Meet the Staff
Caroline O'Neal, Chief Executive Officer
Caroline O’Neal has more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership. As Chief Executive Officer of Reading Assist, she negotiates school contracts and is responsible for all aspects of organizational strategy and the implementation of the Reading Assist Intervention Program. Before joining Reading Assist, Caroline helped Uncommon Schools – one of the most successful charter school networks in the country – open its first middle school in Camden, New Jersey, as Camden Prep’s director of operations. Prior to her work with Uncommon Schools, Caroline spent 15 years in international education. She started in the classroom on a Fulbright teaching assistantship in Austria then spent 10 years working with EC English Language Centers, an international group of 25 English language schools across five countries. As part of EC’s executive team, she led the product development group, responsible for the group’s portfolio of digital and face-to-face programs for over 140,000 students annually. Her non-profit work includes serving as vice president of outreach and then president of EnglishUSA, the American Association of Intensive English programs, and as a board member on the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association and Achieve Now.
Matt Bachand, Managing Director of Operations
Matt Bachand, Reading Assist’s Managing Director of Operations, ensures efficient and effective operations support Reading Assist’s current services and growth plans. Matt has over 20 years of experience in leading program, strategy, and operations in school districts, education consultancies, and nonprofit organizations. He has an MPA from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in teaching from Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor’s degree in English and Japanese from The University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!). He has a lifelong passion for improving services and outcomes for underserved communities. He lives in Washington DC with his family.
Jeannine Bedford, Program Director
As Program Director for Reading Assist, Jeannine acts as a liaison between Reading Assist Fellows, schools, and the Reading Assist staff. Jeannine joined Reading Assist in 2021 after over 30 years in the retail management field. She has diverse experience in multi-site consultation and management, human resources, training, and business optimization. After serving as an AmeriCorps fellow for two years in the Wilmington area and becoming a certified Reading Assist Interventionist, Jeannine has found her passion in helping children learn to read. She was inspired by her mother, who started an after-school reading and homework program in their church for the neighborhood’s children. Jeannine earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University. In her spare time, Jeannine is an avid reader, enjoys travel, and spending time with family and friends.
Lindsay Bedford, Development and Marketing Manager
Lindsay Bedford, Reading Assist’s Development and Marketing Manager, is responsible for supporting all of Reading Assist’s development, branding and marketing activities to meet organizational fundraising and recruitment goals. In addition to her position at Reading Assist, she is an artist and designer and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and History from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.
She is passionate about the power of art and design and the opportunities they provide to spark change in our communities and society overall. Her passion for supporting her community through the arts inspired Lindsay to pursue a full-time career in nonprofit mission-based work.
Hailing from Philadelphia, PA, Lindsay is also actively involved in Philadelphia’s art and design communities, serving as a Philadelphia Museum of Art Collab board member, Fleisher Art Memorial board member, Mural Arts Advisory Council member and Black Artist Fellow, and design juror and guest speaker at various educational and cultural institutions. Serving in these positions is another way in which she can make an impact in her home city.
Amanda Carreiro, Program Manager
Program Manager Amanda Carreiro previously served two years as a Reading Assist Fellow. Following her graduation from Husson University, Amanda moved to Delaware in 2019 to serve with AmeriCorps. After her first year of service, she became certified as a reading interventionist and decided she wanted to pursue a career in reading education. As part of Reading Assist’s instructional team, Amanda monitors students’ educational outcomes throughout the school year, adjusting delivery for students, fellows, or school sites after considering student needs together with reading performance data. Originally from Cape Cod, Amanda enjoys exploring Delaware with her dog, Stu.
Jen Clinton, Program Director
As Program Director, Jen supports and develops the program management team as they supervise and coach the Reading Assist Fellows to ensure high quality execution of the Reading Assist program. Jen is passionate about supporting others toward their own goals. With over 10 years experience helping to operate a residential summer camp, Jen has broad experience working with youth, and staff from a variety of backgrounds, and countries. Originally from New Zealand, with work experience in the U.K., Jen combines a strong work ethic with the ability to build and maintain genuine working relationships that enable others to be at their best.
Debbie DeGrosky, Director of Instruction
Deborah DeGrosky, Reading Assist’s director of instruction, has more than 30 years of experience in teaching reading. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in reading, Deb holds multiple certifications, including Certified Acadience® Mentor, CERI Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist, New Jersey certified reading specialist, and LETRS Local Certified Trainer. Deb has logged over 600 hours teaching students with severe reading challenges. At Reading Assist, Deb oversees the coaches who support the Reading Assist Fellows as they deliver the intervention, as well as the instructors who design and lead training. Deb monitors all aspects of student learning data analysis.
Leigh Fairley, Managing Director of Programs
Leigh Fairley, Reading Assist’s director of operations, is responsible for day-to-day operations and the AmeriCorps member experience. Leigh graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in political science and sociology and has extensive experience working in public service and education. Following graduation, Leigh served as the STEM Education Coordinator for Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. After working for Morehead Planetarium, Leigh first moved to Liberia to serve as an education volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps, then moved to Botswana, where she served as a health educator for two years. She expanded her public education experience by working at a high-needs middle school in Camden, New Jersey, as part of the administration and compliance team. Leigh oversees all AmeriCorps compliance including background checks, references, service hours, and serves as Reading Assist’s partner school liaison.
Sarah Howell, Recruitment Manager
Sarah Howell is Reading Assist’s Recruitment Manager. She is responsible for identifying and hiring a passionate cohort of Reading Assist Fellows. She is also responsible for managing applicant data and driving recruitment events. Sarah graduated from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis with a bachelor’s in psychology and minors in anthropology and organizational management. Sarah earned her master’s degree in international human resources management from Coventry University-United Kingdom. Originally from the Philippines, Sarah is passionate about classical art, history, travel, science, language, and international cuisine.
Judith Graham Kane, Managing Director of Partnerships, Marketing & Development
Judith Graham Kane, Reading Assist’s managing director of partnerships, development & marketing, has more than 20 years of communications and marketing experience across sectors including government, education, nonprofit, and financial services. Judith is a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications. After starting her career in journalism, she led the NYC Emergency Management communications office for more than a decade, where she was instrumental in introducing several public education campaigns. Since moving to Wilmington in 2014, she’s done communications and marketing work for organizations including Wilmington Montessori School, BlackRock, Inc., and the Rockefeller Foundation. Judith oversees development, strategic partnerships, and marketing for Reading Assist.
Christopher Kettering, Program Manager
Program Manager Christopher Kettering assists in the design, development, and implementation of Reading Assist’s programs and services. Originally from Minot and Fargo, North Dakota, Christopher graduated from Minnesota State University, Moorhead with a degree in political science in 2011. Christopher moved to Delaware in 2012 to attend graduate school at the University of Delaware. During his time in academia Christopher spent a number of years as a tutor and teaching assistant specializing in international relations and related topics. Christopher’s passion for public service led him to Reading Assist’s summer tutoring program. After such a positive experience serving in Reading Assist’s summer program, Christopher decided to dedicate a year to serve as an AmeriCorps Reading Assist Fellow. Following his service year, he joined the Reading Assist staff as a program manager.
Tina Ponce, Director of Talent Acquisition
Tina Ponce, Reading Assist’s Director of Talent Acquisition, oversees the organization’s recruitment and hiring processes. Tina’s academic journey began with an associate’s degree in general studies from American Military University in 2017, followed by a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State University in 2023. She is currently advancing her education by pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, also at Penn State. She brings over 11 years of active duty experience in the United States Army, where she demonstrated her skills in supply chain management and recruiting. A native of Mays Landing, NJ, she is deeply passionate about fostering organizational growth and providing opportunities in local communities.
Kelly Preston, Program Manager
Program Manager Kelly Preston assists in the design, development and implemation of programs and services. Kelly graduated from Univerity of Pittsburgh in 2019. Subsequently, she served as a Reading Assist tutor for two years, and became certified after her first year at Reading Assist. Now aware of her love of service, Kelly continues to work with Reading Assist growing her passion for helping the future. Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Kelly is an dedicated Philadelphia sports fan and an avid reader, and enjoys exploring new places in her free time.
Robert Raup, Finance Director
As finance director, Bob is responsible for Reading Assist’s day-to-day financial activities. He joined Reading Assist in 2023 with more than 30 years’ experience working for not-for-profit agencies in the areas of accounting and finance. He is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business of the University of Pennsylvania. Bob is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Phyllis Russo, Program Manager
Program Manager Phyllis Russo assists in the proliferation of stronger and more effective programs and services. Phyllis is a proud University of Delaware Blue Hen alumna and holds an MBA from Wilmington University. She began her journey at Reading Assist in 2020 after a career at Avon that spanned 34 years. What started as a fellowship serving struggling readers has blossomed into a passionate mission to forge a path for improved reading success rates across all demographics. In her spare time, Phyllis enjoys her family including her pets. Oftentimes you will find her at the theatre or the ballpark.
Emma Warnick, Program Manager
In her role as program manager, Emma helps support fellows and communication with Reading Assist’s Washington DC schools. Emma spent served as a Reading Assist Fellow in Delaware for two years, during which she was recognized as Reading Assist’s AmeriCorps Member of the Year. Following her two years of service, she moved to Baltimore to work as a second-grade general educator in the Baltimore City Public Schools. Emma joined the Reading Assist staff in summer 2024 to support the program’s expansion to DC. In 2024. She is very passionate about helping struggling readers and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in reading specialization at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Eric Williamson, Director of Data, Evaluation & Grants
Originally from Dallas, TX, Eric graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2013. That year, he relocated to Boston and participated in AmeriCorps, tutoring third- and fourth-grade students in Reading and Math. He would go on to spend two more years in K-12 education before enrolling in Boston College’s Masters of Education in Educational Research, completing this degree in 2018 and transitioning to the PhD for the same program that year. As a PhD student, Eric focused on program evaluation, coordinating evaluation activities for several evaluations, and contributing to research on equity in program evaluation with an evaluation university faculty member. At Reading Assist, Eric manages evaluation activities, establishes data systems for academic and socio-emotional student indicators, and manages grant writing.
Amy Iobst-Zunino, Program Manager
Amy Iobst-Zunino, a Reading Assist Program Manager, assists in the development and implementation of programs and services, including maintaining school relationships and coaching Reading Assist Fellows. An alumni of Millersville University, Amy began her career in retail and then moved into the banking industry. Her connection to Reading Assist began in 2009 as a volunteer tutor. Later roles for Reading Assist included coaching and instructing new fellows. Amy’s commitment to literacy for all grows every year and with each student benefiting from our intervention.
Meet the Board
Virginia Biasotto, Founder
Pamela J. Scott, President
Madeleine Bayard, Vice President
Madeleine Bayard is senior vice president at Rodel, a nonprofit organization that partners to improve public education in Delaware. Madeleine leads the organization’s policy, programmatic, government affairs, and communications initiatives.
She is chair of the state Early Childhood Council and a Delaware Commissioner for the Education Commission of the States. She serves on boards and commissions including: St. Michael’s School and Nursery, Delaware Historical Society, Wilmington Rotary Club, Wilmington Children’s Chorus, and Delaware State Arts Council. She has served as a grant panelist for the Delaware Division of the Arts, Corporation for National and Community Service, National Endowment for the Arts, and Start Early Pre-K Partnership.
Previously, Madeleine worked at the National Governors Association as a policy analyst and The Alford Group providing management consulting to nonprofits. Madeleine earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University. She joined the Reading Assist board in 2021.
