Our Team
Contact Michael about corporate sponsorships, financial giving, board participation, and institutional connections.
Michael Brix (he/him)
Executive Director
michael@treehousebooks.org
Michael comes to Tree House Books with over 20 years of leadership and social justice and activism work. Most recently Michael was the Executive Director for Yes! And… Collaborative Arts, a youth arts empowerment organization he helped found in 1999. After years working in the arts and youth development sector, Michael started with Tree House Books in 2019. He has his Master’s in Organizational Development and his BA in Education. Michael brings a passion for social justice, youth leadership, collaboration, and community development - utilizing the strengths of the community.
Michael remembers reading the Chronicles of Narnia with his mom and sister before bedtime when he was young.
Contact Tangie for information about partnering with Tree House Books as well as all our programming, including Access to Books and Literacy programs.
Tang Wilson (he/him)
Managing Director
tang@treehousebooks.org
Tangie Wilson, our Managing Director, has been a part of our team as a Teaching Artist with our Equity Pods, an advisor to the Teen program and Access to Books Director. Tangie is a community oriented leader from South Carolina with a passion for growing and sustaining community. In this role he prioritizes providing access and exploration to our North Philadelphia community members. Tangie is a student of abolitionist practices and the radical tradition, he hopes to curate spaces for community aid and mentorship of Black youth.
Tangie’s favorite book at the moment is Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
Contact Emma about our Giving Library, book donations, books drives, and book requests for your program/center.
Emma Goldstein (she/her)
Giving Library & Book Donations Manager
emma@treehousebooks.org
Emma was a volunteer with Tree House Books before joining the staff in 2017. She also manages the Giving Library and volunteer scheduling. A graduate of Oberlin College with a degree in sociology, and utilizing a social change lens of community activism, Emma brings to us a wealth of experience working in community and educational settings throughout New Jersey, Ohio, and Philadelphia.
Emma’s favourite book is Beloved by Toni Morrison
Contact Nevaeh through the online form to book the Traveling Tree House to come to you.
Nevaeh Robinson (she/her)
Community Outreach & Book Distributor
nevaeh@treehousebooks.org
Nevaeh Robinson, a recent graduate of Temple University with a BA in Sociology, brings a strong passion for social justice and a deep commitment to advocating for equitable access to education. During her time as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Jumpstart Philadelphia, she played a key role in promoting programs and initiatives that champion early childhood education and literacy across North Philadelphia. Nevaeh is excited to continue growing as an advocate and making a meaningful impact in the communities she serves
One of Nevaeh’s favorite books is Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkis-Bigelow
Contact Omi for all general inquiries.
Omi Abiodun (she/they)
Administrator
info@treehousebooks.org
With their administrative and organisational skills from their previous positions and having lived in several states and countries, Omi brings a diverse approach and thought process to all settings. Outside of work, Omi enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking and exploring different facets of creativity.
As a child, she remembers sharing the series of books Junie B Jones by Barbara Park with her sibling. They were her favourite books.
Contact Deirdre for information on Tree House Programs, Outreach & Community Events
Deirdre Hyman (she/her)
Program Coordinator
deirdre@treehousebooks.org
As a lifelong learner, artist and entrepreneur, she has dedicated herself to the empowerment and holistic development of children everywhere through art, music, and entrepreneurship.
Deirdre is very family oriented and works to support families throughout Philadelphia; battling the injustices of poverty and underserved schools.
In her free time, she likes to read with her kids. One of their favorite books is Don't Push the Button, by Bill Cotter.
Cheryl Bryant (she/her)
Literacy Specialist
Cheryl is a literacy specialist with over 20 years of teaching, coaching, and parent engagement experience. She is a native Philadelphian who was raised in North Philadelphia, not far from Tree House Books. She was educated in the Philadelphia school system. Cheryl enjoys sharing her love of literacy with learners of all ages. She is passionate about engaging families in interactive experiences.
One of her favorite children’s books is Bud, Not Buddy.
Liza Valovatsky (she/her)
Weekend Library Manager
liza@treehousebooks.org
Liza has always been an avid, imaginative reader and her curiosity led her to acquire a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience from Temple University. Aside from being the Weekend Library Manager, Liza works as a Laboratory Technician studying cellular research. Her experiences picking out books for her niche interests motivate her to interact with library visitors individually to find books specific to their own hobbies and passions.
Her favorite book is The Metamorphosis by Fran’s Kafka.
I’lea Roberts (she/her)
Assistant Teacher
afterschool@treehousebooks.org
Hi! My name is I'lea, but my community calls me Lee or Ms. Lee. She loves reading, writing and spending time with kiddos.
Lee is a published Author, spoken word artist, and history nerd.
Currently, her favorite book is , This Black Skin of Mine, a collection of poems by her :)
Ja’Sonia Hinton (she/her)
Assistant Teacher
afterschool@treehousebooks.org
Greetings Earthlings, My name is Ja’Sonia Hinton and I am from the GREATEST city in the world, PHILLY PHILLY, no Pa, HA! I am a creative being and I love to love on people, especially my people!
I am truly excited to be apart of the Tree House family and I absolutely adore everyone here! All of my love, Ja’Sonia
Peace~
VOLUNTEERS
We are thankful to the hundreds of volunteers that give their time to support our organization, and the children and families in our community.