This year we are celebrating AmeriCorps week by showcasing all our incredible United Readers mentors! Our mentors, who join us through AmeriCorps, work with local elementary school students on building phonemic skills on a one-on-one or small group basis.
During the second full week of March, the country recognizes and gives thanks to the AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers who serve their communities. Join us as we celebrate and thank our members for uniting in service and making an impact across northern Nevada!
Learn more about our mentors below!
Trinity Goldsmith | Maxwell Elementary 
Why is early education important to you?
Early childhood education and literacy is important to me because the ability to read and write is not just vital for future success, but for enjoyment as well. Not everyone grows up to love reading, but if they don't know how to read or write then they'll never know if they would've. Having strong reading skills also just alleviates stress and helps to make their future endeavors more attainable.
What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
I love interacting with the students and forging connections with them. More than that, I love feeling like I have a positive impact on them; even if the only thing I can do is make them smile, I walk away feeling accomplished for at least one thing.
Tina Walker | Silver Lake Elementary
Why is early education important to you?
As kids grow, their minds are open to learn new things teaching them how to use different beginnings.Two words together, rhyming, it's all a new experience.
What is the most inspiring part of being a mentor?
Most inspiring is when the kids get it right and their faces of happiness!
Tranae Philips | Peavine Elementary 
What is the most important lesson you have learned during service?
The most important lesson I've learned is patience. No child is the same and they all learn at a difference pace. I definitely have a higher respect for teachers now, they deal with a lot with a large group of students.
What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is The Pout Pout Fish. I love this book because it teaches turning negativity into positivity. I also love it because it has different characters and I like to change my voice when reading it and bring the characters to life.
Vicki McVeigh | Maxwell Elementary
What is the most important lesson you have learned during service?
I've learned that small things matter! 15 minutes matter. I never knew what could be accomplished in such a short period of time. What we are doing matters!
What do you enjoy most about being a mentor?
I enjoy interacting with the children. I appreciate talking with them and learning more about them. The conversation is meaningful to them, and they really make me laugh. I'm inspired by the teachers that keep showing up and giving their all. It's not an easy job, but they seem to love what they do!
Ezekiel Jacinto | Sun Valley Elementary 
Why is early education/literacy important to you?
Early childhood education and literacy are important to me because I am seeing the struggle and need that students are facing in our district. I have family members whose children are also affected by literacy and it makes me worry for the future generations. This is important because I know I can help at least some students and make a difference and see their growth when it comes to literacy.
What is your favorite childhood book?
My favorite childhood book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin.
Anita Borden | Echo Loder Elementary
Why did you become a mentor?
Becoming a mentor is a human service which allows for a chance to make an impact and positively help an individual's growth and development.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a mentor?
The potential to see improvement in the lives of young minds to aid in their journey of love and reading.
Eric Sachs | Sun Valley Elementary 
Why is early education important to you?
Early education is the "window" of where [children] could retain the most.
Why did you become a mentor?
To gain experience working with a younger [group] of learners.
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Kaiden Mejia-Amaya | Echo Loder Elementary
Why is early education important to you?
It determines one's future, and as someone who was at a school with limited resources, I understand how pivotal it was when I received extra support. Now I am soon to graduate college! I want to help others do the same.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a mentor?
I am looking forward to seeing the students' progress!
Randy Proffit | Bordewich Bray Elementary
What are you looking forward to the most about being a mentor?
Seeing young minds achieve and master the skills for reading.
What is your favorite children's book?
Thank You, Mr. Faulker by Patricia Polacco.
Elaine Bender | Lahontan Elementary
Why is early literacy important to you?
I remember the impact that literacy had in my life.
Why did you become a mentor?
I enjoy working with children!
Cait Coker | Lahontan Elementary 
Why is early education important to you?
I feel it is the start to a prosperous life. It also gives the child confidence and the ability to have their voice heard.
What are you looking forward to the most about being a mentor?
I am looking forward to seeing the growth and confidence of children who are having a great time learning and building these life-long skills.