Gillian Helm
Executive Director
Gillian joined the Literacy KC team in September 2011. She has always sought out opportunities that combine two of the things she cares about most: education and non-profit work. Gillian received a Bachelor’s in English Literature with a minor in Spanish from Park University. After doing extensive research in Latin America on non-governmental resources available to women in poverty as a graduate student at the University of Kansas, she decided that her focus should remain closer to home in order to address the needs immediately around her, and completed a Master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Reading, to her, is the great equalizer: having access to information- whether it is a medical prescription, a water bill, great lyrics, or the Bill of Rights- and being able to read and comprehend that information is the vehicle of education (formal or otherwise) which in turn is the road to, well, everywhere. Gillian’s work as Director of Programs allows her to combine her interests and be inspired daily by the dedication of students and volunteers, while continually looking for new and better ways to provide much-needed services. As an avid reader, it is impossible for Gillian to name just one book as her favorite. Instead, she lists three. First, The History of Love, by Nicole Krauss, is not so much a love story as a sweeping and haunting story of love in every meaning of the word. Second, William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying is a perfect transformation of poetry into prose and is impossible to forget once it is read. And finally, To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, which needs no explanation. She is currently reading Alex Reinhart’s Statistics Done Wrong and Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies. In addition to reading, Gillian loves running, DIY projects, and would like to own her own restaurant one day. She has the best husband ever, the most rambunctiously charming three-year-old, the sweetest baby boy, and considers herself one lucky girl.
Contact Gillian
(816) 333-9332 x 101
ghelm@literacykc.org
Nancy Clay
Instructional Specialist
Nancy holds a BA in English from California State University, East Bay and an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Linguistics) from the University of Nebraska. After a brief stint as a junior high school English teacher, she moved into various positions in higher education, including English/ESL instructor, International Student Advisor, Director of Intensive English Programs, and Executive Director of Enrollment Services, which included the offices of the registrar, admissions and financial aid. Partially retired, Nancy moved to Kansas City to be nearer to family. Here she found the opportunity to join Literacy KC for a temporary assignment with the Penn Valley program. While there, the position of Instructional Specialist opened and Nancy was pleased to join the staff on a permanent basis. Nancy has six children, three sons in law, eight grandchildren (all extraordinary), and a husband who still travels extensively with his job as a chemical engineer. Nancy lives mostly in Kansas City, but their home is still in Baton Rouge, LA. Nancy is very happy to be working with the wonderful staff and outstanding volunteers who make Literacy KC so successful.
Contact Nancy
(816) 333-9332 x 103
nclay@literacykc.org
Kim Rogers
Operations Manager
Kim received a Bachelor’s Degree from Truman State University in Finance and Management Information Systems. Since college, Kim has worked for Cameron Group Care as the Coordinator of Billing and Medical records and continues to enjoy her work as a bartender. When the opportunity to assist Literacy KC with their effort to improve their databases and move to a paperless operation became available, Kim could not pass up the chance to do what she truly enjoys. During college Kim worked with the Education Department helping to maintain their database. She also worked as a research assistant for an Associate Professor of Education, helping to conduct a research project that she later presented at the 2005 Student Research Conference at Truman State University. Kim enjoys helping others; her volunteer background includes mentoring a young Asian girl living in Kirksville, Missouri, participating during college in the Asian Students of America group, serving as a volunteer at the Northeast Missouri Fair and serving as the scribe in 2007 for the Strategic Planning sessions for Literacy KC. Kim’s hobbies include attending concerts and watching sports, especially games that involve her boyfriend’s young son and KU basketball – ROCK CHALK!! Kim’s favorite book is anything by Nicholas Sparks, but she also enjoys great mysteries.
Contact Kim
(816) 333-9332 x 108
krogers@literacykc.org
Rachel Cash
Fund Development Manager
Rachel joined Literacy KC in October 2014. Rachel has always been interested in how decisions are made and projects funded, which led to her studying politics, economics, and ethics at William Jewell College. She worked as a lobbyist and organizer in Washington, D.C. with the Friends Committee on National Legislation, where she lobbied on federal budget priorities. She then returned to Kansas City and worked with KC LINC in the Independence school district. Most recently, Rachel was the Executive Director of Coldwater of Lee’s Summit, a Harvesters food pantry. Rachel is thrilled to be connecting donors and foundations with opportunities to empower Kansas Citians by teaching them to read. In her own life, Rachel prefers nonfiction books; especially work describing the strange, obscure, and macabre. Her favorite books include: Consider the Lobster, a book of essays by David Foster Wallace; The QI Book of General Ignorance, and The Devil and Sherlock Holmes, a book of essays by journalist David Grann.
Contact Rachel
(816) 333-9332 x 105
rcash@literacykc.org
Dawn Bartlett
Instructional Team Leader
Dawn has always had a passion for helping people grow both academically and personally. This led her to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southwest Baptist University and a Masters of Education in Literacy from Evangel University. Before joining Literacy KC, she taught for 8 years in the public school system as a classroom teacher and a reading specialist. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she served as a Literacy Leader for her building where she led collaboration among the staff in order to improve the reading and writing abilities of students throughout the school. When her husband’s job relocated them from Springfield, MO to the Kansas City area, she spent a few months subbing in the Blue Springs School District while looking for an opportunity to use her passion for teaching literacy in a more permanent position. In July 2016, she joined Literacy KC as the Instructional Team Leader where she is excited to share her knowledge and experience in order to meet the needs of adult learners in the Kansas City area. Dawn has been married to her husband Justin for 15 years and has three children who keep her very busy and often serve as guinea pigs when she has a new idea for instruction. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, and driving her kids to their many activities. She is excited to be serving with the great staff and volunteers at Literacy KC and to be part of the amazing growth happening at this organization.
Contact Dawn
(816) 333-9332 x 112
dbartlett@literacykc.org
Philip Denver
Instructor – Impact Initiative
Philip received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from University of Missouri – Kansas City. He earned his degree in Education from Northwest Missouri State University. Philip taught in public education for over seven years before joining the Literacy KC staff. During this time, Philip instructed students with autism, dyslexia and other learning differences. He also taught literacy classes to students in the general education population. Philip also has a career as an actor and writer. He enjoys reading, writing, movies, theatre, travel and exercise. Philip lives with two cats who always keep him in line.
Contact Philip
(816) 333-9332 x 120
pdenver@literacykc.org
Sarah Bell
Digital Inclusion Fellow
Sarah earned her BA in History from Truman State University, her MA in Museum Studies from the University of Kansas, and is a PhD candidate in the history program at KU. She has a passion for education, public humanities, and making information accessible to everyone. Before working at Literacy KC, Sarah worked for the Institute of Reading Development as a Reading Instructor. While at the Institute, Sarah gained the invaluable experience of teaching the reading process at each stage of reading development. In addition to teaching at the Institute, Sarah has been a Graduate Teaching Assistant at KU, where she had the opportunity to make history fun and accessible to college students. One of her favorite (and unique!) classes to teach was Conspiracy Theories and Paranoia in American History. Sarah was also an education intern at the Kansas Museum of History, where she helped develop curriculum supplements for the museum’s Read Kansas! Program and designed gallery guides for a special exhibit.
In addition to teaching, Sarah has extensive experience with research. Sarah is currently researching and writing a dissertation on women political activists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is analyzing how woman suffragists used a cultural movement called Chautauqua to spread their ideas.
Sarah joined Literacy KC as a contract instructor in January 2015. As an inaugural member of the Impact Initiative Instructional team, Sarah saw how vital and significant Literacy KC is for the community, and she was thrilled to accept the offer to come on full time. Sarah will be splitting her time between teaching literacy classes, expanding the digital life skills curriculum through the Google Digital Inclusion Fellowship program, and conducting research and development of adult literacy programming and curriculum. She is excited to use her skills as both a teacher and a researcher to help Literacy KC continue to expand its vision of literacy for all. Sarah enjoys reading, baking, and traveling. Her favorite book is Pride and Prejudice, but she loves anything by Jane Austen.
Contact Sarah
(816) 333-9332 x 118
sbell@literacykc.org
Emily Hane
Programs Manager
Emily received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Kansas in Creative Writing and is currently attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City to get a Masters of Public Administration, emphasizing in Non-Profit Management.
Before joining Literacy KC, Emily served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon where she worked taught English at a local high school, trained teachers on resource development and didactic material creation, and ran an English language radio program. Emily has also worked as the administrative coordinator for Reach Out and Read Kansas City, an early literacy nonprofit. Emily has over five years of experience volunteering with and working for adult literacy programs, and she is thrilled to be working with the team at Literacy KC!
Contact Emily
(816) 333-9332 x 104
ehane@literacykc.org
Rachel Henderson
Programs Support Coordinator
Rachel joined Literacy KC in February 2016 as the Programs Support Coordinator. Rachel previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for the Ticket to Read Program in 2015 at Literacy KC. Rachel’s current responsibilities will include the continued support of the AmeriCorps VISTA project as well as development and support of the Digital Literacy Programming. Outside of the office, Rachel has a strong passion for sports, including Kansas Jayhawk Basketball, the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals, and she is a down-right dedicated Kansas City Chiefs Football Fan! Rachel also serves as the Kansas PTA Secretary as well as being the proud mother of two beautiful daughters. In her free time, she enjoys dating her absolutely wonderful husband, surfing Facebook, shopping, and traveling. Her dream is to one day explore different countries. Rachel is proud to be re-joining a great team of staff, volunteers, and students at Literacy KC.
