Staff

EVELYN CANELA-GARCIA (she, her), executive director

Evelyn Canela-Garcia is the Executive Director of READ 718. A proud Brooklyn native, she brings more than 14 years of experience advancing educational opportunities for young people through literacy, mentoring, youth development, and community-based programming. Most recently, Evelyn served as Vice President, Programming & Impact at Read Ahead, a reading-based mentoring organization serving New York City public elementary school students. Prior to Read Ahead, she was a Community School Director at a high school in the South Bronx, where she led community school strategy and cultivated partnerships to support students and families. Evelyn earned her Bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College and her Master’s degree in Education Policy and Social Analysis from Columbia University’s Teachers College. 

Fun fact: Evelyn's love of literacy extends beyond work—she's currently building a children's book collection for her son, RJ, and is always looking for new recommendations.

SUSANNAH TAYLOR (she, her), COO & DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Susannah is Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development at READ 718. Prior to joining the staff of READ 718, she was a founding board member, serving on the board from 2015 until 2018. Before joining READ 718, she was Director of Finance at Malia Mills, a fashion company headquartered in Brooklyn, and spent 10 years working at Goldman Sachs in investment banking. She served on the board of Brooklyn Heights Montessori School from 2006 to 2012 and currently serves on the board of the Brooklyn Community Foundation. Susannah graduated from Princeton University with a BA in English Literature. Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she moved to New York City in 1990 and to Brooklyn in 2002, where she lives in Park Slope with her husband and three daughters.

Taylor jORDAN (she, her), Program Manager, READ 718 REMOTE

Taylor is from Baltimore, MD and has been living in Brooklyn, NY since 2017. She developed her love of reading as a child when her mom gave her her first chapter book, which was from the Junie B. Jones series. She received her B.S. in Community Health from the University of Maryland, where she also spent time tutoring elementary school students in reading and math. She believes education is a matter of public health, and wants to provide tutors and families with the support and tools needed to help children become successful readers and develop a love of reading. She has continued to tutor throughout the years, and is passionate about helping underserved communities, children, and BIPOC thrive. In her free time she enjoys participating in a 52 book challenge, performing in community musical theater, dancing, and watching reality television!

Anna-Lisa Trotman (she, her), Program manager, BEDford-stuyvesant

Anna-Lisa is a Brooklyn native who has always loved working with kids and serving the families in her community. She received her BA in Sociology at Cornell University and later, her MA in Educational Leadership from NYU and an MA in Teaching from Relay Graduate School. Her experience ranges from Parent Coordinator in Bushwick to ELA classroom teacher in Brownsville. In her spare time, you can find her singing, walking in nature or practicing the piano. She’s super excited to continue to increase literacy achievement and the love of reading with our READ 718 community.

hALEIGH cHAN (SHE, HER), PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, Boerum HILL

Haleigh is an individual who is passionate about reading, education and youth empowerment. Coming from a family of educators, it was instilled in her that education and literacy, specifically is a fundamental right. Haleigh holds a BA in Political Science and English from The George Washington University. During her time at GW she served three terms with AmeriCorps through Jumpstart, an early childhood education program. She served her final term with AmeriCorps with Reading Partners NYC, working with students in Queens to build their literacy skills. In her free time you can find her running in her local park, baking a sweet treat or working on her newest craft!

Kim Brooks (she, her), Associate director of development & operations

Kim is a longtime Brooklynite with a passion for reading and literacy, and a commitment to educational equity. She has worked in Student Affairs for CUNY, and most recently has served as a PTA Executive Board President at her children's New York City public elementary school. Kim lives with her two daughters and husband in Carroll Gardens. In her free time, she can be found running in Brooklyn Bridge Park, watching her daughter’s softball games at Prospect Park, or reading a book from her local library.

Paulina Tesnow (SHE, HER), PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, read 718 remote

Paulina Tesnow is a writer and educator originally from central Ohio. After completing her undergraduate degree in Film and Writing at Kent State University, she served in the AmeriCorps program City Year Cleveland for two years, where she developed a passion for educational justice and supporting student literacy. In 2022, she moved to New York to pursue a Master of Fine Arts in Writing at Sarah Lawrence College. She has more than seven years of experience teaching creative and academic writing to learners of all ages and backgrounds, from early elementary school through college. Paulina is especially excited about working for READ 718 because it offers the opportunity to support student learning and growth while serving her community. She lives in Brooklyn with her cat. 

Porsalin Israel (SHE, HER), PROGRAM associate, read 718 Remote

taya KING (SHE/HER), pROGRAM associate, read 718 REMOTE

Taya, hailing from Atlanta and Brooklyn, has a passion for children everywhere. Taya graduated from Agnes Scott College and has experience in education and museum programming. She also worked as a nanny for five years. Taya is the oldest of 8 siblings, has two nieces, and a cat named Chicken whom she loves so much. Taya is so excited to be a part of the READ 718 team and to nurture its community! In her free time, you can find her at the gym, with her siblings, or sitting on a stoop somewhere in Brooklyn. 

JESSICA LOBACCARO, PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, BEDFORD-stuyvesant

Jess is a native New Yorker, born and raised on Long Island. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from George Washington University. After graduating, she briefly lived out her west coast dreams in San Francisco, but like a siren song, she felt New York City calling her back. She is a writer, reader, and educator with a passion for storytelling and youth empowerment. She is a literary advocate who believes in the power of community and is excited to uphold those values through her work with READ 718. You’ll often find her strolling through the park, flipping through a book, or swimming in any body of water she can find (but preferably the ocean.)