Jessica Lizzio is Reach Out and Read of Greater New York’s Senior Manager of Pediatric Engagement. Jessi is a passionate advocate for early childhood development.
Prior to joining Reach Out and Read, Jessi was a Developmental Specialist Supervisor and Playgroup Coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital Early Intervention Program. She focused on serving children ages 0 – 3 who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay by providing evaluations and in-home services. Jessi created and implemented various virtual groups for children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. She worked closely with children’s primary care providers; specialty providers such as developmental medicine, genetics, and neurology to ensure the right services and diagnoses are available for children at an early age. Jessi’s goal has been to empower children and families and she has prepared many for their transition to Boston Public Schools.
Immigrating to Queens, NY from Colombia as a teenager, diversity and advocating for underserved communities is especially important to her mission. She is now looking forward to highlighting early literacy as a tool for equity in the Greater New York area.
Favorite Children’s books: It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle; and Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell