MEET THE BOARD

Lauren Markovich, founder and executive director of Reading Opens Your World

Founder and Executive Director

Lauren Markovich

Lauren, a passionate advocate for literacy, is dedicated to inspiring elementary-aged students to embrace the joy of reading.

Growing up, Lauren faced challenges as a struggling reader. This is a common experience shared by many children. These childhood challenges were a catalyst to create a program whereby children could receive additional focus on reading outside the classroom.

Recognizing that literacy is the foundation of learning, Lauren aims to inspire children to see themselves as capable readers, empowering them to embrace the journey of learning and discovering the joy that comes from diving into a good book.
Lisa Hayhurst, Reading Opens Your World board member

Board Member

Lisa Hayhurst

“A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.”

Sasha Salmina

Lisa is a reading tutor and has spent the past decade working with elementary-aged school kids. She has been trained in the Science of Reading and the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching reading.

Lisa has served in numerous volunteer roles throughout her career, including as a founding member of the summer Eating and Reading program which provides Missoula area kids with free books and literacy programming from Families First in partnership with free summer meals from the Missoula Food Bank. She believes reading is the best way to prepare kids to be thoughtful, informed and well-adjusted adults.

Lisa is honored to be a member of the ROW board, as well as a ROW volunteer where she sees first hand the excitement of kids learning and enjoying reading as well as growing their own home libraries with the help of ROW.

Read more about Lisa on her website
Missoula Reading Tutor

Alanna Vaneps, Reading Opens Your World board member

Board Member

Alanna Vaneps

Alanna Vaneps brings over 25 years of experience in the field of education, specializing in the formative years of children aged 2 to 11. Alanna’s philosophy holds a deep respect for research-backed pedagogical theories, where she firmly believes that children thrive in environments that encourage exploration, authentic learning opportunities, and meaningful engagement with a variety of literature. Her commitment to promoting literacy goes beyond mere academic achievement; she strives to cultivate a genuine love for reading in every child.

Her expertise was honed through extensive training in the Science of Reading, Montessori instructional certification, International Baccalaureate Primary Years to Diploma programme instructional training, Language Immersion programs, and countless national level training across the United States.

She began as an early literacy teacher and director in the Montessori tradition before her tenure as a kindergarten teacher reinforcing the critical developmental stages in early literacy acquisition. Alanna’s passion for educational leadership led her to the role of Curriculum Director, where she spearheaded initiatives to empower teachers with high-impact reading strategies. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in professional development programs, ensuring that educators were equipped with the tools to embed these strategies seamlessly into their instructional practices.

She currently serves as a principal in an elementary school, where she facilitates discussions and provides training of innovative and impactful strategies and programs that nurture a love for reading among students.

As a board member of the ROW program, Alanna Vaneps brings commitment to empowering children through the transformative influence of literacy.
Drea Beale, Reading Opens Your World board member

Board Member

Drea Beale

(she/her)

Drea Beale is an equity-centered educator with over 25 years of experience in public schools. Her north star is an unwavering commitment to the growth of all students with an excellent, evidence-based education. She believes that literacy is a human right for all people, regardless of their home zip code.

Drea taught grades 6-12 in rural Maine and Oakland, California. Subsequently, she served as an K-12 instructional coach, a new teacher development coach, a high school principal, an elementary and middle school principal, and the superintendent of a K-8 district in northwestern Montana.

Currently, Drea is an educational consultant and coach with a focus on K-12 literacy, leadership coaching, and transformational adult learning experiences.

When not supporting a school or team, you will find Drea playing in the woods, waters, or mountains of northwestern Montana with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs.
Wendy Melvin, Reading Opens Your World board member

Board Member

Wendy Melvin

Wendy Melvin has spent over 32 years in Kindergarten through 4th grade education, and she brings that experience to her role on the board of Reading Opens Your World. She’s trained in the Science of Reading and works as a consultant in Direct Instruction, staying committed to evidence-based methods that make a real difference.

Wendy’s journey as a lifelong learner took her through Montana State University, Idaho State University, and finally to a master’s degree and reading endorsement at Gonzaga University. She’s driven by the belief that every child, no matter where they come from, deserves access to high-quality reading instruction.

When she’s not helping students become better readers, Wendy loves to get outdoors—hiking, playing pickleball, cross-country skiing or simply diving into a good book. Traveling with her family is one of her favorite things to do!

Our core values

CARING

Volunteers will exhibit a caring, thoughtful, respectful and kind approach when working with their ROW reader.

RESPECT

All participants in the ROW program will treat one another with respect and kindness and will be open to hearing and expressing opinions, ideas and concerns.

ROW volunteers will acknowledge and respect each child’s current reading skill level. Based on this, appropriate books will be provided which will encourage success and confidence in reading.

Respect the confidentiality of each ROW reader’s personal information.

VALUE

ROW works towards adding value to our society. Low levels of adult literacy could be costing our economy $2.2 trillion a year. Acquiring reading skills will positively impact the child’s life and their future, including income rate, obtaining access to healthcare and holding a quality job. ROW is challenged with the responsibility to change these statistics.

The ROW organization greatly values each volunteer who donates their time to the program. The volunteers are the treasures of the organization.

