Meet Betts Conti - Read 2 Succeed's New Elementary Literacy Director

The R2S team is thrilled to welcome Betts Conti as our new Elementary Literacy Director managing the R2S Tutoring Program. Check out a quick Q&A below with Betts to learn more about her.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Read 2 Succeed?
My name is Betts Conti. I am a North Carolina native and a proud graduate of Asheville City Schools and UNC-Asheville. I completed my M.Ed in Urban Education at UNC-Charlotte in 2025. I spent the last decade teaching at the elementary level across grades and content areas. 

I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Elementary Literacy Director at Read 2 Succeed. I am energized by the opportunity to work more broadly across our community and to build stronger connections between our scholars, schools, and stakeholders.

How did reading or literacy shape your childhood or early life?
For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading. I especially love reading alongside others. When I was in elementary school, my dad and I would take turns reading chapter books and talking about our favorite details and characters. We read some of his favorite books from his childhood and we explored new releases together. Ever since then, I have always loved to read books with others and to hear what resonated, or didn’t, with them. Sharing books is a beautiful way to connect with people and is a reminder that there are so many different ways to look at and understand the world.

What was your favorite book as a child, and do you have a favorite now?
There are too many to count! One that resonates on both fronts right now is Uncle Wizmo’s New Used Car by Rodney Greenblat. It is a delightfully whimsical story about an annual trip to the used car lot. My dad used to read it to me and my brother when we were little. When I started teaching, he sent me a copy for my classroom library. When my daughter was born, she got her own copy and it is now one of our favorite bedtime reads. 

What inspired you to join Read 2 Succeed and work in youth literacy?
As a classroom teacher, I have seen firsthand the impact that R2S tutors have; not only on children's reading skills, but on their self-perception and confidence as readers. I have seen the workshops that R2S provides to instructional assistants, after-school and summer program staff build their capacity and confidence to provide high-quality literacy instruction outside of the traditional classroom setting. For years, I have watched the data and the outcomes change for the better, and I wanted to be a part of this work.

What are you most excited to contribute to our community and team?
I believe deeply in community connection. It is all we have and it is everything we need. I am excited to continue building relationships and to work alongside all the people (parents, caregivers, teachers, tutors, neighbors, etc.) who are committed to seeing our children thrive.

How do you spend your time outside of work-hobbies, passions, or small joys?
Food is my love language. I love baking, cooking, feeding people and snacking. I enjoy gardening and would love to add growing food to the list above. I have been an on-again, off-again yogi for the last 20 years and I do my best to get on the mat whenever I can. Most of all, I love to spend time with my family: my husband, Mark, and our daughter, Carlin.

What do you love most about our local community (Asheville or surrounding area)?
We live in a beautiful place. I am grateful every day for the mountains, and the plants, and the creatures that surround us. I also love our neighbors. There are some really creative, thoughtful, passionate folks here who show up, exactly as they are, for one another. 

If you could recommend one book to our staff, students, or community, what would it be and why?
I recently heard an interview with Mychal Threets, the host of the new Reading Rainbow reboot. He said he doesn’t recommend books to kids, he asks them what their interests are and then responds with “You know…there’s a book about that.” So that’s my recommendation, think about something, anything, that you really like, and go find a book about it. Happy reading!