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ABOUT

Read To Achieve is a non-profit organization with a primary focus of improving our literacy deficit. It is imperative that all stakeholders recognize that literacy is not an elective, but necessary for students. This program serves as an outreach for students in Nashville and surrounding areas. It is our goal to promote and increase reading skills as well as strengthen mathematical skills. The staff of Read To Achieve realizes that today’s children will become tomorrow’s citizens, workers, and parents, so the educators of this program invest wisely in making it a success for all communities.

VANESSA WHITE - COFOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mrs. White is a veteran educator with 30+ years of experience for Pre-K through 8th grade students. She obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education and a Minor in Special Education. She is recognized by the State of Tennessee as a Highly Qualified and Career Ladder I educator. It is her belief that all children can obtain academic success through nurturing, a structural learning environment, and engagement to become lifelong learners.

RENEE TOMLINSON - COFOUNDER

She is a native Nashvillian. She has been married to Carl Tomlinson for thirty-nine years. They have 2 adult children. Her professional tenure includes Counselor, Teacher, Classroom Management Specialist, Small Business Owner, Advocate, and SPED Teacher. She received a B.S. in Criminal Justice/Psychology from Tennessee State University. She also received an M.S. in School Guidance Counseling/Curriculum & Instruction from Tennessee State University. She received a MED in Special Education from Lipscomb University. She has a passion and love for helping and encouraging students to dream big. Her goal in working with students is to improve self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. She attends Jackson St. Church of Christ. She takes an active role in church activities and community events. Her goals and aspirations are focused on mentoring students to increase their engagement in learning, build self-confidence, set goals, and improve an understanding of post-school options.

Building Blocks of Read To Achieve

LEARN

Provide opportunities for student success with various literacy and mathematics programs and strategies to become lifelong learners.
GROW

Gain and retain academic skills for the students’ promoted grade.
THRIVE

Engage students in real-life situations with career-oriented individuals.
MENTORSHIP

Increase self-esteem, provide sense of pride, build independence skills, and instill self-belief through our mentoring program.