COMMITMENT

The ROW organization and ROW volunteers are committed to getting books in children’s hands, creating a desire within that child to open a book and helping children feel confident reading.

COLLABORATION

ROW works together with schools, administration, teachers and families to help students in the best way possible. ROW values relationships and a cohesive approach to working together with the community.

“Reading is the foundation of all learning and knowledge. With it, the broader world is within your grasp.” - Unknown

ROW IS DEDICATED TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN EACH SCHOOL THAT IT SERVES.

TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS AND STAFF WELCOME ROW VOLUNTEERS WITH OPEN ARMS.

EACH SCHOOL IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE IN HOW ROW IS ADOPTED.

WE’D LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH YOUR STUDENTS.

PLEASE CONTACT ROW MISSOULA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CONTACT US VOLUNTEER DONATE
The front entrance of Lewis & Clark School

LEWIS & CLARK ELEMENTARY

The adventure of Reading Opens your World first unfolded at Lewis & Clark Elementary in the Fall of 2022. Here, you will find a very enthusiastic and helpful staff where they were eager to embrace the program and enroll their students. ROW ended its inaugural year with 71 students, illustrating the power of our community of volunteers and the desire to reach new reading heights! We are looking forward to the exciting years to come.

LEWIS & CLARKVOLUNTEERPAPERWORK

“I cannot say enough how much ROW has made a positive impact in my classroom. My ROW volunteers have been wonderful. Not only is it obvious that they want to be here engaging with students, my students are over the moon to meet with their ROW volunteer each week. They look forward to their "ROW Day" and I wish I could capture the smile on their faces! As a teacher, I also look forward to this day. Not only have I built meaningful relationships with our ROW volunteers, but it also provides my students additional one-on-one support in an area in which they need help. I can wholeheartedly say that I LOVE what this program is doing for our community as I have seen first hand what it has brought to my classroom and to my students! I feel incredibly lucky that we have this program at our school!”

SUSAN ALDRICH, 1ST GRADE TEACHER, LEWIS & CLARK ELEMENTARY
Target Range School beneath a vivid orange sunset

TARGET RANGE SCHOOL

In the Fall of 2023, the journey of Reading Opens your World expanded to Target Range School. Target Range teachers love the help and one-on-one attention their students receive during a ROW session. Volunteers are greeted with warm smiles by the delightful front office staff as they walk in to find their student. With each step forward, ROW continues to reach more students and grow reading capabilities.

TARGET RANGEVOLUNTEERPAPERWORK

“Volunteering with ROW has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have been able to see the children make positive progress in their reading ability and how proud they are of themselves as they improve. Hopefully, one day they will be our next ROW volunteers.”

MARJI MARTIN, TARGET RANGE VOLUNTEER
Russell Elementary School and its hand-painted entrance sign

RUSSELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

At Russell Elementary, the classrooms are buzzing with excitement as young learners dive into the wonderful world of early education! Picture this: enthusiastic volunteers teaming up with energetic students, embarking on a whirlwind journey of reading and learning. Together, you will weave a tapestry of laughter and discovery, as you explore the enchanting world of stories!

RUSSELL VOLUNTEERPAPERWORK

“WOW! This has been an amazing experience for both the students at Sentinel High School and Russell Elementary. The littles [ elementary students ] are learning and my students [ high schoolers ] are getting meaningful teaching experience.”

MEGAN STUBBS, FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE TEACHER, SENTINEL HIGH SCHOOL
Franklin Elementary School building and playground

FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Franklin Elementary is a vibrant, welcoming school where young learners come together to learn, grow, and explore the joy of reading. Volunteers at Franklin have the opportunity to read one-on-one with curious, energetic Kindergarteners—an age where stories spark imaginations and every page turns into an adventure. You’ll leave each session with a full heart and maybe even a new favorite picture book!

FRANKLIN VOLUNTEERPAPERWORK

“Gaining reading skills is important. The opportunity for a child to speak with an adult, who listens, is an amazing opportunity—for both of them. ROW is doing great work.”

- ANONYMOUS VOLUNTEER
Close-up of colorful books

ROW IN THE NEWS

“The Importance Of Reading And Books As A Great Equalizer Among Humankind.” - Marie Benedict, Author

2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

Reading Rockstar and Bridge Pizza

BRIDGE PIZZA AND READING ROCKSTARS

READING RESOURCES

An open book resting on a stack of colorful books

DREAM BIGGER PROGRAM AFTER SCHOOL STUDENT-LED PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (PBL)

ROW IN THE NEWS

KPAX Community Spotlight

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: SENTINEL KIWANIS AND READING OPENS YOUR WORLD

 A volunteer and student reading together at a table

FROM ONE BOOK TO A MOVEMENT: HOW READING OPENS YOUR WORLD WAS BORN

 Reading Opens Your World logo

FUELING THE FIGHT AGAINST THE LITERACY CRISIS—TOGETHER

 Governor Greg Gianforte reading with students at Russell Elementary

GOVERNOR GIANFORTE AT RUSSELL ELEMENTARY WITH ROW

 NBC Montana logo

ROW ON NBC MONTANA