March 2025 Newsletter

Happy National Reading Month!

March is National Reading Month, and our classrooms are buzzing with exciting activities, themed challenges, and captivating stories. Throughout the month, we’re keeping track of the number of books each class reads. We’re excited to unveil the impressive totals on March 31st!

Join Us at Play for Literacy Game Night

We cordially invite you to join us at our inaugural Play for Literacy Game Night on Wednesday, May 7th, at Ravinia Green Country Club from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Reserve a table for $400 or purchase an individual ticket for $125.

The evening promises exciting door prizes, a cash bar, and endless entertainment—this unforgettable event is almost sold out, so don't miss your chance to be part of the fun!

We're honored to announce that the event is sponsored by Bernstein. A heartfelt thank you to Bernstein for their generous support and partnership.

2025 Play for Literacy Game Night Presenting Sponsor

Thank you to our Event Chairwoman, Bonnie Shlensky, and our amazing host committee for their hard work and dedication in planning such a meaningful night.

2025 Play for Literacy Game Night Host Committee

Laura Boehm

Bonnie Brickman

Heather Crimmins

Barbara Jo Evans

Jeff Evans

Terri Frydman

Laura Gold

Sheri Kramer

Jerry Levy

Karen Lygizos

Rachel Mintz

Sara Poticha

Bonnie Shlensky, Chairwoman

Laura Singer

Marcia Sloan

Mary Anne Yessian

And, breaking news—our vendors are officially confirmed!

A huge thank you to these incredible small businesses who will be joining us at the event, offering Reading Power's guests an exclusive shopping experience. Did we mention Mother’s Day is the same week? It’s the perfect opportunity to find that special gift!

2025 Play for Literacy Game Night Vendors

4Keepsies

Bestowed Housewares

Emmis Jewelry

Katorriginal Inc.

KeepItLoveIt

Toffee Traditions

Venus Macaroons

Stepping into Spring with Unstoppable Growth Mindsets

At Reading Power, we're stepping into spring with the most unstoppable growth mindsets. In education, a growth mindset means believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort, rather than being fixed. We certainly agree. Every day, we inspire our students to dream big and work hard. With perseverance and determination, there’s no limit to what they can achieve!

Save the Date: Tutor Appreciation Night

On Wednesday, April 23rd, we’ll be celebrating our amazing volunteer tutors who dedicate countless hours to fortering the promise of literacy and making a lasting impact on our students' lives.

Space is limited, so please RSVP today!

Experience the Reading Power Magic

We invite you to experience the magic of our programs firsthand by joining us for Reading Power In Action at Washington Elementary School in Waukegan on Tuesday, April 8th.

To RSVP, please email Grace Drake.

2025 - 2026 Tutor Recruitment

We’re kicking off our 2025-2026 tutor recruitment, and we know the best way to spread our mission is through word of mouth. If you know a friend, colleague, or family member who might be interested in joining us, please encourage them to apply at https://readingpowerinc.org/tutors/.

Our Mission

Our mission is to accelerate children’s literacy learning and develop their love for reading and writing 

Our Vision

We envision a world where all children have a strong literacy foundation to support lifelong learning



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

Jen Barnabee, EdS, Program Specialist

Olivia Shinners, BA, Community Engagement Coordinator

Jenn Bodine, BS, 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

Joy Israel, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Randi Klawans, MEd, Site Coordinator 

Carole Klein-Alexander, MAT, Assistant Site Coordinator 

Melissa Kumin, MEd, Site Coordinator

Aimee Lewis, MEd, Site Coordinator

Debbie Loring, MSEd, Site Coordinator

Katie Michols, 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

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