Our Board of Directors

Since 1988, Ronald Dasent has been a dedicated presence in the lives of young people throughout Philadelphia and the Tri-State Area.

Whether behind the camera capturing important moments or simply being the positive male presence a young person needed, Ronald has spent decades encouraging, mentoring, and supporting youth.

After dedicating 50 years to one career, Ronald retired—but retirement did not slow his commitment to community service. In the summer of 2026, he shared his knowledge of financial literacy with fourth-grade students at a neighborhood library, helping young minds understand the importance of money, saving, planning, and responsible financial choices.

Ronald has served as Treasurer of R.O.O.T.S., Inc. since its founding in 2008, bringing experience, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility to the organization. Known to many as “Mr. D.,” he understands that true leadership is not only about what you accomplish—it is also about what you leave behind. Now, he is ready to pass the baton to the next generation.

Lillian is a retired social worker of 42 years who brings her lifelong passion for helping others into every corner of her life—most beautifully seen in the joy of raising her granddaughter.

During the R.O.O.T.S., Inc. Superhero Summer Camp, Lillian’s granddaughter shared a heartwarming truth: her grandparents’ house is her “rainbow home,” a place filled with love, safety, and vibrant joy. That nurturing environment continues to bear wonderful fruit; her granddaughter was recently recognized for her achievements in a summer program at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP).

Lillian’s devotion to the next generation extends seamlessly into her commitment to R.O.O.T.S., Inc. She is a faithful presence at events such as the East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, where she shares the graphic novel The Adventures of Auntie Jo Jo & Super Titans with families, bringing professional expertise and a maternal heart to everyone and everything she touches.

Her interests, gifts, and impact go above and beyond her duties as a board member, making her a true champion for families and a cherished pillar of the community.

Mary Legato Brownell has spent her professional life helping young people discover the power of reading, writing, and their own stories.

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, she now lives in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, and has taught English, Humanities, and History at the middle and high school levels. She holds a B.S. in English and Education from the University of Minnesota and an M.S. in the Psychology of Reading from Temple University.

As a Reading Specialist, Mary has worked extensively in literacy, curriculum development, and global education—including developing a Global Education program at Springside School in Philadelphia that connected students across countries through collaborative projects and shared learning.

Mary’s poetry and writing have appeared in American Poetry Review, The Comstock Review, Pivot, Margie, and other journals. She believes that stories connect generations by preserving memory, encouraging empathy, and helping people understand one another. She is honored to serve on the board of Regenerating Our Offspring Through Stories, Inc. and to support its mission of growing the next generation of storytellers.

Deridra believes in the power of creativity and literacy to change young lives.

A passionate supporter of the arts and a fierce advocate for fourth-grade reading proficiency, she works tirelessly to give children a strong foundation for the future. Her impact is best seen at home: her son has inherited her vibrant spark and is already following in her footsteps as a professional dancer.

Deridra holds a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts. She believes that children learn in different ways—a view that aligns with the R.O.O.T.S. mission of reaching every kind of learner in a multicultural society. Read by 4th is a beginning, but teaching children to read in every format is her primary goal.

Beyond supporting Tree House Books Literacy Day events, Deridra brings her love of dance wherever she goes—and her enthusiasm is so contagious that young people can’t help but join in.