Meet our facilitators
Our volunteers are working people and students who recognize the importance of raising literacy levels in our community and believe in helping others reach their potential. They work hard to contribute their time and skills so that we can continue to bring you FREE workshops.
If you are like-minded and want to join our team, connect with us.
Stephanie Platero
"As a young reader I was captivated by authors’ imaginative worlds beyond my own. Writing expands our thinking and values. Imagining the impossible is essential for navigating life and children deserve a space where their imaginations can truly run free."
O’Shene Gordon
"Ripple Foundation gives the bold and the shy a platform to bring their vivid imaginations to life, incentivizes their love for literature, and helps to develop the necessary skills for children to be the best writers they can be. It uplifts and speaks to my inner child."
Victoria Binetti
"I'm excited to help young writers find their voice and creativity—Ripple Foundation offers a unique space to nurture imagination, and I’m thrilled to be part of that journey."
Ivy Zhang
"Writing has always been a unique way for me to express myself. It teaches creativity and grants me the ability to share my views with the world. I want to share this passion through Ripple and empower young writers."
Bhanvi Girdhar
"Since an early age, I’ve been interested in reading and writing so I am elated to volunteer with the Ripple Foundation in a field that I’m passionate about! I believe it’s important to give back to your community and this certainly is one of the best possible ways."
Mariann Joseph
"I love writing for the worlds it creates - when reading or writing, I'm teleported to those worlds. Helping transport people to their own worlds is a marvellous opportunity the Ripple Foundation gives me!"
Rose Sugatan
"I advocate for my own children in every way, and I see volunteering with Ripple as an extension of my life’s work—supporting a mission for young voices to be heard, empowered, and celebrated through creativity and the kind of encouragement that lasts a lifetime."
Kateri Yamasaki
"Creative writing is the kind of art that teaches you to embrace your inner thoughts, no matter how astounding it sounds to the ordinary person. If I can help kids find their writing voice, getting to volunteer for Ripple Foundation is the path I want to take!"
Amal Qazi
"Since my childhood, I've always loved reading about fantastical worlds, and this love ignited a passion for me to express myself through creative writing. I'm excited to inspire the same passion for literacy in children by working with the Ripple Foundation!"
Christian Oehlert
"I've had many people help me and my writing over the years, and supporting a new generation as they develop their voices is an excellent opportunity to give back."
Michael Kis
"I've always had a passion for both storytelling and teaching, and Ripple has given me the opportunity to do both."
Isabel Contin
"Growing up, creative writing gave me a space to express myself and grow my imagination. The opportunity to foster that same creativity in the next generation feels like a meaningful full-circle moment."
