About Us
Our Team
Virginia Paine
National Director
virginia@readyforkindergarten.org
My name is Virginia Paine, and I am honored to be a part of the exciting READY! for Kindergarten experience. A combination of professional progress and being (more than once) in the right place at the right time has led me to this place in my career, and I couldn't be happier about it.
My career started 16 years ago in elementary education. With a constant eagerness to improve my professional skills and ability to make a difference in children's lives, I sought and completed a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Soon after that, I also became a national trainer for Otter Creek Institute. I truly enjoyed reaching out and presenting to a larger audience of teachers and promoting research-based programs that work.
In 2007, with a goal to make a difference in the lives of more than just the children in my own classroom, I acquired my Elementary Principal's Credentials and became an administrative intern. Through all of these experiences, I developed a keen understanding of how difficult it is to "catch children up" when they are below grade level.
Upon relocation to the Tri-Cities, WA, I began working as the Program Director for Team Read (a program of the National Children's Reading Foundation) in the Kennewick School District. After spending a fulfilling year directly involved in supporting schools with reading "catch up" efforts, I found myself, once again, in the right place at the right time. In May of 2008, I assumed the role of National Director of READY! for Kindergarten.
I am, and always have been, passionate about this program's message: the first five years are crucial, and a parent is every child's best teacher. READY! for Kindergarten inspires parents, caregivers, child care providers, educators and school districts to look differently at the educational lives of children. Learning begins at home. READY! for Kindergarten provides support for that effort. I believe my work at READY! for Kindergarten is a vital contribution to something that really matters. 
Dianna Lopez
Office and Operations Manager
dianna@readyforkindergarten.org
My name is Dianna Lopez, and I began my career more than 12 years ago, running my own internet based business. That business has helped me to become very strong and focused in several areas that help on the job every day at READY! for Kindergarten. I pay attention to details and enjoy customer service. I enjoy handling the needs of both our office and our customers.
Very quickly after my employment began here, I developed a passion for this program. This passion serves to fuel my natural enthusiasm and energetic spirit. I am very happy to be a part of such an important organization and am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure its continued growth and success. I am here to support READY! for Kindergarten and all of our clients.
Bobby Paine
Warehouse Manager
bobby@readyforkindergarten.org
My name is Bobby Paine, and I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to be part of the great team at READY! for Kindergarten. I grew up in Lynnwood, WA, just 15 minutes north of Seattle. I started my career selling parts at Schuck's Auto Supply. I quickly discovered that I wanted more out of that field so I took a job in the shipping department of a Ford dealer in North Seattle. At first, all I did was stock freight, but I eventually worked my way up to become the Warehouse Manager. I soon moved on to every job in the parts department and was the top seller in parts. Within 7 years, I was the youngest Parts Manager they had ever had.
Tired of the rainy weather and traffic of the Seattle area, Virginia and I moved to the much more agreeable climate of the Tri-Cities. Shortly thereafter, the National READY! for Kindergarten program acquired, for the first time, a warehouse to accomodate its rapid growth. I was excited to put all of my skills and experience to good use as their very first Warehouse Manager. It's great to feel like my job is part of something that really makes a difference out there. I look forward to many wonderful years at READY! for Kindergarten.
