About this Webinar
Join us for this behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lifeblood of SMART: books!

Hear from SMART Executive Director Chris Otis, and Program Director Alexis James all about the importance of books as a key driver of early literacy. We’ll discuss how we select and purchase books, the importance of access to diverse stories, and much more! We’ll also have time for a Q&A session.

With your help, SMART will give away our three millionth book next school year, helping thousands of children discover the power of a good book to open the door to a whole new world of possibilities.
Agenda
  • History of SMART
  • Books: A key driver of early literacy
  • Books at SMART
  • Q&A
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    Chris Otis
    Executive Director
    Chris Otis joined the organization in December 2010. In that time, she has effectively led SMART through a strategic planning process that has resulted in impressive program growth. Chris brings a rich background of more than 20 years in nonprofit leadership to SMART. She most recently served as executive director for the Children’s Relief Nursery, a child abuse prevention program serving high-risk children and families in Portland. Prior to her five-year tenure at the Children’s Relief Nursery, Chris served as the executive director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation—Oregon Chapter; the Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services; and the California Association of School Psychologists; and served as the deputy executive director for the California Chiropractic Association. She is an adjunct faculty member of the University of Portland, where she was recruited to design and teach a course on nonprofit management for MBA students at the University’s School of Business. She received both her MBA and her Bachelor’s degree from California State University in Sacramento.
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    Alexis James
    Program Director
    Alexis James is a longtime educator and activist. Her current activism is focused on early childhood literacy and advancing social justice across the state of Oregon through her role as director of program operations and personnel at SMART (Start Making a Reader Today). Being a native Oregonian has created an enduring and unconditional love for the state and a desire to see Oregon manifest its social justice hopes and dreams.
  • Michael
    Michael Finlay
    Senior Program Manager
    Michael Finlay is the Senior Program Manager for SMART’s Northwest Office based in Salem and has worked for SMART for nearly six years. He is a graduate of Western Oregon University and worked at the Gilbert House Children’s Museum before joining SMART in 2013. Michael is also a Parent Educator in the Salem-area and spends his free time with his wife and reading with his two young children.
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