Bird Street Community Center
Dorchester, MA
Bird Street Community Center
Dorchester, MA
Bird Street Community Center
Dorchester, MA
"Who loves children’s books more than I do, well it’s Lisa. She shares her love of books and reading with my students at the Beethoven Elementary School. It’s her kindness that shines through and her willingness to want all children to love reading. Lisa brought books for our students, well over 1,000 books. I’ll never forget the smiles and excitement of the students choosing two books to take home. Our Kindness Projects were such a success with all the support we received from Storytime Crafts."
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Margarite Mourkakos , School Librarian, Beethoven Elementary School, West Roxbury, MA (Retired)
Whittemore Elementary School, K-5
Waltham, MA
Kindness Project - March 1, 2019
Whittemore Elementary School, K-5
Waltham, MA
Kindness Project - March 1, 2019
Board of Advisors
Lisa Tedeschi Vergara, Founder
Lisa grew up in Needham, Massachusetts, and graduated from Needham High School before earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in 1983. She launched her career at Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill as Creative Art Director, where her innovative designs earned numerous accolades. It was during this time that Lisa discovered the transformative power of education—a principle that would shape her life’s work.
In May 2019, Lisa founded Storytime Crafts, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering inclusive childhood literacy opportunities. Described as “a literal connection to all things literary in Greater Boston,” Lisa has made it her mission to unite communities through the shared love of reading and creativity.
Today, Lisa continues to channel her passion into promoting literacy through the powerful combination of art, community, and kindness.
Leesa Mullin, Secretary, Community Impact Volunteer
Hello! I am originally from upstate NY and have been in the New England area for over 20 years! Professionally, I have worked at Fidelity Investments for almost 24 years. I am passionate about the time I spend volunteering with various non-profits including Storytime Crafts, Generic Ministry, New Life Furniture, the Dover Recycling Committee and work to promote causes close to my heart such as those affected by domestic violence and homelessness. In my spare time I enjoy any opportunity to get to the ocean, traveling, being outdoors exploring nature, and spending time with my family, including my 2 children and 2 golden retrievers!
I by chance met Lisa and learned so much about the mission of Storytime Crafts and could not be happier to be part of such a great organization! Lisa works so hard to bring the resources to children/families that would otherwise not have access, she works tirelessly to ensure the future is brighter for all!
Sharon Murray, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
Director of Marketing for 3 time super bowl champion Patrick Pass football clinics​. Sharon brings a deep understanding of the needs of children separated from family through the foster care system. She understands the importance of providing children in vulnerable situations with resources that can help them connect with others and express and process their emotions nonverbally. Sharon works closely with the Home for Little Wanderers along with other community organizations serving children in homeless shelters and foster care. ​
"I have always had a passion for giving back and feel so lucky I was asked to volunteer at this wonderful organization Storytime Crafts."
Ty Allan Jackson, Chief Literacy Advisor
Ty is an award-winning children’s book author, literacy advocate, captivating motivational speaker, and honorary Doctorate recipient. In 2011 he founded Big Head Books, LLC, a literacy organization that aims to introduce children to the joys of reading. Ty travels around the country inspiring children and educating adults about the impacts of illiteracy. A three-time TedX presenter, Ty believes that literacy is the foundation for a successful life and promotes it with humor and enthusiasm. Ty’s work as an author and literacy advocate earned him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from MCLA, the Massachusetts inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Content of Character Award, and citations from the Massachusetts Governor, Senator, and the House of Representatives. Ty’s books have been featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Steve Harvey Show, PBS and countless other media outlets. In 2012, Ty’s books were gifted to former First Lady Michelle Obama by his hometown mayor. He is the co-founder of the Read or Else movement and Danny Dollar Academy.
"I can say with great sincerity that there are fewer people who care and make the effort to better their community than Lisa Vergara. With a level of dedication and commitment aligned with a remarkable work ethic, Ms. Vergara lives to serve. From supplying toiletries to families who are less fortunate, to gifting hundreds of bikes to children who can’t afford them, to giving away tens of thousands of books to kids in need, Lisa and Storytime Crafts, has changed the lives of countless children and families. Her level of goodwill makes her a superhero in a time when it is needed the most. She is worthy of all the praise, accolades and support given to her."
