about us
We Advocate For Children; We Open Opportunities
Talking with Books is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is supporting children in the Caribbean region. Our goal is about more than placing books in children’s hands. It is about helping children thrive.
Meet The Team
Our leadership is driven by a team of Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Child Development Specialist bringing together 100 years of combined experience in supporting children and families.
Deon Brown
President/CEO
Raleigh Sadlier
Board Member/Treasurer
Shawnia Elder
Board Member/Secretary
Merlene Campbell
Child Development Specialist/Compliance
Founder's Story
Deon Brown, MA CCC-SLP
Founder/CEO
Talking with Books was founded by Deon Brown, a Jamaican-born Speech-Language Pathologist with twenty years of experience supporting children in school-based services and underserved communities. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with children, teachers, and families, witnessing firsthand how underdeveloped oral language skills directly impact literacy, academic success, and long-term opportunity—especially in communities where access to books, resources, and trained professionals is limited. Her work in other regions reinforced a powerful truth: while access to speech-language services may be limited, language growth can still be strengthened through books and the intentional efforts of teachers and families. Through Talking with Books, she brings together her professional expertise, cultural understanding, and global perspective to help children strengthen language, build literacy, and expand their opportunities for a better academic experience and overall quality of life.