Israel Mercado, Treasurer
Israel Mercado is the Reading Assist board treasurer. He has been a member of the board since 2007 and has helped guide the organization on financial matters. A CPA, Israel works for the Santora CPA Group as an auditor. Israel is a graduate of the University of Delaware and has been involved with and volunteered time for various professional organizations and Delaware charities.
James Boyd, Secretary
James is a wealth management advisor at Van Buren Financial Group. Prior to joining Van Buren, he spent six years with FS Investments and two years at J.P. Morgan. He has also been serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for the last eight years. James is a graduate of Drexel University and currently a CFA Level II Candidate. He lives in South Philadelphia with his wife, Ginevra, and his energetic dog, Mickey. Outside the office, James enjoys playing any sport known to man, with a special affinity for golf. Beyond sports, James is fond of going on hikes, traveling the world, reading, and a competitive game of chess.
Kae Keister, Board Member
Kae Keister served for 33 years in public education as a preschool and middle-level math teacher in the Smyrna School District and the Cape Henlopen School District, as well as an elementary and middle level administrator in the Milford School District. As an educator, she attended Virginia Biasotto’s Reading Assist course in Georgetown at the Owens Del Tech Campus, and later worked with Reading Assist staff to gather empirical evidence for the effectiveness of the Reading Assist program. She is now an Associate Professor at Wilmington University in the College of Education, where she teaches in the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, and is a board member for Schools That Lead. She graduated from Pfeiffer College, Salisbury State University and Nova University, and is a native Delawarean.
Pete Leida, Board Member
Pete Leida graduated from the University of Delaware and launched into his elementary and special education teaching career in Colonial School District. He then served as an elementary assistant principal and principal over the next 11 years in 3 different schools. Dr. Leida assumed the role of Director of Schools where he focused on leadership development, support, and evaluation of school leaders. As Deputy Superintendent, he was responsible for the successful implementation of the Empowering Educators to Excel (E3) grant and supporting the work of the Curriculum & Instruction and Schools Divisions in Colonial while leading the district equity team and facilitating the strategic planning process.
In 2022, Dr. Leida joined Insight Education Group as a Partnership Manager where he supported districts and state agencies in solving their most pressing challenges including: Recruitment and Retention, Strategic Planning, and District Improvement. Presently, Dr. Leida is an independent educational consultant continuing to support districts in Delaware and across the nation. He continues to prioritize elevating the community voice to improve experiences and outcomes for students, staff, and the community.
Darren Mahoney, Board Member
Darren is one of the co-founders of CompassRed, a data analytics company with offices in Wilmington and Philadelphia. He is on a mission to grow their world class analytics team. In late 2020 he helped launch the Delaware Data Innovation Lab, a 501(c)(6) organization. His efforts included hiring a team of 22 professionals and directing their work on COVID-19 related problems.
Prior to CompassRed, Darren led the bank marketing operations team at Capital One, and the digital marketing team at ING DIRECT. He is married and has two children. His parents, both teachers, raised him and his brother in the suburbs north of New York City. Darren completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in 1997, and received an M.B.A. from the University of Delaware. In his down time, Darren enjoys coaching youth lacrosse, which he has done for the past 8 years with The Wilmington Wings, Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club, and 302 Lacrosse. He joined the Reading Assist board in 2013.
LaRetha Odumosu, Board Member
Dr. LaRetha Odumosu (known as Dr. O) is a career educator with over 14 years of experience as a school leader. Dr. O has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English literature and a PhD in urban education. Starting her career in education as an Upward Bound instructor, Dr. O taught in middle school, high school and college before moving into school leadership first as an assistant principal, principal and currently an executive director. In addition, Dr. O was an adjunct for both Relay Graduate Schools and 4th Dimension Leadership. She has also served as a member of several education workgroups such as First State Educate, the Governor’s Work Group for School Reopening, the Secretary of Education’s Charter Liaison Committee and Lead of Charter Leaders.
Dr. O currently supports schools and school leaders in the Philadelphia region as a school improvement consultant and coach. In this role, Dr. O guides schools and school leaders to identify and strategically address areas of distress and focus.