Melissa Sapini, Literacy Advocate
Miss Massachusetts USA 2024
Melissa Sapini, Miss Massachusetts USA 2024, professional model and television commercial actress is an entertainment television reporter of The New England Sports Network, show Dirty Water. With two years of experience reporting on Boston Pop culture. She’s currently pursuing a bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with a concentration in Broadcast at Suffolk University. Melissa has her sights set on becoming a E! News television correspondent.
Her platform as Miss Massachusetts USA reflects her dedication to making a positive impact, just as her mother and grandmother did before her. Melissa’s grandmother played a pivotal role in her life. Born in Haiti, she sought a better life in the US, carrying dreams of opportunity and access. Christiana grew up in a time where education was not a priority. Unfortunately, she was taken out of school at a very young age to work at flea markets to support her family, which included 11 children. Despite facing challenges, her grandma's resilience and determination left a lasting impact on Melissa. Her unwavering spirit and sacrifices inspired Melissa’s commitment to Literacy advocacy.
Melissa’s background equips her with cultural competence—an understanding of diverse reading materials that are culturally relevant and accessible to diverse audiences. She enjoys guest reading and interpreting Haitian Creole for new migrant students in the Massachusetts public school system. In addition, Melissa is also involved in the establishment of a scholarship program at her mother’s former middle school in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, providing assistance for students who cannot afford tuition. Her journey so far is a testament to the transformative power of cultural pride and empathy.
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Donna M. Woodson, Community Outreach Liaison
Donna M. Woodson is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in education, community engagement, and youth development. Her career spans roles as a clinician throughout Greater Boston, Early Childhood Education Professor at Roxbury Community College, and Program Director/Outreach Coordinator at Bird Street Community Center. She founded "Beast Mode," an organization committed to coaching young males in basketball, advocating for them in schools, and fostering improved communication with their parents. Donna has a rich coaching history, including leading the Roxbury College and U-Mass Boston women’s basketball teams and coaching the women’s semi-pro team, the "Lady Ballerz."
Additionally, Donna has coached various male youth basketball teams, including in the Boston Neighborhood Basketball League teams for ages 19, 15, and 13 & under, as well as AAU teams. Her work extends to at-risk youth, coaching in the Peace League and the Roxbury YMCA, specifically working with youth involved in gangs. She also served as a Program Manager for Childcare and Afterschool Care at the Roxbury YMCA.
Donna's dedication to empowering young people, especially in underserved communities, reflects her deep commitment to mentorship, education, and fostering positive change.
Antonelli Mejia, Principal
Sarah Greenwood Dual Language School, K-8
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Antonelli has always been committed to serving others in his community. As a rising high school junior in Santo Domingo, his family made a difficult but necessary choice – to emigrate to the United States in pursuit of a better opportunity. After enrolling in Boston Public Schools (BPS) without the ability to read or speak English, Antonelli was determined to overcome the challenges that most English Language Learners faced. Through that process, he found his passion for education and sought to dedicate his career to changing the narrative for students from similar communities and backgrounds. His commitment to education grew as he graduated high school and college and worked in public and charter school systems as a teacher, community coordinator, and student support counselor.
As an Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellow, Antonelli published an article titled “The Struggle of Representation: Reflecting on our Latinidad through the Walls of Acculturation and Self-Esteem.” In this article, he narrates his story by exploring the challenges of the existing gap in educational leadership in the Latino community. He was also selected as one of three educators in the United States to participate in Univision’s national campaign, Nuestros Maestros, to tell his story and inspire other Latinos to be education leaders. As a young leader, Antonelli understands the importance of representation and wants to ensure the voice of the Latino community is present and considered when making decisions about access to equitable education for all children.
