Literacy Circle Recap

On May 20th, over 45 friends and supporters of CLC gathered at the beautiful home of Mike and Diane Bell to socailize and listen to program updates.  Hayli Hunter a long-term tutor whom has tutored at Keller and Turman Elementaries shared about her experiences. Parents Kesha Davis, Danelle Vallejos, Lucy Lewis, and Ryland Charlton share the impact that the after-school tutoring program has had on their child and family. We often focus on how the tutoring program transforms students, but we talk far less about the powerful ways it touches their families—the relief parents feel when they no longer have to play the role of teacher or tutor, the confidence it restores in the learning happening at home, and the gift of family time reclaimed from evenings once spent battling homework.

CLC is deeply grateful for the tutors who pour love and mentorship into our students, the parents who trust us with their children, the supporters who believe in our mission, and the board members whose steady guidance strengthens the leadership of the organization.

Volunteer Spotlight

We are honored to spotlight Carla Bryce Chandler, who has served as a tutor at the Monument site for the past 1.5 semesters. Carla says her favorite part of volunteering is building relationships with students who are excited to learn and grow as readers. “There is nothing better than seeing improvement in a struggling reader, especially when they feel it too,” she shares. “And just talking with a young person always brings me joy and many smiles!”

Carla’s passion for education began early — as a fifth grader in a “Teacher of Tomorrow” program — and later led to a rewarding 27-year teaching career. Her dedication and encouragement continue to make a meaningful impact on the students she serves through the Children’s Literacy Center.

Her favorite quote: “Positive things happen to positive thinkers.”

Welcome, Alex Higgins to the CLC Board!

Alex Higgins joins the Children’s Literacy Center Board of Directors, bringing a strong background in legal counsel, business operations, and community service. Alex serves as Corporate Counsel at EverCommerce, a SaaS company supporting service-based businesses across more than 40 operating brands. In his role, he oversees legal matters including commercial contracts, employment and HR issues, litigation, customer disputes, and data privacy compliance.

Beyond his professional work, Alex is actively involved in his community through commercial real estate investment across Colorado and as a volunteer firefighter with Elbert Fire. He and his wife enjoy raising their three young children on their property in Monument.

Alex is honored to join the Children’s Literacy Center Board and looks forward to supporting the organization’s mission to empower children through literacy.

Thank You, Charlie Dunn

The Children’s Literacy Center extends its sincere gratitude to Charlie Dunn for his 10 years of dedicated service on the CLC Board of Directors. Throughout his time on the board, Charlie provided thoughtful leadership, steady support, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission and the students we serve.

As Charlie steps down from the board, we thank him for the lasting impact he has made on the Children’s Literacy Center and the many lives touched through his service. We are grateful for his years of involvement and wish him all the best in this next chapter.