STAFF

Laurelle Rzeszewski , Program Director: Laurelle eagerly jumped on the scene at Read Aloud America in March 2010. She graduated with a degree in Sculpture from the University of Hawai'i and will forever be an artist at heart. She previously worked in Art Therapy serving military families, and before that, owned her own business serving families with small children. The true love of her life is her daughter, Sage. Laurelle firmly believes that the only lasting way to change our community is through loving our children, nurturing their imagination and creativity, and allowing them to view the world with unobstructed, open eyes. She believes that Read Aloud America is at the heart of this mission. Her favorite books these days are ones she can share with her daughter. Some of their favorites include The Giving Tree, Cinder Eyed Cats, Tikki Tikki Tembo, and Not Norman.

Carolina Carreira , Program Coordinator: Carolina joined the Read Aloud America team in July 2010. Born and raised in Mililani, she is the oldest of four siblings, all brothers. She holds an A.A. from the University of Hawaii, LCC and would like to continue her education as life and time permits. She believes there is nothing of greater value in life than family. Among her favorite past times are CrossFit, stand up paddling, watching movies, hanging out with her husband and family and of course reading! Her favorite books include The Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull, Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, and The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer. She is also a huge fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy and rereads the series every year.

Israel Chavez , Program Support Coordinator/Trainer: Israel joined Read Aloud America in January 2009. Israel was born in California, but has been calling Maui home since he was 12. In 2008, he graduated from the Univeristy of Hawaii at Manoa with a degree in journalism, and wants to become an English teacher so he can encourage kids to read and write. His favorite book growing up was Maniac Magee, and when he is not writing, he likes to run and learn to cook. He's also a musician, and is a volunteer staff member with the Maui High School Marching Band, where he works primarily with the drumline.

Tram Dinh, Volunteer Coordinator: Tram joined Read Aloud America in January 2008. She was raised in Washington State, where she spent most of her time designing clothes, volunteering at Valley Medical's Kids Headquarters, and preparing meals at homeless shelters. After earning her fashion design degree, she moved to Oahu and worked as a part-time volunteer coordinator and an administrative assistant. Some of her favorite kinds of books are suspense and spiritual books.

Danette Hoe, Office Manager: Danette joined Read Aloud America in December 2009. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Danette lived in Boston for seven years before moving to her husband Garret's home state of Hawaii. She holds a BA in East Asian Studies from Harvard University and enjoys taking continuing education courses of all kinds. Danette loves reading to her 11 year old son Taylor, whose favorite book is The Lightening Thief, by Rick Riordan, and 4 year old daughter Maggie, who adores Little Pea, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Her own personal favorites include, Julia Child's, My Life in France and The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova .

E-mail us: read@readaloudamerica.org