Reach Out and Read Northwest
Reach Out and Read Northwest
Reach Out and Read Northwest builds foundations for school and life success by supporting early literacy and healthy parent-child relationships.
Reach Out and Read Northwest partners with nearly 3,300 pediatric clinicians across Oregon and Washington to support early literacy and healthy relationships through parent-child shared reading.
Learn more about Reach Out and Read in Oregon here.
Learn more about Reach Out and Read in Washington here.
REACH OUT AND READ ROOTS
Founded in 1989 at Boston City Hospital (now Boston Medical Center), pediatricians Barry Zuckerman and Robert Needlman saw literacy as a critical cornerstone in a child’s life. They believed shared reading — when paired with attention from a caring adult — could create lifelong positive associations with books and reading, building a strong foundation for school and life success. Reach Out and Read’s effectiveness is consistently supported by independent, peer-reviewed research and is now in all 50 states, championing healthy growth and early literacy for all children.
OUR MISSION
Reach Out and Read works to strengthen all families with young children through guidance from medical clinicians about nurturing relationships through shared reading. It is the only literacy program endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nationally, our specially trained pediatric caregivers deliver the program to 4.6 million children and families each year. In the Northwest region, we serve over 200,000 children and families each year.
HOW A REACH OUT AND READ WELL-CHILD VISIT WORKS
Well-child visits are the earliest — and may be the only — regular contact with a child development professional for many families. Children typically see their pediatrician 14 times from birth to 5 years of age for preventive care. At each well-child visit, the child is given a new book to keep. Books give the clinician a unique tool to understand parent-child relationships, assess development, and give guidance about upcoming milestones. Clinicians coach, model, and affirm positive behaviors and effective book-sharing techniques, building a positive and trusted relationship with the family.
— Dr. Mary Ann Woodruff, Medical Director
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS
When early brain development and critical familial bonds are nurtured during the most rapid and vital period of growth — birth through age 5 — young children get the support they need to be “wired” for language, literacy, learning, and emotional health. Investing in efforts to support all children in reaching their full potential has clear and convincing benefits for the health and well-being of our society.
We can’t do it alone. Trusted pediatric clinicians encourage close, connected parent-child bonds and model early literacy skills during routine well child visits. State and local partners, foundations, and corporations provide financial support and community connections. Donors give money, time, and talents.
Each and every gift, no matter the amount, will help set a child up for success — in school and in life in the Northwest.
Featured News
The Power of Partnerships: Bank of America and Reach Out and Read
The power of partnership was fully displayed when Bank of America hosted a volunteer book drive supporting families in need across our community in September. Through this collaborative effort, three Reach Out and Read Northwest partner clinics—Neighborcare Health at Columbia City, Sea Mar Seattle, and Community Healthcare Lakewood—received books for children and families. Reach Out and Read […]
Reading Tips for Parents and Caregivers
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Tips for reading with all young children
- Make reading part of every day, even for just a few minutes. Have fun.
- Talk about the pictures. You do not have to read the book to tell a story.
- Let your child turn the pages.
- Show your child the cover page and explain what the story is about.
- Run your finger along the words as you read them.
- Silly sounds, especially animal sounds, are fun to make.
- Choose books about events in your child’s life such as starting preschool, going to the dentist, getting a new pet, or moving to a new home.
- Make the story come alive. Create voices for the story characters.
- Ask questions about the story. What do you think will happen next? What is this?
- Let your child ask questions about the story. Talk about familiar activities and objects.
- Let your child retell the story.
- Visit your local library often.
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Make the most out of reading with your little one
Explore a Reach Out and Read Minnesota clinician’s top tips to help families enjoy the benefits of reading together, from using different voices to asking children questions while reading.
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Reading with your baby
- Hold your baby on your lap while you read.
- Babies like board books, pictures of babies, rhymes and songs from the same book over and over, and when you point at pictures — this is how babies learn!
- Check out this video where Dr. Ruby Dey demonstrates ways to use a high-contrast book to create meaningful moments with your newborn, and this video where she shares how to engage with your 6-month-old through shared reading.
