Funding will support 100 AmeriCorps members to serve across Delaware and fuel expansion to Pennsylvania 87% of Reading Assist Students…
One nonprofit selected five states to receive $1 million. Delaware is one of them. “We are grateful for this recognition…
NBC Nightly News – Former Reading Assist student Chase Luoma was featured in this NBC Nightly News story about use…
Delaware LIVE — In spring 2021, Ameilia Carrubba’s struggles with reading because of her dyslexia meant she shied away from…
Delaware Public Media — Reading Assist is helping young Delaware students recover learning loss as a result of the pandemic….
Reading Assist Helps More Than 1,000 Students in Delaware Recover Learning Loss Students Outpace Expected Reading Progress by 200% The…
First State Educate — Long before the pandemic, kids in Delaware were struggling to read. In this guest commentary, Reading…
Delaware LIVE — Reading Assist CEO Caroline O’Neal weighs in on the science of reading legislation put before the Delaware…
On November 18, we hosted our first ever Reading Assist Fall Update. Attendees had a chance to hear from some…
The Hechinger Report — Delaware is one of several states that made revamping early literacy a priority, especially after the…
For the first time ever, Reading Assist extended its daily, high-dosage tutoring program this summer to almost 500 struggling readers…
Reading Assist extends a warm welcome to two new board members, James Boyd and Matt Sullivan. About James Boyd: James…
Board Member
Terra Wallin is a Senior Program Officer at the Walton Family Foundation where she manages a portfolio of diverse grantees focused on cultivating a career-ready workforce in Northwest Arkansas. Before joining the foundation, she served as the P-12 Education Advisor at AmeriCorps, where she supported grantees and managed major public-private partnerships, including the Partnership for Student Success (PSS) with the U.S. Department of Education. The PSS mobilized more than 320,000 adults to serve as tutors, mentors, and student success coaches—surpassing the President’s original goal ahead of schedule. She previously served as Associate Director for Federal Policy at The Education Trust, where she advanced policies to improve student outcomes and close opportunity gaps.
Terra began her career teaching high school special education and English as an AmeriCorps member in Louisiana and went on to hold roles with Denver Public Schools, Education First, and the U.S. Department of Education, where she co-led the implementation of the accountability and school improvement provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act. She holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting and political science from the University of Iowa and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University.
Board Member
Dr. LaRetha C.P. Odumosu (“Dr. O”) is the Senior Policy Advisor of Education for the Office of Governor Meyer. Prior to joining state government, Dr. O served as the inaugural Director of Educational Advocacy for the City of Wilmington, a school leader in Wilmington, DE and Philadelphia, PA and a high school English teacher in Trenton, NJ. Dr. O has dedicated her life’s career to ensuring all students receive a quality education experience. As a school leader, Dr. O led schools in achieving academic growth, budget recovery, and improved school culture. Dr. O has also trained school leaders and school organizations across the Philadelphia region in leadership development, school improvement and change management. Dr. O holds a Ph.D. in Urban Education and both an M.A. and B.A. in English Literature. She is a dedicated advocate for equitable education and sustainable school improvement.
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.
Board Member
Darren is Principal of Upstream Strategy, an advisory practice that helps organizations solve complex growth, data, and operating challenges—especially where the stakes are high and clarity is scarce. Over 25 years, he has built and led teams across analytics, customer insights, and digital transformation: as Analytics and AI Product Owner at LabWare, as co-founder of CompassRed, a Wilmington- and Philadelphia-based data analytics firm he grew from the ground up to an acquisition, and through a decade of digital marketing leadership at Capital One and ING DIRECT. Darren earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1997 and an M.B.A. from the University of Delaware. He is married with two children and is an assistant lacrosse coach at Archmere Academy. He joined the Reading Assist board in 2013.
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.
Board Member
Gary Camp is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Del. Camp has been a member of the Speedway team for 20+ years and oversees the planning and implementation of the facility’s marketing and communications efforts. He also serves as the Speedway’s primary media representative, leading communications related to the track’s operations and business activities while generating positive publicity for major events, including the annual NASCAR race weekend and music festivals.
He currently serves on the board of directors of the Bayhealth Foundation, Kent County Tourism Corporation, and serves as the executive director of Speedway Children’s Charities Dover chapter. Camp is also a member of the National Motorsports Press Association, Eastern Motorsports Press Association, Delaware Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association and the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame. He currently resides in Wilmington, Del. with his wife Kristin, and their daughters Lily and Olive.
