Reach Out and Read of Greater New York Annual Conference

Empowering Healthcare & Community Partners Through Early Literacy

📅 Date: May 8, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom Webinar)
📩 Zoom details will be shared two weeks before the conference

Free for Reach Out and Read of Greater New York Network

Reach Out and Read of Greater New York is pleased to host our annual conference, providing healthcare and community partners with insights, strategies, and research-driven approaches to support the continued impact of early literacy.

This year’s theme focuses on early relational health, with expert speakers and panelists sharing best practices for integrating literacy and relational health into pediatric care.

Conference Schedule

🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Morning Sessions
💡 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Break
🕜 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Afternoon Sessions

Keynote Speaker: Junlei Li, Ph.D.

Dr. Junlei Li is a leading expert in early relational health and human development. His research emphasizes the power of simple, everyday interactions in fostering positive childhood development and resilience. Dr. Li will discuss how relationships shape early learning, well-being, and future success—and how healthcare professionals can support families in this critical area.

Conference Highlights

Panel 1: Enhancing Interactions with Families When You Don’t Speak Their Language

🕘 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Panelists: Perri Klass, MD; Leora Mogilner, MD; Mariana Glusman, MD; Claudia Aristy
Moderator: Nikki Shearman, PhD

Effective communication is key to building trust and promoting early relational health in pediatric care. This session will explore culturally responsive strategies for engaging bilingual families, common challenges to avoid, and ways to foster inclusive, respectful interactions.
Panelists will highlight how the Reach Out and Read model uses books during Well-Child Visits to strengthen provider-family connections.
A new one-pager—Enhancing interactions with families when you do not speak their language—will be introduced, offering practical tips for supporting relationship-centered care across languages.

Panel 2: Making the Case – Bringing Reach Out and Read to Leadership

🕚 11:25 AM – 12:25 PM

Panelists: Carlotta Low Sanchez, Mary McCord, MD, Suanne Kowal-Connelly, MD
Moderator: Susan Olivera, MPH, Senior Program Manager, United Hospital Fund

Convincing leadership to invest in early literacy initiatives can be challenging, but with the right data and messaging, it’s possible to secure institutional support. This panel will equip healthcare professionals with strategies to present the impact of Reach Out and Read in ways that resonate with decision-makers.
Panelists will share real-world success stories, cost-benefit analyses, and tips for framing early literacy as a key component of patient-centered care.

Panel 3: Caring in Crisis – Supporting Immigrant Families

🕐 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM

Panelists: Alan Shapiro, MD; Rubayat Qadeer, MD; Andre Eaton, LMSW, MDiv – New York Program Director, ParentChild+; Dr. Krupa Hart DBA, MBA – Director of Pediatrics & Asthma Self-Management Education Program (ASMEP), Urban Health Plan

Moderator:
Karen Rogel – Director of Strategic Initiatives, LINC

Fear and uncertainty can greatly impact healthcare access for immigrant families, especially in the context of immigration enforcement. This panel will address the unique challenges these families face and offer guidance on creating safe, welcoming spaces in pediatric care.

Experts will discuss trauma-informed approaches, reassurance strategies, and ways to support families while acknowledging the difficult circumstances they may be navigating.

Panel 4: Opening Doors – Building an Inclusive Clinic for Every Family

🕝 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM

Panelists:
Regina Olasin, FACP, FAAP, MPA; Vanessa Salcedo, MD; Lauren Jen, MD; Genna Ableman, MD – Settlement Health

Moderator:
Alan Mendelsohn, MD – Play Read VIP

From children with disabilities to caregivers with limited literacy, every family deserves a healthcare environment that is accessible, inclusive, and respectful. This panel will explore actionable strategies to design clinics that meet diverse needs—from sensory-friendly spaces and inclusive materials to staff training.
Panelists will share practical tools for ensuring that all families feel seen, heard, and supported.

This conference is a unique opportunity to connect with experts and gain valuable insights on advancing early literacy in pediatric settings.

For Questions, Contact:

📩 Jessica Lizzio – Director of Medical Engagement, Reach Out and Read GNY
📧 jlizzio@reachoutandreadnyc.org

📩 Kari Kurjiaka – Director of Literacy and Public Policy, Reach Out and Read GNY
📧 kkurjiaka@reachoutandreadnyc.org