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Reading with your 1-year-old
- Let your toddler move around while you are reading.
- Name the pictures — this is how toddlers learn new words.
- Read labels and signs wherever you go.
- Toddlers like the same book over and over; a book at bedtime; to choose and hold the book; books about food, trucks, animals, and children; and books with few words.
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Reading with your 2-year-old
- Read labels and signs wherever you go.
- Keep different books around the house and let your child choose.
- 2-year-olds like to help turn the pages, to fill in the words in a story they know, to point and name pictures; to hear the same book over and over, books that are silly; and animal books and animal noises.
- Check out this video where Dr. Ruby Dey demonstrates ways to engage your busy 18-month-old as you read together.
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Reading with your preschool child
- Have your child sit close or on your lap while reading.
- Ask questions about the story.
- Let your child tell you stories.
- Make weekly visits to the children’s room at the library so your child can choose more books.
- Children like longer books that tell stories; books without words; alphabet and counting books; books about families, friends, and going to school; and a book at bedtime.
- Check out this video where Dr. Ruby Dey demonstrates ways to engage your curious 4-year-old as you read together.
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Join the Conversation
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Jessica Mortensen has 25 years of experience as a non-profit leader in the literacy and healthcare sectors. Trained as a librarian, a common thread through her work is ensuring people have access to information, knowledge, and skills that help support them to be successful in school, work, and life.
Jessica currently serves as the Executive Director of Reach Out and Read’s Northwest region where she leads the strategy, resource generation, and implementation for Reach Out and Read’s innovative and proven program across Oregon and Washington. Since joining the organization in 2010, she has overseen significant growth and expansion of Reach Out and Read’s partnerships with healthcare systems to serve Northwest families.
Prior to joining Reach Out and Read, Jessica held roles in foundation, university, and national and international non-profit organizations. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington and an undergraduate degree in Spanish and Art History from Whitman College.
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Hannah Slaughter is the Regional Program Director at Reach Out and Read Northwest. She directs our multi-state program strategy, implementation, data, and analysis to ensure that clinical sites across the region have the leadership and support to offer high-quality programs to children and families. Hannah previously served as the Program Director for Reach Out and Read Washington from 2018–2021, and as a Program Specialist in Washington from 2012–2018. Prior to joining Reach Out and Read, Hannah worked with faculty, residents, and medical students at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art Photography and a minor in Diversity from the University of Washington.
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Zakiya serves as the Associate Director of Development for the Northwest region at Reach Out and Read, where she brings over 18 years of expertise as a seasoned thought partner and leader in the nonprofit sector. As the Associate Director, Zakiya plays a key role in corporate relationships and foundation funding management.
Driven by a deep passion for serving underserved and marginalized communities, Zakiya applies an equity lens to donor work and is dedicated to addressing systemic issues and fostering sustainable change. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and an undergraduate degree in African and African Diaspora Studies, nee Africology, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
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Shannon Blood joined Reach Out and Read as the Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships for the Northwest Region in 2024. Her focus is on creating and implementing effective policy, advocacy, and communications strategies to support sustainability, growth, and visibility for Reach Out and Read Northwest.
Shannon has worked in the public and private sectors for over 25 years in early childhood and family support services. Her most recent focus area has been working cross-sector to explore, develop and advocate for health care financing (such as Medicaid) for maternal, infant and early childhood home visiting. Shannon is known as a strong advocate for critical system and policy changes that authentically engage multiple community perspectives early on and continuously.
Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree in community services from St. Martin’s University and a master’s degree in strategic communications from Washington State University. When not working, she carves out time for hiking, photography, and creative writing challenges.
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Ash Powers joined Reach Out and Read Northwest as a Program Manager in 2024. They received a Bachelor of Social Work at Colorado State University (Go Rams!). Ash is grateful to support clinics in South Puget Sound, Southwest Washington, and the Olympic Peninsula. They enjoy connecting with clinic staff, celebrating successes, and brainstorming solutions to challenges. Previously, Ash worked in violence prevention, which taught them the importance of community connection and the value of people’s stories. In their free time, Ash enjoys reading, playing pickleball, cooking, and exploring their next potential hobby.
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Kelsey Gallagher joined Reach Out and Read Northwest as a Program Manager in 2022. She strengthens relationships with clinic staff and partners directly with clinics to support their successful program implementation.
As a previous educator, Kelsey understands firsthand the need for early literacy intervention in her students. Her certifications as a Reading Specialist, English Language Instructor, Special Education Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coach, and more provide a unique lens to further the Reach Out and Read vision and assure quality implementation of our program model.
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Danno joined Reach Out and Read as a Program Manager in January 2025. They enjoy supporting and learning from participating clinics in Southern, Eastern, and Central Oregon, both virtually and in-person. Danno’s prior work experience includes community canvassing, strategic and DEI plan consulting, statewide and federal foster youth policy advocacy, administrative public library work, and peer support services with students, survivors, LGBTQ+ and low-income community members. Danno found their home in early literacy program work which combines their passion for prevention, social justice and equity, and promoting positive childhood experiences, with their love of books. They are currently enrolled in Information & Library Science and Data Science courses with the University of Maine Augusta Online. In their free time, Danno enjoys birdwatching, reading around 50 books a year, making tasty treats for their potluck group, and watching Star Trek. They enjoy nature and festivities in their hometown of Southern Oregon and in Washington state with their constellation of chosen family, including their partner, kids, sibling, niece, dear friends, and two adorable cats.
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Melissa MacCoumber joined Reach Out and Read Northwest as a Program Manager in 2024. She provides direct support to program sites in Northwest Oregon including the Portland Metro area through quality assurance and building relationships with clinical staff and health systems to sustain successful program implementation. Melissa’s career has been focused on improving health and educational outcomes for marginalized communities as both an educator and a nurse. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Concordia University and also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In her personal time, Melissa likes reading, creating, and listening to audiobooks while enjoying nearby natural wonders with her wife and their dog, Jinx.
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Jill Kong joined Reach Out and Read Northwest as a Grant Specialist in 2025. She supports the sustainability and growth of Reach Out and Read in the states of Washington and Oregon, and is responsible for pursuing and securing grants that fund the organization’s impactful work and strategic priorities.
Prior to joining Reach Out and Read, she worked in political organizing, grassroots advocacy and nonprofit direct service fields in the Puget Sound Region for 7 years. Her nonprofit roles have included coalition facilitation, program management, grant administration and development leadership. As an immigrant trans woman from China, she is a fierce queer/trans justice advocate, and has organized the Washington-based community group Asian Trans Sisters since 2023.
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Dr. Woodruff practices at Pediatrics Northwest in Tacoma. She received her undergraduate degree from Seattle University, her MD from the University of Washington, and completed her pediatrics residency at Mt. Zion Hospital, Stanford, and University of California, San Francisco. She brought Reach Out and Read to her Tacoma pediatric practice in 2001, and their four practice locations in Pierce and King Counties will distribute 10,000 books this year. Passionate about spreading the program, Dr. Woodruff became a Reach Out and Read National Trainer, helping doctors in Washington, Oregon, and California implement the program. She went on to co-found Reach Out and Read Washington State in 2007. She serves as the Washington Medical Director playing a vital strategic role. She helps inform new partnerships and initiatives, bringing the critical front-line perspective of a longtime practitioner, who is currently experiencing the rapid changes in medical practice.
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Marissa Lachaga is a rural family medicine physician assistant in Eastern Oregon. She completed her undergraduate degree in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Utah. She is an AHEC Scholar and competed the two-year interdisciplinary program through the Health Resources and Services Administration for healthcare professionals interested in serving and gaining a deeper understanding of the health care needs of urban and rural underserved or vulnerable populations. She was first introduced to the Reach Out and Read program at a Federally Qualified Health Center and immediately realized the positive impact and importance of developing stronger communities. She became passionate about integrating Reach Out and Read into her daily well-child visits, promoting reading, family relationships, and healthy childhood development. She serves as the Oregon Medical Director and is earnest about advocating for Reach Out and Read at both local and national levels.
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