Meet Our Team
Jennifer Williamson Forster
Executive Director
Jennifer Williamson Forster has been the Executive Director of the South Sound Reading Foundation since 2007. She is committed to literacy, learning and her South Sound community. When not working Jennifer is volunteering, reading or doing something fun like skiing, cycling, or hiking with her family.
Jennifer's favorite children's book
My favorite children’s book is Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson because in this book as in life wonderful things can happen with a little work and a lot of imagination. I also LOVE the Book Thief!
Joy Bustanoby
Development Director
Joy Bustanoby comes to South Sound Reading Foundation with a dedication to serving her community through the support of young people. She has a background in music, education, cultural studies and community organizing. When she is not working, Joy loves playing music, gardening, cooking, and exploring nature.
Joy's favorite children's book
My favorite children’s book is Miss Rumphius, because we all feel the calling to make the world a more beautiful place, and because flowers make everyone happy!
Jess Lee
Books for Kids Program Coordinator
Jess joins SSRF with a background in social work, with an emphasis on perinatal social work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from University of Alaska-Anchorage before relocating to Hawaii, where she found birth work and the benefits of childbirth education, supporting military families. Eventually, her passion shifted from the short childbirth/postpartum period to the perinatal period (fertility and conception through age 3). In Washington, she has been able to focus on facilitating family friendly events in her community and volunteering with local youth programs.
Jess's favorite children's book
“Navigating the unconventional student path as a new mom, I applied much of my Human Behavior in the Environment and Child Development learning in real time with my oldest, almost two years old at the time. One concept I found interesting was read-citing (reading through repetition/reciting). Bill Martin Jr and Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was our first read-cited book. It’s always my example when discussing the importance of early (and often) exposure to books in supporting a little one’s reading growth.”
Lynn Neeley
Operations Lead & Volunteer Coordinator
Lynn joins SSRF after a 38 year career in the high tech industry. She is passionate about Little Free Libraries, books in the hands of youth. She volunteers her time to youth leadership programs focused on community giving back. Lynn adds a strong background in processes needed for efficiency in organizational focus, project management and will add her skill to making SSRF successful in bringing the joy and promise of books and reading to South Sound children.
Lynn's favorite children's book
My favorite children’s book is “The Bronze Bow” – Elizabeth George Speare because in this book the bronze bow symbolizes “strength and safety” and that “love is stronger than hate”. Life lessons that still carry with me today.