January 2026 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

As we reopen our classroom doors, we are thrilled to welcome back our wonderful students. They’ve returned energized and excited for a fantastic second semester, and we’ve jumped right back into learning together. From engaging reading games and new “fast words” to journal writing and reading practice, our classrooms are buzzing with curiosity, enthusiasm, and fun.

We can’t wait to see the amazing growth and joy this semester will bring!

Women United Selects Reading Power as a 2026 Community Partner

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of Women United, a philanthropic group within United Way of Lake County that unites women leaders committed to improving the lives of children and families in our community. Recently, Women United awarded $14,400 in Extra Care Funds to four community partners serving Lake County families facing financial hardship, including Reading Power. This funding directly supports our preschool programs by helping meet essential needs for the children and families we serve.

Our partnership with Women United is longstanding. They provided our founder, Mary Jane Hender, with the original research funding that launched Reading Power and were also among the first supporters of our preschool program at Green Bay Early Childhood Center. Their continued support has been vital to the growth and success of our programs.

National Louis University Features Reading Power

Over the years, Reading Power has built a meaningful partnership with National Louis University, and we’re incredibly proud of the impact this collaboration continues to create.

Through this partnership, NLU students don’t just learn about teaching—they experience it. They step into real classrooms, build genuine relationships with children, and witness the power of hands-on learning in action.

We were honored to see our CEO, Lisa Bulzoni, featured in NLU’s Impact Report, where she shared:

“One of the best parts of welcoming NLU students during their teacher preparation is giving them hands-on experiences with children. Our goal is that every child feels successful at the end of every day, and we want aspiring teachers to experience those moments too. Working through challenges alongside a child is incredibly powerful.”



At Reading Power, our tutors come from diverse backgrounds—and that diversity strengthens our mission. We’re proud to provide a space where students grow as educators alongside our learners, shaping confident teachers and successful readers at the same time.

Save the Date for Our Second Annual Play for Literacy Game Night

We cordially invite you to our Second Annual Play for Literacy Game Night!

Join us on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the beautiful Ravinia Green Country Club for an evening of shopping, raffles, and plenty of laughter—all in support of literacy programs that help our students hit the jackpot in learning.

Tickets go on sale this February. Don’t miss your chance to play your cards right for a great cause and be part of a night that’s both fun and meaningful!

Looking to make an even bigger impact? Reach out to Katie Taylor and ask about our Game Night sponsorship opportunities—we'd love to "deal you in!"

New Year, New Gear—Show Your Reading Power Pride!

New Year? New Gear!

Our latest Reading Power spirit wear has arrived, featuring fresh styles that make it easy to show off your love for literacy. Whether you’re in the classroom, at home, or on the go, these pieces are perfect for repping Reading Power with pride.

Don’t wait—orders must be placed by January 31st!

2025-2026 Annual Appeal: Let's Unlock Opportunity for Every Child

We are deeply grateful for your continued support. If you are able, we hope you’ll consider contributing to this year’s annual appeal. Together, we can unlock opportunity for every child.

If you’d like to take it a step further, we invite you to become a Key Sponsor. By pledging $41/month or $500, you help train a Reading Power tutor for an entire academic year, giving children the key to literacy and a world of opportunity.

Your support directly helps students build reading skills and confidence, and you’ll be recognized with a personalized key displayed on our "Door of Opportunity," a daily reminder of the difference you make.

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