A Mother in the Classroom: My Journey with United Readers and What Comes Next

 

This past year has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. As an AmeriCorps Member and United Readers Literacy Mentor through United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras (UWNNS), I had the honor of serving in the classroom of Cottonwood Elementary School in Fernley, Nevada. But I wasn’t walking this path alone, my eldest daughter, Donica Davis-DeLoney, served beside me at Cottonwood, and my youngest daughter, DonRica Davis-DeLoney, mentored students at EC Best Elementary School in Fallon. Together, we were not only literacy mentors, we were mother figures, life coaches, safe space holders, and, most importantly, part of a village nurturing the next generation of readers.

My Youngest daughter @DonRica

Balancing full-time service and full-time online college was no small task for any of us. It demanded early mornings, late nights, and a deep, unwavering commitment to our students and our studies. But we poured ourselves into this work because we believe in the power of reading. We believe in showing up for kids, for families, and for the future.

As the school year is coming to a close, our term of service did sooner. And while I’m grateful for a much-needed break to rest and recharge, saying goodbye was bittersweet. I wasn’t just a mentor; I was “Ms. Roni,” a consistent adult, a listening ear, a hug when needed. Walking away from students who saw me as more than a mentor, who saw me as a mother figure, was one of the hardest parts of this journey.

Feeling Appreciated by Staff

But the story doesn’t end here.

Though the United Readers program is currently on pause, the mission to support early literacy lives on. I’m proud to share that my dear friend Tracy will continue the momentum through her YouTube channel, Chicken Phonemics, where she teaches phonemic awareness using fun, engaging videos featuring “Chicken.” You can check it out here:
🐔 Chicken Phonemics on YouTube

And I’m not done, either.

I’m launching Reading Roni Retreats, a personal project born from my deep empathy for single parents. As a former single mother, I know firsthand that it takes a village to raise a child, and reading at home is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen that bond and foundation. Through these retreats and resources, I’ll be sharing tools, encouragement, and strategies for making reading a joyful, healing, and consistent part of family life.

Being a part of United Readers was more than just a volunteer position, it was a calling. It reminded me of the importance of showing up, of building trust, of creating safe spaces for children to thrive. I carry those lessons with me as I move into this next season with gratitude, purpose, and hope.

From our United Way of Northern Nevada & the Sierras Director, who created United Readers

To my fellow mentors, my daughters, our students, and every parent doing their best: thank you. You are the reason we do this work.

Because reading isn’t just a skill, it’s a lifeline. And the village we build around it? That’s where the magic happens.

Roni~

🌱🌸✨

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