For the past seven years, Rogue Valley Leadership Council member Dr. Barbara Saigo has been a steadfast champion for SMART Reading–building goodwill across our communities and helping us raise the resources needed to bring shared reading time and books to local children with the greatest need.
Barbara’s heart is full of love, which she shares freely and generously. Her deep belief in the transformative power of books and reading fuels her passion for ensuring children have access to stories that both reflect their own identities and provide windows into the lives of others.
Beyond her role with SMART, Barbara has dedicated her career to education, writing, and publishing. As President of Saiwood Resources and Saiwood Publications, she has spent decades supporting authors, teachers, and organizations through writing, consulting, and professional development. As a university faculty member, she has taught courses in biology, zoology, botany, ecology, and science education, and has served nationally as a consultant and reviewer for science education initiatives and grant projects.
Barbara and her husband Roy have been a personal and professional team for nearly 60 years, and their commitment to education and diversity is also honored locally at Southern Oregon University, where the Roy and Barbara Saigo Multicultural Alcove at Hannon Library celebrates diverse voices and life experiences through books and research. This lasting tribute reflects the same values she brings to SMART Reading—championing inclusion, knowledge, understanding, and the power of stories to connect us all.
We are grateful to Barbara for her many years of leadership, generosity, and passion for building a brighter future for Rogue Valley children.
Pictured: Leona Westdahl with Drs. Roy and Barbara Saigo at SOU’s Multicultural Alcove dedication, honoring the power of diverse histories and stories