When Michelle Leisen stepped into the role of Executive Director at Read On, Sonoma, the organization was poised for growth, and it didn’t waste a moment. Since its first full school year in 2022–23, Read On has rapidly expanded its reach, doubling the number of students it serves and delivering literacy gains that far outpace national averages. For Leisen, the momentum feels deeply personal.
After nearly two decades in public education across Sonoma County as a classroom teacher, principal and district leader, literacy had become the constant thread in her work. “I kept s
eeing how much early reading success, or the lack of it, impacted everything else a student experienced in school,” she says.
Leading Read On, Sonoma allowed her to bring together her background in education, data and systems-building with a passion for equity and community partnership—what she calls a natural next step in tackling a challenge she’s been wrestling with for years.
For more information on Read On head to readonsonoma.org
What is your vision for the nonprofit in 2026?
In 2026, the focus is really on growing thoughtfully and doing it well. We want to reach more students and schools, but we’re just as focused on strengthening what’s happening behind the scenes—investing in staff, improving data systems and building the kind of infrastructure that supports long-term success.
Looking back on 2025, which Read On accomplishment stuck with you the most?
What stuck with me most was how well the program worked for every kid. All backgrounds, all home languages—everyone is rocking it. We had our first school site where every single student met their reading goal, which honestly gave me chills.
Did you always know that you wanted to get into education?
Not at all. But I always knew I wanted a career that was people-centered. After college, I worked at the Forget Me Not Farm, and that experience completely changed how I thought about my purpose. It was after that job that I realized I wanted to become a teacher and dedicate my work to uplifting and empowering kids.
Any advice for professionals looking to switch into the nonprofit sector?
My biggest advice is to trust that the skills you already have matter. Experience in leadership, finance, operations, communications or data is incredibly valuable in the nonprofit world. When you pai
r those skills with a mission you truly believe in, the work becomes incredibly meaningful.
What is one thing you have learned since stepping into your Executive Director role?
Starting something new definitely comes with growing pains, but one big lesson has been how powerful it is to have results that are both meaningful and measurable. With Read On, Sonoma, the impact is clear—our fourth graders are reading, on average, two and a half grade levels higher than when they started.
Can you tell our readers a bit about your love of fashion?
I’m not sure I’d even call it fashion, but my love of style definitely started early. I used to thrift shop with my Nonna, and I was obsessed with what I could find on a nine-year-old birthday money budget. Over time, thrifting evolved from a broke college student necessity into something more intentional. Now I thrift for quality fabrics, interesting pieces and as a way to push back against overconsumption. It’s creative, practical and a little nostalgic all at once.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
In this exact order: President, the next Barbara Walters, interior designer, Marine, child psychologist and teacher. Clearly, I had a lot of big ideas and zero chill.
How do you decompress after a long workday?
Cooking dinner for my kids and husband is one of my favorite ways to unwind. Add in some time with our dogs, a good book—historical fiction is my go
-to—and maybe a glass of Russian River Valley Chardonnay and I’m pretty happy. And if it’s been a really long day, a bike ride or a good thrift store run usually does the trick.
What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
We love camping, traveling around California, playing games and gathering with friends. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than a house full of family and friends, good food and lots of conversation.
