MEET OUR TEAM
ANGIE DELOST
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.”
Claim to Fame:
My claim to fame would be helping to bring the ABC television show Extreme Makeover; Home Edition to Central Illinois where I was part of helping to build a home within a week for a family.
MEGAN KOOPS-FISHER
Director of Ops & Partnerships
I work for Ready for School to help my community continue to thrive and continue to thrive by helping children and families be ready for their educational careers. I am inspired by my community and how the people in this community are inspired to continue to make the area a fantastic place to live. In my role, I work to build up unique connections through the community to help families make a successful transition into kindergarten.The most exciting part of my job so far has been being able to be part of some very cutting-edge work and being able to be very creative.
When I am not working I can be found kicking it with friends and family on grand adventures.
Claim to Fame:
Defying death on many different adventures with my husband.
AMANDA RIOS
Community Impact Manager
Amanda is the glue that holds the RFS team together! Amanda's passion is the driving force of a "well-oiled machine". Nancy Rogers once told her son, Fred, 'Always look for the helpers. You will always find someone helping.' Amanda is exactly that. A helper to the team and the Kids Ready for School serves. With her extensive background in family advocacy with Head Start, Amanda brings talent and innovation to another level.
Amanda's drive for what she loves to do is fueled by her two kids and husband. Their time is spent enjoying nature walks and being outdoors.
Claim to Fame:
I can troubleshoot with a furry!
ANNA BEIRD
Coordinator of Programs & Services
“I am thrilled to join the Ready for School community! From my twenty plus years of special education teaching experience, I have developed a passion for providing quality, equitable
education to our young learners. All children deserve to be exposed to early educational programming; it gives them the chance to be ready to learn when they begin Kindergarten.
As a decades-long resident of Holland, I love taking advantage of living in such a walkable city and exploring my local community by foot. My husband and I raised our children here and I am excited to get further involved in my role at Ready for School. What a privilege to be part of team as the Coordinator of Programs and Services and help make sure the children in our community are ready to learn!"
SARA LEONARD
Coordinator of Programs & Services
“I have a passion for making sure every child has access to learning and the tools to experience great success from the first day of kindergarten.”
I bring 30+ years of experience as a speech language pathologist and have spent the last 20 years working in West Michigan public schools and I am thrilled to be part of Ready for School.
I enjoy riding my bike to the beaches along the lakeshore."