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Collective Passion for Early Literacy Is Boundless
Dr. Mary Jan BancroftFounder and executive director Dr. Mary Jan Bancroft has never drawn a salary at MAKE WAY FOR BOOKS. Every penny she has raised has gone into helping southern Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens gain critical early literacy skills. In 1997, after moving to Tucson from Reno, Nevada, where she was a professor in the Department of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, Mary Jan started MWFB with the help of a good friend and a very supportive husband. She has worked tirelessly for the last 13 years to get books into the hands of children who need them most, and to teach parents and early childhood educators about the importance of reading aloud to children and early literacy—all while raising two daughters (both avid readers)! |
 Mary Jan, aka “mouse” gets a hug from a Story Town fan. |
Abby SmithAs the MWFB office manager, Abby Smith, wears many hats, functioning as accountant, executive assistant, and database manager, to name just a few. Abby holds a bachelor of arts in history and Spanish from Wheaton College. The oldest of three children, Abby grew up in a close-knit, book-loving family in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and returns home to visit as often as possible. Besides reading, Abby loves to play outside—hiking, camping, and running—and travel, most recently to San Francisco, Austin, Spain, and the Grand Canyon. |
 Abby and her mom join forces for Story Town 2009. |
Karina BarrentineKarina Barrentine, development and marketing manager, has dedicated her life—24/7—to high-risk children. She and her sister have adopted three special-needs foster children—now 2, 6, and 9—in the last four years. She experiences everyday the difference reading, singing, talking, laughing, and loving make in the lives of young children who need it most. Karina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism (summa cum laude) and an MBA in marketing. She has more than 25 years of experience in fields that span print journalism, Internet sales for educational resources, strategic marketing, business development and non-profit fundraising. |
 Karina and son Adrian share a laugh with Mary Jan at Open House 2010. |
Jenny VolpeJenny Volpe, preschool program coordinator, is passionate about helping children gain access to quality educational opportunities. She holds a bachelor of arts (with honors) in a unique interdisciplinary major focusing on literature and education from the University of Chicago and a master’s in elementary education from The Johns Hopkins University. Jenny taught elementary school for five years before entering the educational publishing world to develop reading and language arts curriculum. Jenny has spent considerable time volunteering in countries throughout Asia and Europe. The triplet is an avid reader, poet, and yoga teacher. |
 Jenny presents Peace workshop 2011. |
Julie FribergJulie Friberg, early literacy consultant, is constantly on the go. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with early childhood and bilingual/ESL endorsements. She is nearing the completion of a master’s in language, reading, and culture at the University of Arizona. Julie hails from a family of book lovers. Her husband Matt is a librarian with the Pima County Public Library. They have two daughters, 16 and 13, who still love to read their favorite children’s books: “The Going to Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton, “Knuffle Bunny” by Mo Willems, and “Scaredy Squirrel” by Melanie Watts. |
 Julie plays a “Splendid Friend” for preschool Peace presentation. |
April TurnerApril Turner, early literacy consultant, has always felt a calling to be a voice for those who are readily seen but seldom heard, our children. She has been passionately advocating for early childhood quality care and education her entire adult life, starting in her high school’s Child Development Lab. Since then, she has held several positions in early childhood education, including preschool teacher, center director, and training consultant. Originally from Silver Spring, Md., April has lived in Tucson since 1996 with her husband, Raymond, two sons, and the newest member of the family, baby girl Raven. |
 April checks out books for a new preschool library. |
Natalia Phillips-PortilloNatalia Phillips-Portillo, family literacy coordinator, is a native Tucsonan. She became fascinated by the connection between access to books and pre-literacy skills and language acquisition while teaching preschool art. Natalia holds a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and art history and a master’s in information resources and library science from the University of Arizona. An avid animal lover, Natalia enjoys playing, running, and walking with her three beautiful dogs: Scout, Monk, and Ellie. She also loves reading fiction and poetry, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family. |
 Natalia reviews books going out to families. |
Diane AltieriThis mother of three , grandmother of eight, Harry Potter fan, and MWFB storytime volunteer coordinator and preschool program assistant, is simply (or not so simply!) there for everyone. Diane, who loves to read children’s books , sew, draw, do arts and crafts (and Yodel!) is the reason the MWFB volunteer library stays stocked with beautiful children’s books and the whimsical character costumes and props for family events turn out so exquisite. Diane, a highly involved church member, lives with her husband Len and super tuxedo kitty Mr. Maxwell Binks. |
 Husband Len joins Diane for one of many Story Towns. |
Agnes MainaAgnes Maina, bookkeeper/office assistant, moved to Tucson from Kenya five years ago. She will graduate from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in December 2011. After graduation she plans to continue to earn a master’s in accounting and become a Certified Public Accountant. Classical music offianado and opera-appreciating Agnes enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband, Ben, and 2-year-old son, Jayden, who just happens to love books (and trucks)! |
 Agnes and family enjoy the 2011 Peace celebration. |
Monica FarmerMonica Farmer, preschool program specialist, is as a third-generation library professional. She holds her second master’s degree in information resources and library science from the University of Arizona. When Monica isn’t helping MWFB create curriculum, host special events, or order books, she can often be found biking, playing with her nephews, gardening in her community plot, or baking up goodies from the fruits of her labor; that is, when she isn’t reading. |
 Monica staffs the MWFB Story Town booth. |
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