Meet Rebecca Chrystal, RAR’s Managing Director, Programs and Partnership.

10.05.2023 Team

Where are you from originally? Where are you currently located?

I am originally from Hanover, Maryland and I currently live in Pasadena, Maryland.

Let us know a fun fact about you?

I used to be a climbing instructor, a swim teacher, personal trainer and spin instructor at the YMCA (a long time ago). I also coached my daughter’s soccer team!

What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies?

I’m a soccer and baseball mom. I enjoy kayaking, outdoor concerts/live music, traveling, and hiking!

Best part about working for RAR?

Working with the amazing team at RAR is the best part of working here. The icing on the cake is that we are doing this work for thousands of families throughout the country.

What is something you are most proud of?

I was the first person in my family (for a few generations) to earn my Master’s degree.

PS: This photo is of Rebecca and her kids (Annabelle 13, Christian 8) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. “We love to travel and explore new places.”

07.25.2026 Featured

Reading Together Can Change the Story for Boys

Recent headlines have renewed attention to a troubling trend. Boys continue to lag behind girls in reading achievement throughout their school years. From governors highlighting literacy gaps to national research examining long-term educational outcomes, the message is clear. If we want to improve literacy for all children, we must better meet the needs of boys. At Raising a Reader, we believe the path to reading success ...

07.07.2026 From the CEO

North Carolina is showing what is possible when statewide systems, local partnership, and families work together to strengthen early literacy

By Michelle Torgerson, President and CEO, Raising a Reader Through the Smart Start Network and Raising a Reader’s 33 North Carolina Affiliates, communities across the state are helping families build joyful shared reading routines. Together, they are strengthening caregiver-child relationships, expanding access to books, and laying the early literacy foundation every child needs to thrive. At a time when communities (and states) across the country are looking ...