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Ryan is the founder of The Reading Room, a free bookstore and community hub for children aged 4 to 14, designed to foster literacy and provide a safe, welcoming space for families. Inspired by his journey as a father, Ryan’s mission is rooted in both personal experience and a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable families.

Ryan is the proud parent of two wonderful children, Vaughn and Ann. Through the process of adopting his children, Ryan witnessed the incredible resilience of their birth mothers, who navigated immense challenges with limited resources. Seeing how difficult it was for them to find consistent support—both for themselves and their children—Ryan felt called to act.

Prior to launching The Reading Room, Ryan directed operations for Lawrenceville Corporation, where he helped advance community development initiatives. He also managed donor relations at The Vitalant Foundation, fostering impactful relationships that supported lifesaving programs. Additionally, he directed operations at The American Academy of Audiology, where he worked to support healthcare professionals and expand access to resources.

Determined to make a difference, Ryan founded The Reading Room to be a lifeline for families in need. His vision is to create a space where kids can explore the magic of books, discover a love of learning, and thrive in a safe and reliable environment. By addressing gaps in literacy support and providing after-school and weekend programming, Ryan hopes to help families feel less alone and to equip children with the tools they need to succeed.

Ryan believes that small acts of support can ripple outward, transforming lives and communities. For him, if The Reading Room can help even one child discover the joy of reading or lighten the load for one family, it’s a mission worth pursuing wholeheartedly.