MEET THE TEAM

  • President & CEO

    Prior to joining Ready for School, DeLost worked for Easter Seals Central Illinois (ECI), an organization dedicated to helping children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs reach their full potential. At ECI, DeLost most recently served as Vice President of Program Services. Prior to that, DeLost also worked as Vice President of Rehabilitation and Clinical Services and Director of Motor Therapy and Aquatics. DeLost also has extensive experience providing services to children and families as an occupational therapist in home, medical, school, and community settings.

    “My passion for serving children and families prepares me well to help children get their best start through the services Ready For School provides,” says DeLost. “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead this organization. I am excited to work with stakeholders to further the mission of Ready for School as the organization continues its strong tradition of making a positive impact by serving local children and families.”

  • Manager of Business Services

    Amanda Rios is the Ready for School Office Manager and is joining Reach Out and Read Michigan as a Program Specialist. Amanda has almost 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with most of that time being in the early childhood field as a Family Services Advocate for Head Start.

    Amanda has always been passionate about helping others and positively impacting the community.

  • Program Manager Reach Out & Read Michigan

    Tracy Amid joins Reach Out and Read Michigan as a Program Manager. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business from Calvin University and a Master of Management from Cornerstone University. Tracy has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in varying roles promoting program growth, partnerships, marketing, and process improvements.

    Tracy’s passion for the mission of Reach Out and Read Michigan was only amplified during her experience as a foster parent and adoptive parent. She gained first hand experience on the importance of early childhood literacy and development.

  • Office & Program Assistant

    Iliana has over a decade of administrative and office management experience, and has served in the non-profit sector for several years in various successful roles. She will continue share her passion and experience with Ready for School as the Office and Program Assistant. 

    She enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, loves to serve her community and make meaningful connections as she firmly believes that this is an essential foundation in building strong communities and creating positive long lasting impact.

  • Program Specialist
    Reach Out & Read Michigan

     Cheryl brings her passion for early literacy to the Reach Out & Read program, after having spent the better part of her career promoting the joy of reading in Southeastern Michigan schools. While working for many years at a major children’s book publisher, Cheryl enjoyed helping to put thousands of books into kids’ hands and build home and classroom libraries. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University, which complements her work in program coordination and outreach.

    In her role as a Program Specialist, Cheryl is dedicated to helping communities and families thrive as they learn about the value of time spent discovering books together.