Secretary
James Boyd is a Partner and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Van Buren Financial Group. Prior to becoming a Partner, James built his experience through roles at FS Investments and J.P. Morgan. He is a graduate of Drexel University.
In addition to his work in wealth management, James has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
James recently relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, where he lives with his wife and their two children. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, participating in just about any sport, hiking, traveling, reading, and a competitive game of chess.
Treasurer
Israel Mercado serves as Board Treasurer for Reading Assist, guiding the organization on financial and fiscal matters since 2007. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Israel works as an auditor for Santora CPA Group. He earned his degree from the University of Delaware and regularly volunteers time with various professional organizations and Delaware charities.
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.
President
Pamela J. Scott is a partner with Saul Ewing LLP, specializing in real estate transactions, land use matters, renewable energy projects, and utility regulatory affairs. Pam previously served as Assistant General Counsel for Pepco Holdings, Inc., acting as regulatory counsel for Delmarva Power & Light Company and Atlantic City Electric Company, following nearly 14 years in the public sector.
Pam has extensive non-profit leadership experience. She currently serves as Board Chair for the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board for Meals on Wheels Delaware. She served two terms as Board President for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and is Director Emeritus for The Committee of 100.
Founder
Virginia (Ginger) Lanier Biasotto is a native of Delaware and a graduate of the University of Delaware (1959). She is the founder of Reading Assist Institute and has authored ten Reading Assist textbooks as well as the autobiographical book, Educating Andrew, A Promise Fulfilled. In 1994, Ginger was the first recipient of The Janet L. Hoopes Award from the Philadelphia Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. In 2005, she received Delaware’s Jefferson Award for her contribution to the community. She and her husband, Lawrence, are semi-retired and spend half of each year in Wilmington, Delaware, close to children, grandchildren and his mother, and the other half in Palm City, Florida, where she enjoys the luxury of time to paint.
Program Manager
Program Manager Christie partners with schools and supports Reading Assist Fellows to help deliver high-quality literacy instruction. After graduating from the University of Delaware, she spent two years serving as a Reading Assist Fellow. She then worked as a reading and science teacher in Massachusetts, where she taught students with language-based learning disabilities. In 2025, she earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Boston University. Her passion for literacy and service was sparked during her time as a Reading Assist Fellow and continues to guide her work supporting students and educators. In her free time, Christie enjoys thrifting and exploring local vintage shops.
Program Manager
Amy Lobst-Zunino, a Reading Assist Program Manager, assists in the development and implementation of programs and services, including maintaining school relationships, and training and coaching Reading Assist Fellows. An alumnus 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. From there she continued to learn and develop her knowledge of reading instruction for struggling readers, working as a private tutor serving many children over the years with tailored reading intervention. 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 seen benefiting from our intervention.
Program Manager
In her role as Program Manager, Emma helps support Fellows and communication with Reading Assist’s Washington DC schools. Emma spent time 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 May 2026, Emma completed her Master of Education focusing on Reading Curriculum from the University of Maryland.
Grants and Compliance Manager
Rodnesha Woodland brings extensive experience in grants management, funding compliance, and strategic resource development across the government, healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors. Throughout her career, she has managed and administered grant portfolios totaling more than $1.1 billion in federal, state, local, and private funding, supporting critical programs, infrastructure projects, educational initiatives, and community-based services.
Rodnesha holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management. Rodnesha has expertise in grant administration, fiscal oversight, regulatory compliance, and organizational capacity building.
Recruitment Manager
Tinesha Sykes, Recruitment Manager at Reading Assist, leads the organization’s efforts to attract, hire, and onboard mission-aligned tutors and team members who are passionate about advancing literacy outcomes for students. In her role, she partners closely with program and operations teams to ensure recruitment strategies support Reading Assist’s continued growth and impact.
Tinesha brings a strong background in human resources, payroll operations, and employee relations, with experience supporting complex systems and delivering people-centered solutions. She is known for building meaningful relationships, creating positive candidate experiences, and connecting individuals to purpose-driven work that aligns with their strengths and values.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Goldey Beacom College, Tinesha is deeply committed to both personal and professional growth. She is passionate about inspiring others to be their best, and her work is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and service. Tinesha believes that when the right people are placed in the right roles, meaningful and lasting change can happen for the children and communities Reading Assist serves.
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 nonprofit 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.
Program Manager
Program Manager Kelly Preston supports the design, development, and implementation of Reading Assist programs and services. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Kelly joined Reading Assist in 2021 as a literacy tutor and quickly distinguished herself through her dedication to students and the organization’s mission. During her time as a tutor, she earned the honor of Fellow of the Year and became a certified tutor after her first year of service.
