field. Before becoming a bilingual Early Literacy Specialist, Maria worked as a bilingual Quality First Coach, supporting educators of early childhood in promoting high-quality care. Maria has also been an early childhood educator with both the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O’odham Nation, as well as with the Head starts within the Tucson area. Maria is a certificated observer in the three early childhood stages of Infant, Toddler and Pre-K Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and has vast experience with the Environmental Rating Scales for Toddler, Pre-K and Family Child Care Centers.

 

Email: maria@makewayforbooks.org

Fernando Trujillo
Early Literacy Specialist

Fernando received a bachelor’s degree in Humanities from Northern Arizona University, and an associate of applied science in Early Childhood Studies from Pima Community College. He has been working in the early childhood field for more than 8 years. As a former Pre-K teacher, Fernando is passionate about emergent literacy and language development in young children and believes that they are both fundamental. Fernando enjoys outdoor photography, spending time with his family and friends, hiking, playing with his dogs, reading, and running.

Email: ftrujillo@makewayforbooks.org

Stephanie Carl
Family Literacy Specialist

Stephanie is passionate and dedicated to the mission of Make Way for Books and its ability to positively influence the lives of the Tucson community. With a bachelor’s from Northern Arizona University, Stephanie has experience in Montessori education and kindergarten readiness programming. Being a mother of three beautiful children she fully understands and sees firsthand how wonderfully sharing books impacts the lives of families. When she’s not reading she enjoys running, playing guitar, and rummaging through thrift stores and yard sales.

Email: stephanie@makewayforbooks.org

Esmeralda Villegas-Salas
Family Literacy Specialist

Born and raised in Yuma, Esmeralda has worked in education for the past ten years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Esmeralda believes books are magic and is incredibly honored to be a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to show that magic to everyone. She loves spending time with her family in Yuma and Tucson, anything dog related, reading, and going on adventures with her husband.

Email: esmeralda@makewayforbooks.org

Merari Jaime
Family Literacy Specialist

Merari, a prior parent participant of Make Way for Books, holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Northern Arizona University. With a curious and enthusiastic mind, she is excited to serve and expand the organization’s mission in the communities she was raised in and currently resides in. Passionate about early literacy, Merari is determined to help empower young minds and ensure every child has access to the transformative power of reading.

Email: merari@makewayforbooks.org

Jose Ledesma
Book Acquisitions and Digital Specialist

Jose became acquainted with Make Way for Books as a content contributor while studying at the University of Arizona. He completed his bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing and aspires to continue his education in a Creative Writing MFA program. Jose’s fondest memories as a child were drawing, reading, and being read to, and it is those memories that drive him now toward making literature available to children everywhere. Jose loves writing fiction, hitting the gym, playing with his rambunctious nephew, and going on adventures.

Email: jose@makewayforbooks.org

Gloria González
Program Support Coordinator

Gloria is excited to have the privilege to help families and their children grow to love books and reading as she does. As our Program Support Coordinator, Gloria uses her organizational, processing, and problem-solving skills to help create a streamlined process for families in our programming – from recruitment, enrollment, and throughout programming to their successful “graduation.” In her free time , Gloria loves to read, watch movies, hike, make pottery, and spend time with her family, dog, and cats!

Email: gloriag@makewayforbooks.org

Lana Bruno
Program Assistant

Lana is a retired Peace Corps Training Director who has experienced the power of literacy in various countries during 25 years of international life and work. She welcomes the opportunity to support the Make Way for Books team to empower children and families in our community. Personal passions include family, a collection of international arts & traditional crafts and Lana never tires of cooking recipes gathered in travels or new ones learned through cookbooks and friends. Her dog, Luna, figures prominently in this chapter of her life.

Email: lana@makewayforbooks.org

Danyelle Moreno
Family Literacy Specialist

Danyelle Moreno, a Tucson native, brings ten years of early childhood education to Make Way for Books. As an avid book reader, Danyelle is passionate about early childhood literacy and believes stories and reading are important for young children and their families. Danyelle’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication has given her incredible opportunities to work in places like New York City and Tucson, and over the last ten years she has continued to find her way back to early childhood education. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her daughter, Alexandra, and her family, and loves photography, line dancing, and a good book.

Email: danyelle@makewayforbooks.org