Staff

JASON LODY

Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic

Jason Lody is a native of New Jersey but has studied and worked internationally. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in School Administration from Catholic University in Washington, DC. He also holds advanced degrees in Theology and Counseling. Jason is currently completing doctoral studies in Education Policy and Leadership. In 2004, after finishing 2 years teaching undergraduate education courses at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, Jason took a sabbatical during which he joined and trained with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. Jason served as a patrol officer, training officer, and finally as a gang investigator with the DC Police Department before returning to education as a founding principal of a public charter school in Washington, DC. Email Jason: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Managers and Coordinators:

MEG JENSEN

Program Manager

Margaret "Meg" Jensen has been a dedicated teacher in the Washington DC area for the past five years. A native of the area, Meg got her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Gallaudet University. She then went on to join Teach for America in 2007 and obtained her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University. Meg has a passion for urban education and is dedicated towards closing the achievement gap. During her free time Meg enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is an avid reader and loves to spend time outdoors. Meg is excited to join Reading Partners as Program Manager and working towards helping students make great gains in reading. Email Meg: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HOLLY RICHARDSON

Program Coordinator

Holly Richardson joined Reading Partners after receiving her M.A. in linguistics from Georgetown University. Her interest in language and literacy development blossomed while working in an ESL pre-school affiliated with the University of Michigan, from which she graduated in 2007 with a B.A. in French and Francophone Studies and Linguistic Anthropology. After college she moved to Chiang Mai, Thailand for a year where she taught ESL to pre-school through grade 5 students. Upon returning to the US, Holly pursued her interest in non-profit management by joining the financial development and fundraising team at the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity. She continued to serve the non-profit sector upon moving to Washington, D.C., most notably at the Newseum and at KaBOOM!. Email Holly: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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AmeriCorps Program:

JEREMY EXELL

AmeriCorps Specialist

Jeremy is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where he received his BA in history in 2006. Following college, Jeremy joined AmeriCorps, serving with the AmeriCorps NCCC Atlantic Region campus, first as a Corps Member in 2008 then as a Team Leader in 2009. In 2010 he served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Martinsburg, WV where he worked with a local community organization. Following the completion of his VISTA year, Jeremy moved to DC where worked with AmeriCorps Alums managing member outreach. He is very excited to continue working with AmeriCorps members and helping expand the service of Reading Partners! Email Jeremy: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Outreach Team:

TABITHA BLACKWELL

Outreach Manager

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TYRONDA WOOLFOLK

Outreach Coordinator

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Site Coordinators:

KISTIANNA BURRIS

Site Coordinator, Community Academy PCS-Rand Campus

Kristianna Burris graduated Salisbury University in 2010 with a BA in Elementary Education and Mathematics. While studying at Salisbury, she worked in the public school system for a program called STARS. This after school achievement program provides alternative educational activities in the core subjects, Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics. As the Assistant Site Coordinator, she was responsible for the lesson plans, activities, and parental involvement for Salisbury Middle School’s program. Throughout her summers, Kristianna has been a day camp counselor and nanny. Following graduation she moved to Brasila, Brazil to teach English from September 2010 until December 2010. Once her term was completed, Kristianna moved to Speyer, Germany where she was a volunteer English teacher for grades two, three, and four. She traveled around Europe for some time after her commitment with Siedlungsgrundschule and later accepted her position as Site Coordinator for Community Charter RAND Campus with Reading Partners. Kristianna is thoroughly excited for this position as it provides her with vast opportunities to positively impact the urban education in our country. She feels our program will open students’ eyes to the importance of literacy as we share fun and engaging lessons to enhance students’ reading abilities. Email Kistianna: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MELANIE CHAVEZ

Regional Site Coordinator, DC

Melanie brings her enthusiasm for learning and love of children to Reading Partners as a member of the AmeriCorps program Public Allies DC. She graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County as a Meyerhoff Scholar with a BS in Biology and has worked in a physical therapy clinic for the past 2 years. Before pursuing a DPT degree, she decided to focus on another passion - making a difference. She has served as a tutor with UMBC’s Writing Center, a mentor with Baltimore’s College Gardens Afterschool Program, and a leader with Youth for Christ. Melanie hopes that through her creativity, drive, and sincerity the students Reading Partners serves will not only become better readers but will become inspired to do great things. Email Melanie: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

FAHMI GALLOWAY

Site Coordinator, Septima Clark

Fahmi Galloway, raised in Washington, DC, has realized his passion. After attending North Carolina A&T State University, he followed his heart into the field of youth work. He has completed the "Advanced Youth Development (AYD)" course and the "Supervising: A Youth Development Approach". Working with several non-profit organizations meeting the needs of underserved older youth has now lead him to service as Site Coordinator with Reading Partners. Email Fahmi: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ADAM HILL

Site Coordinator, Community Academy PCS-Butler Campus

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EMILY KADASH

Site Coordinator, Center City PCS-Congress Heights

Emily is thrilled to be in a position in which can can share her passion for books and reading with young learners. A NJ native, Emily earned her B.A. in English from Rutgers University in New Brunswick. During her studies at Rutgers, Emily spent four years mentoring students at a local elementary school through a university program called Big Buddy. She also spent a year serving as the program’s president. Prior to joining the Reading Partners team, Emily taught for The Institute of Reading Development, helping students of all ages and abilities develop strong reading skills. Besides reading, Emily enjoys cooking for friends and family, watching BBC nature series, and learning new languages. Email Emily: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CAMERON LINEBERGER

Site Coordinator, Brightwood Education Campus

Cameron moved to Washington, DC after graduating from Furman University in 2010 with a BA in Political Science. After spending time living abroad and working in politics, Cameron realized he wanted to do more rewarding work at the community level. This past year he divided his time between Reading Partners and Higher Achievement, working at Brightwood Education Campus and another area school. Cameron is excited about returning to Brightwood and resuming his relationships with students, teachers and volunteers as Reading Partners builds upon last year's success this 2011/2012 academic year! Email Cameron: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

ERIN MOORE

Site Coordinator, DC Prep Academy-Edgewood

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WILLIAM ROBINSON

Site Coordinator, Wheatley Elementary

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KATE RUTHERFORD

Site Coordinator, DC Bilingual PCS

Kate Rutherford is a graduate of Penn State University, where she got bachelors' degrees in Comparative Literature, English, and International Studies. While at school she worked as a peer writing tutor and mentor at Penn State Learning, where she tutored undergraduates, graduates, and ELLs on mastering their English writing skills. She looks forward to bringing the skills she learned there to Reading Partners and having an impact on children's literacy so that they too can excel in the realm of the written word. Email Kate: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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