February 2026 Newsletter

Hooray! Reading Power Launched Its 16th Program!

We are thrilled to announce the opening of Reading Power’s 16th program! This past month, we officially launched our preschool program at LEARN 6 in North Chicago. As our third preschool site, this newest program reflects our continued commitment to reaching students at an earlier age—helping them build a strong foundation and develop a lifelong love of literacy.

Led by Brooke Davis, the program currently serves more than 80 young learners, bringing our total number of students tutored to 982. We are excited about the continued growth of our initiatives and look forward to the lasting impact this new site will have on our students, families, and the North Chicago community.

You're Invited: Join Us at Play for Literacy Game Night

You're cordially invited to join us for our Second Annual Play for Literacy Game Night on Wednesday, May 6th, at Ravinia Green Country Club.

Gather your favorite players and favorite games—mahjong, bridge, Clue, hearts, or more—for an unforgettable night. Enjoy great local shopping, delicious bites, a cash bar, incredible door prizes, and endless laughter throughout the night.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? We’d love to hear from you! There are many meaningful ways to get involved and make a lasting impact. Contact Katie Taylor to learn more.

Reading Power Receives 100 Women Who Care Award

We are thrilled to share that Reading Power has been chosen by 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago to receive a generous gift of over $10,000!

A huge thank you to Kristin Fine, Director of Programs, and Keith Wright, Board Member and tutor, for presenting on our behalf and helping secure this incredible support.

This amazing group of women donates quarterly to local organizations making a difference in Lake and Cook Counties. Their generosity will help us continue empowering learners and spreading the love of reading in our communities.

We are so grateful to 100 Women Who Care North Suburban Chicago for believing in our mission!

Author Visit Inspires Young Readers at Washington Elementary

This month, Reading Power was excited to welcome children’s author Malcolm Newsome to Washington Elementary in Waukegan.

Originally from Waukegan, Malcolm shared his journey as a writer and his mission of bringing hope and possibility to as many young people as he can. He later read from his book Sydney’s Big Speech, inspiring thoughtful questions and enthusiastic participation from our students. The visit sparked excitement about storytelling and helped our young readers truly see what’s possible.

What's Better Than Tutoring Together?!

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we’re so excited to shine a spotlight on two of our incredible tutors, Randee and Howard Blair!

As a Reading Power dynamic duo, Randee and Howard bring double the heart to Frost Elementary each week. Not only do they share a beautiful love story of their own, but they also share their love of reading with our students.

Together, they show us how simple (and fun!) it can be to invite the people we love to be part of something meaningful.

Experience the Magic of Reading Power

Ever wonder what’s happening behind the classroom doors?

We invite you to join us on March 12th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM for Reading Power in Action at Spaulding Elementary in Gurnee, Illinois.

Come see our amazing tutors, students, and staff hard at work as they foster the promise of literacy and bring reading to life each day. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience our program firsthand and witness the impact of our work in action.

To RSVP, please email Grace Drake. We look forward to welcoming you!

Become a Key Sponsor Today

We warmly invite you to become a Reading Power Key Sponsor. With a gift of $41 a month, or a one-time contribution of $500, you make it possible to train and support a Reading Power tutor for an entire academic year. In doing so, you place the key to literacy in a child’s hands and help open the door to a world filled with possibility.

Your generosity directly supports students as they strengthen their reading skills and build confidence, page by page, step by step. As a meaningful expression of our gratitude, you’ll be recognized with a personalized key displayed on our “Door of Opportunity,” a daily reminder of the hope and opportunity your kindness helps create.

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, CEO 

Kate Burke, BS, Director of Operations

Kristin Fine, MEd, Director of Programs

Katie Taylor, BS, Director of Development

Viri Perez, MEd, Associate Director of Programs

Mary Therese Barkhausen, BA, Marketing and Communications Manager

Daniela Cruz, Operations Manager

Grace Drake, BA, Development Manager

Beth Zender, MEd, Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager

Olivia Shinners, BA, Community Engagement Coordinator

Jenn Bodine, BS, Site Coordinator

Katie Burdiak, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Karen Citow, MA, Site Coordinator

Brooke Davis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Rachael Deutsch, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Julie DiGuiseppe, BS, Assistant Site Coordinator

Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator

Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator

Tracy Hovis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Joy Israel, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Randi Klawans, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Carole Klein-Alexander, MAT, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Aimee Lewis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Debbie Loring, MSEd, Site Coordinator

Katie Michols, MEd, Site Coordinator

Lisa Newman, MEd, Site Coordinator

Susie Olefsky, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Kristy Pfeffer, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Heather Rosenblatt, MAT, Site Coordinator

Amy Sacia, MEd, Site Coordinator

Emily Sampson, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Mandy Siegel, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Elizabeth Soling, AA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Megan Vandergeest, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Susan Walsh, MEd, Site Coordinator

Hailey Yetman, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator