June 2024 Newsletter

Another Year In The Books!

Reading Power recently completed its 21st year of providing one-to-one literacy tutoring. Our programs were available this year in ten schools across Lake and Cook Counties. Next year, we are expanding again as part of our three-year strategic growth plan to serve more students. Our goal is to blanket the areas of highest need with our program so that we can fulfill the Reading Power vision: A world where all children have a strong literacy foundation to support lifelong learning.

Celebrating Fathers Who Make A Difference

This June, Reading Power celebrates all fathers who make a meaningful impact in their children's lives.

Among them, we extend special recognition to Todd Porter, one of our dedicated volunteer tutors. Todd's commitment to nurturing a love of literacy is truly inspiring, and he shares a passion with his daughter, Sarah. Their joint efforts underscore the powerful influence of family in fostering a love of learning and literacy. Todd shared, "We've had a tough year, and the joy and connection from the students and teachers were a welcome respite from our grief. Now that the program is over for summer, we miss them all." Thank you, Todd and Sarah, for fostering the promise of literacy!

Tutor One Child. Change Two Lives.

With an expanded footprint to serve more students, Reading Power needs over 60 new tutors by Fall 2024. Are you ready to make a difference? Discover the rewarding tutor experience on our website or email Beth Zender today!

Join Us This Summer!

Our tutor ambassadors will actively recruit new tutors at the following farmer's markets and community events this summer. Come by and say hello!

Reading Power Summer 2024 Farmer's Market and Community Events:

Wheeling Open Air Market: Tuesday, July 9

Deerfield Farmer’s Market: Saturday, July 13

Gurnee Farmer’s Market: Sunday, July 14

Ravinia Farmer’s Market: Wednesday, July 17

Libertyville Farmer’s Market: Thursday, July 25

Deerfield Farmer’s Market: Saturday, July 27

North Chicago Community Days: Saturday, Aug 3

Gurnee Farmer’s Market: Sunday, Aug 4

Northbrook Farmer’s Market: Wednesday, Aug 7

Barrington Farmer's Market, Thursday, Aug 22

Day of Action Carnival, Highland Park: Sunday, Aug 25

Welcome To The Board

Reading Power warmly welcomes Bonnie Shlensky, Michael Gold, and Rachel Bland to our Board of Directors. We look forward to their fresh perspectives and valuable insights.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following Board members concluding their terms this month: Rahul Malhotra, Melinda Mooney, Jacalyn Ramdin-Johnson, Beverly Raudabaugh, and Frank Sibley.

Additionally, we wish Reading Power Site Coordinator, Julie Collishaw, a joyous and well-deserved retirement.

Thank you all for your unwavering dedication to our students and your steadfast commitment to our mission of accelerating children's literacy learning. Your contributions have been invaluable.

In The News

Thank you to Forest & Bluff magazine for featuring our 20th Anniversary Reach for the Stars event in their June issue. Click here to take a closer look.

Save The Date

Mark your calendars! Our fourth annual Play for Literacy Golf & Games event is on September 16th. Whether you're a golfer, a gamer, or simply a supporter, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Visit playforliteracy.com today to learn more or purchase tickets!

⛳️ Play for a purpose. Grab a foursome and join us for a round of golf on Knollwood Club's recently renovated course. Your ticket includes lunch, a round of golf, and a cocktail dinner reception.

♣️ Enjoy an afternoon of games and fun! Play your favorite games, such as Canasta, Euchre, Bridge, Mahjong, or Rummy. The fun continues with a cocktail and dinner reception, which is included with your ticket.

🍸 Join us for cocktails and dinner as we honor our shared commitment to fostering the promise of literacy.

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



Reading Power Staff

Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, CEO 

Kristin Fine, MEd, Director of Programs

Viri Perez, MEd, Associate Director of Programs

Jen Barnabee, EdS, Program Specialist and Site Coordinator

Kate Burke, BS, Marketing and Communications Manager

Grace Drake, BA, Development Manager

Beth Zender, MEd, Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager

Daniela Cruz, Office Manager

Karen Citow, MA, Assistant 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