Our Team

 

Rebecca Constantino founded Access Books to address a gap she had spent decades studying and witnessing firsthand. With a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Learning, her work has focused on literacy development, equity in education, and access to books in under-resourced communities.

Rebecca has taught language acquisition and reading at UCLA, UC Irvine, and Pepperdine University, and has worked on literacy initiatives in the U.S. and internationally. Her leadership has been recognized with honors including the Oprah Winfrey Use Your Life Award, LA Times Innovator’s Award, CNN Hero recognition, and the Dorothy C. McKenzie Award for Distinguished Service to Children’s Literature.

Her commitment to equity extends beyond her professional life into her family and community.

Favorite children’s books: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulare and Caps for Sale — a book she read with her children.

 

Meghan Cason joined Access Books in 2008 and brings deep expertise in librarianship, information literacy, and program design. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and a Master of Library and Information Science from UCLA.

In addition to her work with Access Books, Meghan is the Digital Resources & Reference Librarian at Los Angeles Valley College. Growing up in a household with limited resources, libraries became her refuge—an experience that continues to shape her work today.

Favorite children’s books: Charlotte’s Web, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and anything by Judy Blume.

 

Lorri Kampfner has been involved with Access Books through her commitment to family, community, and education. A journalism graduate of California State University, she previously worked as a paralegal before dedicating her time to community involvement and raising her family.

Her connection to Access Books reflects her belief in the power of reading as a shared family experience.

Favorite children’s book: Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.

Clare Freedman is a visual artist and community builder who graduated from UC Davis in 2025, where she studied Psychology and Art Studio. She has been part of the Access Books community since 2014, beginning as an Artist-in-Residence and growing into her current role supporting the Mural Program.

Clare’s work is rooted in storytelling, inclusivity, and collaboration. She brings a thoughtful, human-centered approach to creative direction—helping transform school libraries into welcoming spaces that reflect the students who use them.

Her favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are.

Claudia Magaña has spent her career creating environments where reading feels accessible and natural. Her work spans youth intervention programs, classrooms, parenting education, and school libraries.

She studied Sociology and English at California State University and credits her lifelong love of reading to her mother, who modeled reading as a daily practice. Claudia focuses on helping students build curiosity and confidence through books.

Favorite children’s book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

 

Anne-Marie Reyes brings both creativity and precision to her work managing library collections. Before joining Access Books in 2021, she volunteered extensively in school libraries, supporting book organization, inventory, and literacy events.

With a background in music and a love of storytelling, Anne-Marie ensures that school libraries are thoughtfully built, well-maintained, and filled with books students want to read.

Favorite children’s books: Bread and Jam for Frances, Frog and Toad, and Walk Two Moons — now shared with her own children.

Spike Dolomite Ward has worked in the Los Angeles nonprofit sector for over two decades. She founded her own arts education nonprofit and has since led, advised, and fundraised for numerous organizations.

At Access Books, Spike builds partnerships and secures funding to sustain and grow library programs. She brings deep experience, strategic thinking, and a love of creative work to the role.

Favorite book: Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse.

 
Isabel Acedo’s love of reading and writing led her to earn a B.A. in English and pursue a Master of Library and Information Science. She began her relationship with Access Books as an intern, supporting library collections and learning hands-on librarianship.

She continues that work today through storytelling and outreach as Access Books’ Social Media Coordinator.

Favorite children’s book: Stellaluna by Janell Cannon.

Sam Silva began as an Access Books volunteer and now supports library collections and author visits. Their early love of reading was sparked by bedtime stories and long hours spent at the public library.

Sam holds a B.A. in English and is currently completing an A.A. in ASL Interpreting, bringing care, curiosity, and organization to their work.

Favorite children’s books: Goosebumps and The Giver by Lois Lowry.

Amanda Collins joined Access Books in 2015 and leads programs across the Bay Area. As a credentialed Teacher Librarian, she understands firsthand the role school libraries play, especially for students growing up with limited resources.

Her own childhood experiences with libraries continue to inform her work bringing strong, welcoming library spaces to schools in need.

Favorite children’s books: Stories that open doors to imagination and possibility—just as libraries once did for her.