July 2022 Newsletter

Highland Park Strong 

As we all continue to process and grieve the Fourth of July tragedy in Highland Park, the generosity and support demonstrated throughout the North Shore community have inspired us. Our own Reading Power family has come together to support Dr. Keely Roberts, the superintendent of Zion ESD 6, and her sons, who were victims at the parade. 

Reading Power has tutored in Zion D6 for the past seven years and worked closely with Dr. Roberts and her team. She is a staunch supporter of Reading Power and our mission. We hold the entire Roberts family in our hearts and will continue to offer support on their recovery road ahead. 

Dr. Keely Roberts and Family 

Sayonara Summer Slide! 

In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Lake County, Reading Power is proud to offer summer programming to address the loss of learning due to COVID and mitigate the historic summer slide in reading skills. The goals of the four-week session are to increase reading comprehension, grow background knowledge, increase oral language development, and build vocabulary. This summer Reading Power was able to offer in-person and virtual programming for students. 

Thank You, Reading Power Ambassadors

We are introducing our Reading Power Ambassadors! This supportive and fun group of passionate volunteer tutors is helping us spread the word about Reading Power and our volunteer opportunities at local community events this summer. 

Morag Bishop

Hillary Bolke

Leslie Brookfield

Cindy Buss

Eliisa Capstick

Sheila Cavalaris

Vicki Egler

Jani Feiereisel 

Kristin Fine

Kathy Fukuda 

Marla Guziec

Carolyn James

John F Johnson

Vicky Limperis

Pam Marlantis 

Sherri Merel

Shawna Peterson

Melayna Pokorny

Sandy Pocket 

Bob Scales 

Have a friend or family member who should join us tutoring this fall? 

Contact Beth Zender, Volunteer Coordinator, and she will personally reach out with tutoring information. Our goal is to have 100 new tutors to support our expansion this fall.  

Play for a Purpose

Join us for our second annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games event on September 12, 2022, at Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, IL. 

⛳️ Grab a foursome and experience a round of golf on Onwentsia’s famed course 

♣️ Enjoy an afternoon of Euchre, a fun and easy card game to play, with instructors leading the way 

🥂 Take in the iconic outdoor club terrace views during our cocktail and dinner reception

Thank you to our Play for Literacy Event Chairs, Marra Lochiatto and Sheila Cavalaris  

Thank you to our Play for Literacy Presenting Sponsor, William Blair  

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Chief Executive Officer

Kristin Fine, MEd, Director of Programs

Kate Burke, BS, Marketing and Communications Manager

Nancy Duffy, Resource Development Manager

Susan Morris, MBA, Events Manager

Beth Zender, MA, Volunteer Coordinator

Daniela Cruz, Office Manager

Melayna Pokorny, BA, Office Assistant 

Katie Burdiak, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Jennifer Bruns, MST, Site Coordinator

Julie Collishaw, MA, Site Coordinator

Brooke Davis, MEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator

Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator

Mary Jane Hender, EdD, Site Coordinator

Cathy Plate, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator

Elizabeth Soling, AA, Assistant Site Coordinator

Summer Zilisch, Assistant Site Coordinator