Ronnie has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations across his 20+ years of experience. His expertise includes: program design/development, data management/outcome reporting, team leadership, training development and implementation, volunteer recruitment and supervision, and community/public relations.
Ronnie grew up in San Diego County and headed to the LA region for college where he earned a dual Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Claremont McKenna College. Originally interested in pursuing leadership positions in the collegiate student life sector, he instead found himself drawn to providing more foundational service to families and communities in need.
Despite the burgeoning “internet” phenomenon, Ronnie grew up using the World Book Encyclopedia (1980s edition) to do research for primary school. Between the encyclopedia, the Childcraft Series (also by World Book), and a host of other books collected by his parents over several decades, he always had a reverence for books in particular about the seeming simplicity of being able to continuously learn new things just from reading.
His favorite books, naturally, tend to be non-fiction, but he can be found reading science fiction, historical fiction, and the occasional fantasy novel. Currently the book he reads most often is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Seuss), but that can likely be attributed to it being his son’s favorite “I can’t get to sleep, can you read me a story?” story.
Savannah - Program Manager
Prior to joining Reading Legacies in June 2025, Savannah worked with children of all ages and abilities for eight years in neighborhoods across San Diego, including Del Mar, Rancho Bernardo, Chula Vista, and Barrio Logan. Her teaching passion lies in the preschool years, where she learned the profound importance of a strong, healthy, and loving foundation for one’s life trajectory (and how fun 4-year-olds are!).
Raised in the Bay Area, Savannah grew up in a working-class Filipino immigrant household where family dynamics created stressors, so she found solace and comfort in books. She is the first in her family to graduate from college, obtaining a BA in Linguistics with a Minor in Education from UCSB in 2017 and going further to obtain an elementary teaching credential and MA in Teaching. She is currently working on an educational doctorate (EdD) through Johns Hopkins University, focusing on the transformative potential of correctional education.
One of the most influential books she’s read is We Do This ’Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba, specifically the piece titled Justice: A Short Story.
When she isn’t doing homework or mutual aid work, Savannah enjoys chasing her dachshund, Vision, at the dog beach, completing 1000-piece puzzles, and devouring a burger from the Friendly.
