February 23, 2023
Book Harvest is continuing to grow and we are excited to introduce our two new literacy coaches: Vanessa Collier-Robinson and Daniela Rangel! In our Book Babies program, trained literacy coaches meet quarterly with parents and children, either virtually or in the family’s home, to deliver books and a research-informed curriculum from birth to age 4; in the final year of the program, families receive support for a successful transition to school. The goal of this five-year collaboration with enrolled families is a trusted relationship with parents and strong language development and kindergarten readiness for children.
Vanessa Collier-Robinson
We are thrilled to welcome Vanessa Collier-Robinson to the Book Babies team. Vanessa has lived in Durham for 7 years. She joins our team having served as an elementary educator in Washington, DC and Durham, NC. She has also served as a therapist supporting the attachment and connection between children and families through evidenced-based practices such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Eco-systemic Structural Family Therapy. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her family, listening to podcasts/ audiobooks, traveling, and exploring restaurants and festivals. Vanessa’s current favorite children’s book is That Is Not A Good Idea! By Mo Willems.
Daniela “Dani” Rangel
Daniela “Dani” Rangel is a first generation Cuban-American immigrant raised in Miami, Florida. Her educational journey brought her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Peace, War and Defense with a minor in World History. After college she decided to remain local and complete a year of service with the Episcopal service organization Johnson Service Corps. This connected her to the nonprofit network in Durham and ignited her passion for working within the educational framework of the Durham community; serving families and children in both English and Spanish. Dani loves spending time with her family and friends and her three loving pets, dancing and writing poetry, traveling and delicious food from all over the world. Dani’s favorite childhood book is called La Edad de Oro or The Golden Age by renowned Cuban author Jose Marti.
Our Book Babies Literacy Coaches: Daniela “Dani” Rangel, Vanessa Collier-Robinson, and Victoria Arrivillaga.