EP 16: Adult Literacy: Opening Doors While Transforming Lives and Communities

Summary

In this compelling episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo engages in a thought-provoking conversation with John Iorio, the Director of Adult and Alternative High School Education Programs for Syracuse City School District. Together, they delve into the critical topic of adult literacy and education, discussing its profound impact on individuals and society as a whole.

John shares his extensive experience overseeing programs that support thousands of adult learners, including those seeking basic education, high school equivalency diplomas, and English as a Second Language (ESL). He highlights the challenges faced by adult learners, particularly those from marginalized communities, and emphasizes the importance of providing accessible educational opportunities that address their unique needs.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the transformative power of adult education, including how it can break the cycle of poverty and empower families to create a better future for their children. John discusses the role of community support and the significance of fostering a culture that values education for all ages. He also emphasizes the need for increased funding and resources to ensure that adult education programs can continue to thrive and meet the growing demand.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the vital role of adult literacy in shaping healthier, more equitable communities. Join us as we explore how investing in adult education can lead to lasting change and growth for individuals and families alike.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:30 Introduction of John Iorio, Director of Adult Education Programs

05:00 Overview of Adult Literacy Programs in Syracuse

12:00 Challenges Faced by Adult Learners

20:00 The Importance of Community Support in Adult Education

30:00 How Adult Literacy Impacts Families and Children

40:00 The Need for Increased Funding and Resources

50:00 Final Thoughts on the Value of Adult Education

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest

John P. Iorio Jr., Ed.D. serves as the Director of Adult Education for Syracuse City Schools, where he leads initiatives that empower adult learners through accessible, high-quality educational programs. With a strong commitment to lifelong learning and community development, John plays a pivotal role in helping individuals gain the skills and credentials they need to succeed in today’s workforce. His leadership reflects a deep dedication to equity, opportunity, and the transformative power of education.

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #adultliteracy #community

EP 14: Cultivating Literacy: How Book Buddies Transforms Literacy in Syracuse with Lori Black

Summary

In this inspiring episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Lori Black, the Community Education Director at the United Way and the visionary behind the Book Buddies program. Together, they delve into the transformative power of this local initiative that pairs community volunteers with students in Syracuse City Schools to enhance early literacy skills.

Lori shares the origins of Book Buddies, which began in 2014 as a response to the literacy crisis affecting local students. With a mission to support children in kindergarten through third grade, the program has grown exponentially, currently serving around 600 students across six schools. Lori emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the critical role that volunteers play in providing consistent literacy practice that complements classroom instruction.

Listeners will gain insights into the program's evolution, including its alignment with the science of reading and the implementation of best practices in tutoring. Lori discusses the significance of fostering a supportive environment for young readers, highlighting how parents and caregivers can engage in their children's literacy journey at home.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how community initiatives like Book Buddies can make a lasting impact on children's literacy development and overall success in school.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:30 Introduction of Lori Black, Community Education Director at United Way

04:00 Overview of the Book Buddies program and its mission

12:00 The history and growth of Book Buddies since 2014

20:00 The importance of community volunteers in literacy support

28:00 Aligning with the science of reading and best practices

35:00 Strategies for parents to support literacy at home

42:00 The impact of Book Buddies on student outcomes

50:00 How to get involved as a volunteer

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest

Lori Black is the Community Education Director at the United Way, where she oversees education initiatives, including the Book Buddies program. With a passion for improving literacy outcomes for children in Syracuse, Lori has dedicated her career to creating impactful community partnerships that support local students.

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers

EP 13: Empowering Families: The Impact of Early Literacy on Health and Education with Dr. Matt Present

Summary

In this eye-opening episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Madeline Rommer sits down with Dr. Matt Present, a Pediatric hospital medicine fellow and founder of the Rochester chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Together, they explore the critical relationship between early literacy and health outcomes, shedding light on how fostering literacy from a young age can lead to healthier, more successful lives for children.

Dr. Present shares his journey from pediatrics to early literacy intervention, emphasizing the importance of resources like the Imagination Library in providing children with access to books and fostering a love for reading. He discusses the profound impact that early literacy has on health literacy, academic success, and overall well-being, highlighting how children who are prepared for kindergarten are more likely to thrive academically and socially.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into practical at-home strategies for building early literacy skills, including the significance of reading routines and engaging in meaningful conversations with young children. Dr. Present encourages parents to embrace the process of reading, emphasizing that there is no wrong way to share books with their children.

Throughout the episode, the conversation touches on the challenges and opportunities within the literacy landscape, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Present advocates for increased support for early literacy initiatives and the importance of community involvement in addressing the literacy crisis. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the transformative power of literacy in shaping healthier futures for children.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:30 Introduction of Dr. Matt Present, Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellow

05:00 Transitioning from Pediatrics to Early Literacy

12:00 The Impact of Early Literacy on Health Outcomes

20:00 Strategies for Parents to Build Literacy Skills at Home

28:00 The Role of Digital vs. Print Resources in Literacy Development

35:00 Overview of the Imagination Library and Its Benefits

42:00 Challenges and Opportunities in the Literacy Landscape

50:00 Final Thoughts and Resources for Parents

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest A former journalist, Matt Present is a fellowship-trained pediatric hospitalist and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Rochester. During residency, he founded the Rochester chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, an organization he continues to lead. In 2025, the Rochester Imagination Library celebrated the delivery of its 100,000th book.

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers

EP 11: The Gift of Reading: Holiday Book Recommendations for Every Age with Casey Rose Frank

Summary

In this festive episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Casey Rose Frank, the owner of the Golden Bee Bookshop in Liverpool, New York. Together, they explore delightful holiday book recommendations that cater to readers of all ages, making this the perfect guide for gift-giving this season.

Listeners will be treated to Casey's insights on the importance of laughter in children's literature, as she shares her daughter's favorite reads and highlights books that engage young readers through humor and creativity. Casey emphasizes the significance of representation in children's books, showcasing titles that reflect diverse families and experiences, ensuring every child can find a story that resonates with them.

Throughout the episode, Casey shares her top picks for various age groups, including enchanting stories for preschoolers, engaging graphic novels for preteens, and captivating reads for teens. She encourages families to create their own reading traditions during the holiday season, emphasizing the joy of sharing stories together and the magic of anticipation with advent-style books.

Join us for this heartwarming conversation filled with valuable recommendations and insights that will inspire families to embrace the gift of reading this holiday season. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to spread the joy of books and foster a love of reading in children!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:15 Introduction of Casey Rose Frank, Owner of Golden Bee Bookshop

05:30 The importance of laughter in children's books

10:00 Highlighting diverse representation in children's literature

15:20 Holiday book recommendations for preschoolers

22:45 Engaging graphic novels for preteens

30:00 Captivating reads for teens and creating reading traditions

38:15 Encouraging families to embrace the joy of reading

45:00 Thank you to our guest, Casey Rose Frank

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest

Casey Rose Frank is a lifelong reader who credits her childhood reading as the foundation for who she is today. Casey Rose Frank is the owner of the Golden Bee Bookshop, located in the village of Liverpool, New York. With a passion for fostering a love of reading in children and families, Casey curates a collection of diverse and engaging books that reflect the community she serves. As a dedicated advocate for independent bookstores, she believes in the power of literature to connect and inspire. She opened Golden Bee Bookshop November of 2019 and has been providing recommendations for readers of all ages since then.

Visit the Golden Bee Bookshop online at : http://www.goldenbeebookshop.com

or In-person at their Liverpool location: 324 1st St, Liverpool, NY 13088

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers

EP 10: School Readiness: Preparing for Kindergarten & Beyond

Summary

In this informative episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo is joined by Debbie Moriarty, an experienced educator and literacy coach. Together, they delve into the vital topic of school readiness, providing parents and caregivers with essential insights and strategies to prepare their children for kindergarten and beyond.

Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of both the soft skills and academic skills necessary for successful school transitions. Debbie emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and schedules at home, which can help reduce anxiety and support children as they adapt to the structured environment of school.

Throughout the episode, Debbie shares practical tips for fostering a supportive learning environment, including the significance of rich oral vocabulary and engaging in meaningful conversations. She highlights the importance of play-based learning and encourages parents to create enjoyable literacy experiences that instill a love for reading in their children.

Join us for this enlightening discussion filled with actionable advice that empowers families to support their children's development and ensure they feel confident and prepared as they embark on their educational journey. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to set their children up for success in school and life!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:30 Introduction of Debbie Moriarty, Literacy Coach

05:15 Understanding school readiness: soft skills vs. academic skills

12:00 Importance of routines and schedules for children

18:45 Creating a supportive learning environment at home

25:30 The role of play in developing literacy skills

32:00 Helping children navigate school transitions

38:15 Key takeaways for parents and caregivers

45:00 Thank you to our guest, Debbie Moriarty

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest

Debbie Moriarty is a dedicated educator with extensive experience in the field of literacy. With a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's in reading, she has worked as a kindergarten teacher, literacy coach, and professional development facilitator. She also has her doctorate in literacy, Debbie is passionate about empowering both students and teachers to achieve literacy success.

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers

EP 9: Back to School Literacy: Setting the Stage for Success with Marisa Montalto

Summary In this engaging episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Marisa Montalto, an elementary literacy intervention coach at the Syracuse City School District. Together, they explore essential strategies for fostering literacy as children transition back to school, emphasizing the importance of routines and supportive practices at home.

Listeners will gain insights into Marisa's multifaceted role, as she works with reading interventionists across 19 elementary schools, providing professional development, data analysis, and classroom support. Marisa shares her passion for helping students achieve literacy success, highlighting the significance of consistent routines and positive reading habits for children of all ages.

Throughout the episode, Marisa offers practical tips for parents on how to create a conducive reading environment at home, including utilizing community resources like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Libby Library app. She emphasizes the importance of engaging children in reading activities that align with their interests, making literacy a fun and integral part of their daily lives.

Join us for this insightful conversation filled with actionable advice that empowers parents and caregivers to support their children's literacy development as they embark on a new school year. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to foster a love of reading and learning in their children!

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad

01:45 Introduction of Marissa Montalto, Literacy Intervention Coach

03:10 Marisa's role in supporting reading interventionists

10:45 The impact of technology on literacy coaching

15:20 Creating positive reading habits at home

22:30 Engaging children through their interests

28:05 Communicating effectively with teachers about literacy

35:15 Celebrating progress and success in literacy

40:00 Thank you to our guest, Marisa Montalto

Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow!

About Our Guest

Marisa Montalto has been a Literacy Intervention Coach in the Syracuse City School District for the past 5 years, supporting over 60 interventionists in 19 elementary schools. She also is the mother of 4 children, ranging in age from 10 to 16. In both Marisa’s professional and personal life, she continues to evolve in her understanding of how to best support students’ literacy development. Prior to being a Literacy Intervention Coach, Marisa was a building coach at 3 SCSD elementary schools, a Reading First & Response to Intervention Coach supporting SCSD and Binghamton City Schools, and started her career as a second grade teacher. Marisa is also a certified LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainer facilitator for SCSD teachers, and a favorite part of her job is when she gets to teach intervention groups to model new strategies for teachers to try.

Connect with Us:

Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page

LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow

TikTok: @literacylaunchpad

Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad

Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast

Website: onliteracy.org

**This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County**

#literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers