Reach Out and Read Wisconsin hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting on Friday, Oct. 24 at Epic Headquarters in Verona. The meeting was the largest-ever attended, with nearly 150 in attendance. It was a day of connection, growth, and community. Everyone left the meeting inspired and they cannot wait to continue this important work with each other.
A Top Moment: Special Recognition from Governor Tony Evers
2025 Award Winners
Excellence Award: Whitney Reichling-Runde
Reach Out and Read Clinic Coordinator for Southwest Health
“Whitney has had a compassion for the Reach Out and Read program since she took it over. She loves children and ensures and books are given to children during their well child checks. When books are missed she mails them out to the patient. She lets staff know when books are missed as well. We have our annual Berry Fest coming up next week and she is one of the people who will be reading to children that evening.” – Kim Reuter, Clinic Manager
Excellence Award: Kayla Yates, DO
Reach Out and Read Medical Champion for Aurora Sinai Medical Center
“Dr. Yates has taken the lead role in re-establishing and invigorating Reach Out and Read in the Family Care Center (FCC) and Aurora Family Medicine Residency. She has assisted Reach Out and Read Wisconsin in training the residents (#36) and hosted an in-person presentation by the affiliate. Dr. Yates is actively working with the Wisconsin team to integrate elements of the new ROR residency curriculum. She also rallied the entire FCC team to do a book drive and is driving a culture of every patient gets a book regardless of age or visit type. Dr. Yates has truly made an impact on our clinic community and learners.” – Dr. Kjersti Knox, Aurora Sinai Medical Center
Stellar Partner Award: Leah Langby
Library Development & Youth Services Coordinator at the Inspiring and Facilitating Library Success
“Leah Langby is the Library Development & Youth Services Coordinator at the Inspiring and Facilitating Library Success (IFLS). Leah’s relationship with Reach Out and Read Wisconsin began in October of 2022 when Julie Dorshorst, a program manager for Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, began working to connect clinics with their local libraries. Leah was able to connect Julie to other regional library directors who in turn connected clinic contacts to their local libraries. Leah went on to join the Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Library Committee and was instrumental in bringing in other librarians to the committee whose perspectives and experiences were invaluable. Leah continues to be a champion of the connection between libraries and Reach Out and Read and is always willing to support and help when asked—a true stellar partner.” – Julie Dorshorst, Reach Out and Read Wisconsin
Impact Award: Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD
Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Medical Director
Dipesh Navsaria, MPH, MSLIS, MD is a visionary pediatrician, educator, and child health advocate whose lifelong commitment to early literacy has transformed communities across Wisconsin and beyond. His efforts to champion the integration of literacy into pediatric care made him a national voice on early brain development and relational health. Dr. Navsaria’s work has shaped policy at the American Academy of Pediatrics, influenced literacy promotion standards, and inspired a generation of professionals to see reading not just as education, but as a foundation for lifelong well-being.
As the founding medical director of Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, his impact is profound, his dedication unwavering, and his belief in the transformative power of books is a beacon for all who care about children’s future.
What our attendees said was their favorite part of the meeting
Being able to network with other people from Reach Out and Read Wisconsin and also through the health system I work with.
Getting to hear more behind the scenes and about the science of why we do it. It reinforced that what we say in clinic really matters for children.
The venue was fantastic but also the variety of speakers was amazing.
Great info and the venue was amazing!
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