In addition to his commitment to serving BPS students and families, Antonelli has partnered with organizations like The Teachers’ Lounge, Teach For America, and Latinos For Education to hone his consultancy practice further and move the work of educational equity forward. He served on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE’s) Teacher and Principal Advisory Cabinet, a statewide convening of sector leaders ensuring that the updates to the state’s evaluation systems align with culturally responsive practices that lead to more equitable and effective teaching preparatory programs.
Antonelli currently serves as a Principal at a K-8th Dual-Language Public School in Boston. He holds a B.A. in Psychology and Human Resources from Boston College and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University. Antonelli is an alum of Boston College’s Lynch Leadership Academy, where he earned his principal certification. He also completed Harvard University’s School Management and Leadership certification program and recently started his Doctorate of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Boston University.
Carlos Miranda, Community Advisor
Carlos Miranda is a dedicated mail carrier serving the Needham community with distinction. He is also a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (Branch 34 Boston). He has recently been nominated for the position of Sergeant at Arms, representing over 3,300 members of his branch. Carlos was recently elected as a delegate to the 73rd NALC National Convention in Boston (August 5-9, 2024) and the National Business Agent Regional Administrative Program (RAP) session in Providence, Rhode Island (November 23-25, 2024), further demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and his peers.
Born in Trujillo, Honduras, and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Carlos attended East New York Transit of Technology High School and pursued higher education at Medgar Evers College. As a bilingual professional, he leverages his diverse background to connect with a wide range of individuals and communities. His passion for service extends beyond his postal duties, as reflected in his extensive volunteer work.
Fueled by his love for basketball, Carlos founded Miranda's Basketball Academy, where he trains young athletes in the fundamentals of basketball while instilling essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and discipline. His commitment to empowering youth inspired him to expand his mission internationally, organizing impactful initiatives in Honduras to support underprivileged communities. Through this Academy, he has worked tirelessly to inspire confidence and create opportunities for youth in impoverished communities.
Carlos is deeply committed to making a difference, whether through his professional responsibilities, union leadership, or community initiatives.
Sara King, Community Volunteer Member
I have been a Needham resident for the last 12 years and I’m a mom to two girls. My professional background is in Educational Technology, where I spent the last 15-20 years in K-12 publishing, developing digital textbooks and curriculum materials in the core subject areas. For the last 7 years, I have managed my own consulting business which allows me flexibility in managing the schedule of my very busy daughters! A highlight of our summers and days off of school is spending time at Storytime, managing small tasks and projects to help Lisa further the mission of Storytime Crafts.
Caitlin Berardi, Intern - Grant Writer & Youth Liaison
Caitlin, a high school junior at Thayer Academy, is passionate about promoting literacy, diversity, and equal education opportunities for all students. Caitlin is one of the co-presidents of Club Esperanza, a club at her school dedicated to helping the Project Esperanza nonprofit organization. This nonprofit is located in the Dominican Republic and serves the Haitian refugee and immigrant population of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic in the areas of education, social aid, and community development. After traveling to the DR on a service trip last March, because of her experience, she decided she wanted to provide help to local Haitian communities in the Boston area, along with supporting families internationally.
Outside of her school, Caitlin has been an avid volunteer at Storytime Crafts for the past two years, and through her service, she aims to help advance initiatives that foster inclusivity and break down barriers in education. As a grant writer and youth advocate for Storytime Crafts, Caitlin is committed to helping secure funding for initiatives that support underrepresented communities, foster inclusive learning environments, and promote literacy for all. Caitlin strives to raise awareness about the amazing work Storytime Crafts accomplishes, and inspire more youth engagement within her community.
Dhana Kotwal, Community Volunteer Member
Hello, I'm Dhana (duh-naa). Needham has been my adoptive home since 2013! I am an engineer with a business degree. I've worked almost 2 decades in healthcare/ public health in the greater Boston area at the functional intersection of data, improvement science and project management. As a mom of 3 little ones, I am rediscovering the magic and importance of reading for kids. Which Is why I am so excited to volunteer with Storytime Crafts.