Our Leadership
Leadership in Literacy
Working Together to Inspire Lifelong Readers
At Reach Out and Read Illinois, we believe early literacy is a shared responsibility—and a powerful opportunity to build healthier futures for children. Our leadership reflects this commitment across generations. From pediatricians and nonprofit professionals to passionate teens, our boards work together to guide, support, and elevate our mission: integrating books and reading guidance into pediatric care from birth through age five.
Our Board of Directors
The Reach Out and Read Illinois Board of Directors brings together a dedicated group of leaders with expertise in pediatrics, public health, education, communications, and nonprofit development. Their vision and oversight help drive strategic planning, community engagement, and resource development to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the state.
Audrey Brewer, MD, FAAP
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Clare Crosh, DO, MS, FAAP
Advocate Health Care
Aimee Crow, MD, FAAP
Endeavor Health System
Dalilah Earley
Community Leader
Mindy Etheridge, RN, MSN, CLC, CPST
Advocate Medical Group – Evergreen Park Pediatrics & Orland Park Pediatrics
Mary Kate Fleming
Rush University Medical Center, Physician Liaison, Surgery
Lisa Ferguson
Professional Development Facilitator & Instructional Math Coach, Erikson Institute
Ashley Fischer, MD
Carle Health Pekin East Pediatrics
Susan Ford
Special Projects Manager, C+R Research
Lori Frumkin
Chicago Public Library
Amber Garwood, APRN
SIU Center for Family Medicine – Decatur
Janea D. Harris
Author, Poet and Community Leader
Mariana Glusman, MD, FAAP
Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Section of Primary Care, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Stacy Laurent, DO, FAAP
University of Illinois at Chicago
Carol Lewke*
Community Leader
Niru Mahidhara, MD, FAAP
Pediatrician, Comer Children’s Hospital University of Chicago Medicine
Avinash Mantha, MD, FAAFP
Physician
Judith Neafsey, MD*
Pediatrician
Preethi Raghupatruni, MD, FAAP
Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Natalie P. Santiago, MD, FAAP
Physician
Beth Volin, MD, FAAP*
Rush University Medical Center, Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Donna Weigel
Community Leader
*Advisory Board Emeritus Committee
Teen Ambassador Program
The Teen Ambassador Program empowers high school students to become leaders in early literacy while supporting the work of Reach Out and Read in Illinois. Students accepted into the ambassador program will:
- Earn service hours through volunteer projects and community engagement opportunities
- Develop leadership skills by planning and leading book drives and fundraisers
Click the links below to apply today, view the toolkit for more details, and download promotional flyers!
Have questions about the program? Email us today!
Interested in Getting Involved?
Whether you’re a healthcare leader, a student, or a supporter of early literacy, there are many ways to contribute. Contact our team to learn more about board membership, volunteer opportunities, or how to support Reach Out and Read Illinois.