Contact Rachel
(816) 333-9332 x 106
rhenderson@literacykc.org
Kate Brown
Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator
Originally from Kansas City, Kate Brown earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in English in 2009. She then went on to work in the non-profit world in Kansas City for several years before moving to Chicago. While there, Kate held a variety of positions and loved getting to explore the city. She has recently made the move back to Kansas City to be closer to her family and is excited to join the Literacy KC team as Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator and work with their volunteer program. Her own experience in different organizations has made her passionate about working with volunteers. When Kate’s not working, you can find her cheering on the Jayhawks, spending time with her family and friends, or enjoying a good book!
Contact Kate
(816) 333-9332 x 107
kbrown@literacykc.org
Lazona Stovall
Ticket to Read Instructor
Lazona is a native of Kansas City and has spent here career working in education in the city. She is currently a teacher in the Kansas City Public School District, beginning her 23rd year in education this fall. She is certified as a Reading Specialist for K-12, Elementary Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Elementary Administration and District Level Administration and Superintendency. She loves school as much as she loves teaching, and she has taught many children and their parents over the years. She loves reading and hopes to encourage students to fall in love with it as much as she has. She thoroughly enjoys teaching at Literacy KC and genuinely looks forward to each day.
Marquis Hall
Let’s Read Family Reading Program Instructor
Marquis recently graduated from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with a BA in Elementary Education. While in college, he was an Institute for Urban Education Scholar. He also served on the academic dishonesty board as well as the School of Education Student Government. He previously served as a teacher at Operation Breakthrough, helping with preschool, infant/toddler education, and upper elementary/middle education. Additionally, he serves as a Hotline Advocate for Safehome. In May, he completed a full year internship with Kansas City Public Schools, teaching 2nd grade at Gladstone Elementary. In the Fall, he will be teaching at Pathway Academy, a local charter school in Kansas City, Missouri. Marquis really enjoys working with diverse communities and populations. He is really excited about joining Literacy KC because he believes in the power of reading and how it can change a person’s life. He believes as learners, we learn through our heads, hearts, and hands.
Mary Weir
Let’s Read Family Reading Program Instructor
Mary is an instructor for the Let’s Read Family Reading Program. She has a lifetime certification in Missouri and Kansas in Elementary Education. She received her Masters Degree in Creative Arts in Education. After 28 years of teaching primary grades, she recently retired from public education. She has worked with young children to develop phonemic awareness, build reading skills, and to help them become fluent, confident readers. She has always had a passion for working with young readers, which sparked the desire to inform and educate parents about working with their young readers. It requires both teachers and parents working together to have children become lifetime readers. She is excited about the work of Literacy KC and the many programs it makes available to adults that help to make an impact in her hometown area.
Abbey Reinhardt
AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
Abbey joined Literacy KC in August 2016. Before joining the team here, Abbey earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and a Master of Public Administration from Kansas State University. Prior to returning to Kansas City to take advantage of this opportunity with Literacy KC, Abbey’s previous work experience included interning with the U.S. Department of State and working as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Defenders of Wildlife in Washington, DC, and serving with AmeriCorps VISTA in Portland, Oregon. Outside of work, Abbey enjoys volunteering as a member of a review committee for a community small grants program, reading, venturing outdoors on day-hikes, and playing with her cat, Banana. Abbey is excited to help Literacy KC grow its VISTA program and support all the amazing VISTA members serving in Kansas City!
Kevin Derohanian
Marketing & Communications Coordinator (AmeriCorps VISTA)
Originally from Connecticut, Kevin grew up in the Hartford area and graduated with a BA in Economics and a Minor in Political Science from The University of Connecticut. Kevin joined Literacy KC in February 2016 and is responsible for further developing marketing and communications strategies.
Outside of the office, Kevin is a huge sports fan, especially when it comes to his beloved UConn Huskies, and is excited to attend all the different sporting events that Kansas City has to offer. He is a travel enthusiast, enjoys spending time with family and friends, and loves to read his daily Wall Street Journal newspaper. Kevin also thoroughly enjoys spending time at beach, especially after living outside of Tampa, FL for a brief period before moving to Kansas City. He is very excited to be a part of the Literacy KC community and form lasting bonds with all those involved with the organization!
Contact Kevin
(816) 333-9332 x 102
kderohanian@literacykc.org
Robert Day
Administrative Assistant
Robert was born and raised in Kansas City and enjoys spending time in the community. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, after which he joined the Navy. Robert had the opportunity to travel extensively during his time in the military and appreciates having been able to experience new places and cultures around the world. His favorite book is Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield and he is currently reading a biography of Martin Luther.
Contact Robert
(816) 333-9332 x 100
rday@literacykc.org
Xavier Hankins
Executive Administrative Assistant
Xavier is a native of the Kansas City area, with a BA in Sociology and a Minor in Women Studies from the University of Kansas. She has always enjoyed working with people in the community. Prior to joining Literacy KC, she worked in the mental health field, assisting clients with their reading and comprehension skills to meet their daily living needs. She enjoys reading anything written by Maya Angelou as well as exploring new authors and titles. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her family and friends, reading to her children, traveling and cheering on the Jayhawks.
Contact Xavier
(816) 333-9332 x 114
xhankins@literacykc.org