Now in her fifth year with Reading Assist, Kelly serves as the primary point person for the Tutors to Teacher Pathway Program, helping aspiring educators transition from tutoring into teaching careers. She is passionate about literacy, educational equity, and developing future educators who can make a lasting impact in their communities. A lifelong resident of the Philadelphia suburbs, Kelly is a devoted Philadelphia sports fan, an avid reader, and enjoys traveling and exploring new places in her free time.
Program Manager
Program Manager Jennifer Lunger assists in the development and implementation of programs and services, including coaching tutors, supporting educators, and maintaining positive relationships with school and community partners. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Political Science and Russian from Johns Hopkins University, an M.A. in Slavic Languages and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.B.A. from Georgetown University. She has diverse domestic and international experience that spans the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. During her three years of service as a fellow, she taught students across a wide range of program levels and became a certified interventionist. Jennifer is guided in her work by the principle that every child has a fundamental right to literacy and the empowerment that it brings.
Program Manager
As the Director of Operations & Data Systems at Reading Assist, Christopher Kettering leads efforts to improve organizational systems, streamline workflows, support data operations, and help ensure the organization can scale effectively in service of students and schools. Christopher earned a degree in Political Science from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and later pursued graduate studies at the University of Delaware. His professional background includes academia, education, compliance and logistics operations, program management, and organizational systems leadership.
Christopher first joined Reading Assist as a summer tutor in 2021 before serving as an AmeriCorps Reading Assist Fellow. While completing his service year, he joined the organization’s staff and has spent the past five years supporting Reading Assist’s mission in a variety of leadership roles. Christopher believes that meaningful work is rooted in service to others and is passionate about building practical systems that help Reading Assist’s mission-driven organization operate more effectively.
Managing Director of Operations
Stu begins at Reading Assist in July 2026 after 32 years at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware serving as Vice President of Operations for 8 years and Executive Director of the Greater Newark Club for 20 years. While at BGCDE, Stu designed, funded and implemented programs such as the Maverick Mobile Studio Bus, Up Next work-based learning program (over 250 teens hired) and opened multiple stand-alone Teen Centers throughout Delaware. Stu has also been a two-time President of the Christiana Rotary Club and serves on the board of Camp Abilities, a sports camp for children who are blind. Stu is the official scorer for University of Delaware men’s and women’s basketball teams and is entering his 29th season in that role. He lives in Bear, Delaware with his wife, Melissa, and two kids, Clayton and Caroline.
Managing Director of Development & Marketing
Judith Graham Kane, Reading Assist’s managing director of 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 grants, fundraising, communications, and marketing for Reading Assist. She currently serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Wilmington.
Managing Director of Programs
Leigh Fairley, Reading Assist’s managing director of programs, oversees all aspects of tutoring programming. 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.
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 supports the Program Managers who oversee the Reading Assist Fellows as they deliver the reading intervention to students, as well as the Instructors who plan and lead training of both Fellows and educators. Deb is also responsible for staying up to date with the Science of Reading research and keeping our program in compliance with IMSLEC for our accreditation. Deb monitors all aspects of student learning data analysis.
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 of experience helping to operate a residential summer camp, Jen has broad experience working with youth, and people 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. Books have played a central role throughout Jen’s life, and she enjoys reading with her two children, especially the Hairy McClary from Donaldson’s Dairy series.
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 as a Reading Assist fellow. After her first year of service, she became certified as a reading interventionist and decided she wanted to pursue a career in reading education and joined the Reading Assist staff in 2021. As a program manager, Amanda trains incoming fellows, supports fellows in school, maintains school partnerships, and dives into student data. Originally from Cape Cod, Amanda enjoys exploring Delaware with her dog, Stu.
Development and Marketing Manager
Lindsay Bedford is Reading Assist’s Development and Marketing Manager, where she supports fundraising strategy, event planning, and marketing initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and supports student and Fellow recruitment. She brings fifteen years of experience spanning digital marketing, design thinking, storytelling, and community engagement, with a passion for building meaningful connections between organizations and the communities they serve.
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and History from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Interior Architecture & Design from Drexel University. Her interdisciplinary practice has led to collaborations with organizations including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Mural Arts Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet, and DesignPhiladelphia. Beyond Reading Assist, she serves as a design juror and advisor, guest speaker, and board and advisory council member, supporting Greater Philadelphia’s arts, design, and education sectors.
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 traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
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.