Our Team
Sibylla Shekerdjiska-Benatova
A Book A Day Founder & Executive Director
Building libraries and collecting books is a passion best shared. My hope is that our selection of books will promote an appreciation for children’s literature and will develop visual literacy among young readers.
Mugo Muna
Administrative and Development Manager
Mugo Muna is a traditional animator and visual artist. He believes that the world is simply a better place with more curious,engaged readers and strives to take the time and inquisitiveness of all young readers as seriously as possible.
Anne Park
Administrative and Development Manager
Anne is a child development researcher with a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is passionate about building more equitable learning systems where children can thrive, be curious explorers, and advocate for themselves and their communities.
Boyana Siromahova
Treasurer, Assistant Manager
Joining A Book A Day is an experience which resonates with Boyana’s view on the importance of giving a fair start and opportunity to all children, regardless of their social or economic background. The program is all about pursuing curiosity and has a unique way of introducing young people to a world where ideas are created and most importantly – never impossible. Education is very close to her heart, and she stands grateful and proud to be part of the team.
Marisa Marino
Social Media and Projects Coordinator
Marisa is an elementary/special educator with an M.S.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy. As a current 5th grade teacher in NJ, Marisa hopes children embrace their own stories and feel empowered to share them, through the power of reading diverse literature.
Tanushree Chowdhary
Graduate Assistant, Design
She is a Graduate student in the Environmental Building Design program at the University of Pennsylvania. She believes visual literacy is one of the best ways to acquire knowledge and wants to ensure that every child has the access to such books.
Flora Ward
Grants Manager
Flora is an arts administrator, art historian, and artist-in-training. She believes that we can learn about ourselves and one another through the power of words and images. Flora is committed to supporting ABaD’s mission to foster the visual literacy of children across Philadelphia.
Nastassia Sharanhovich
Artist-in-residence
Nastassia is a graphic artist and book restorer, specializing in cat illustration and screen printing, and holds a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania. With a passion for creating whimsical and heartwarming art, she aims to bring smiles to people’s faces through her charming illustrations and spread joy in every project she undertakes. Her work reflects a unique blend of tradition, innovation, creativity, and skill, showcasing her dedication to both preserving and reimagining artistic expression.
Naomi Minkoff
Penn’s Graduate School of Education Graduate Assistant
Naomi is a graduate student in the Literacy Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education. After she graduates in 2026, Naomi plans to become a reading specialist for K-5 in the Philadelphia public school district. With 7 years of experience in book publishing, she is devoted to supporting ABaD’s mission in creating and distributing children’s books that make all children feel represented.
Volunteers
Alyssa Arnold
Student Volunteer
Alyssa is a sophomore at Bodine High School for International Affairs. Joining the ABAD team in February 2025, she aims to contribute towards the development of children’s literacy in our communities. She believes that everyone should have access to books that will educate our youth, while also providing notable memories. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys debating with her school’s team, recreational writing, and finding ways to improve the world around her.
Yaniv Ovadia
Volunteer
Yaniv is an alumni of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Health Science. His background is in epidemiology, nutrition, and athletic training. He believes early access to quality education and reading are the core foundations that set people up for healthy habits as they grow.
Emily Flanders
Volunteer
Emily is a graduate student at Drexel University pursuing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and Prevention and a minor in Maternal and Child Health. She is passionate about bridging the gap between literacy and healthcare, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can understand, access, and advocate for their own well-being.
Applied Practical Experience Course “Bonding Through Books: NICU Family Literacy Program”
Alumni
