Leadership & Staff
Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Bulzoni has been active in education over the past 20 years as a classroom teacher and administrator. She began her career as a Title 1 reading teacher and moved into administration in Park Ridge, Mt. Prospect and Skokie, Illinois. She is a certified classroom teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision, both from National Louis University.
Prior to joining Reading Power, Lisa served as a principal of a third through fifth grade building. Previously, she was an assistant principal of a prekindergarten through fifth grade building, and a curriculum specialist for language arts and social studies in a K-8 district. Literacy has been a passion of Lisa’s since she began teaching and was on her first language arts committee. She also authored a third grade curriculum guide for Kendall Hunt.
Lisa’s broad classroom experience includes teaching positions in third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade in Deerfield, Ill. She has designed and presented professional development on vocabulary, guided reading, read-alouds, writing and reading workshops, and literature circles and assessment.
Lisa Bulzoni has been active in education over the past 20 years as a classroom teacher and administrator. She began her career as a Title 1 reading teacher and moved into administration in Park Ridge, Mt. Prospect and Skokie, Illinois. She is a certified classroom teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision, both from National Louis University.
Prior to joining Reading Power, Lisa served as a principal of a third through fifth grade building. Previously, she was an assistant principal of a prekindergarten through fifth grade building, and a curriculum specialist for language arts and social studies in a K-8 district. Literacy has been a passion of Lisa’s since she began teaching and was on her first language arts committee. She also authored a third grade curriculum guide for Kendall Hunt.
Lisa’s broad classroom experience includes teaching positions in third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade in Deerfield, Ill. She has designed and presented professional development on vocabulary, guided reading, read-alouds, writing and reading workshops, and literature circles and assessment.
Kate Burke, BS, Marketing and Communications Manager
Kate joined Reading Power in 2021 after a successful 15-year career in client service for some of
the top Chicago advertising agencies. Throughout her career, she partnered with many Fortune
500 brands, as well as non-profit organizations, to create and execute communications strategy
and plans across channels like television, print, digital and social media. Prior to starting her
career, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Miami
University of Ohio. Kate brings her passion for marketing, creativity and storytelling to Reading
Power to make a difference in the Lake County community.
Kate joined Reading Power in 2021 after a successful 15-year career in client service for some of
the top Chicago advertising agencies. Throughout her career, she partnered with many Fortune
500 brands, as well as non-profit organizations, to create and execute communications strategy
and plans across channels like television, print, digital and social media. Prior to starting her
career, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Miami
University of Ohio. Kate brings her passion for marketing, creativity and storytelling to Reading
Power to make a difference in the Lake County community.
Daniela Cruz, Administrative Program Assistant
Daniela Cruz serves Reading Power as Administrative Program Assistant. Daniela joined Reading Power in 2014. She graduated from Waukegan High School in 2008. Prior to joining Reading Power, Daniela worked as a property manager in downtown Chicago for five years.
Daniela is thrilled to be a part of the dynamic work at Reading Power. She strongly believes that all children deserve to reach their intellectual potential. With her Latino background, she understands very well the educational challenges many children face. Daniela is fluent in both Spanish and English, and her future goals include getting her master’s degree in accounting.
Daniela Cruz serves Reading Power as Administrative Program Assistant. Daniela joined Reading Power in 2014. She graduated from Waukegan High School in 2008. Prior to joining Reading Power, Daniela worked as a property manager in downtown Chicago for five years.
Daniela is thrilled to be a part of the dynamic work at Reading Power. She strongly believes that all children deserve to reach their intellectual potential. With her Latino background, she understands very well the educational challenges many children face. Daniela is fluent in both Spanish and English, and her future goals include getting her master’s degree in accounting.
Nancy Duffy, Resource Development Manager
Nancy joined Reading Power’s staff in 2020 to assist with fundraising. Nancy briefly served as a tutor for Reading Power in the program’s early days in 2003. She has volunteered in many capacities in the Lake Forest schools and in the community. Nancy comes to us with a background in sales in the office furniture industry.
Nancy joined Reading Power’s staff in 2020 to assist with fundraising. Nancy briefly served as a tutor for Reading Power in the program’s early days in 2003. She has volunteered in many capacities in the Lake Forest schools and in the community. Nancy comes to us with a background in sales in the office furniture industry.
Kristin Fine, MEd, Associate Director of Programs & Site Coordinator
Kristin served as a Reading Power volunteer tutor for five years before joining the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator, then Kindergarten Site Coordinator, and also now the Associate Director of Programs. Kristin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University, with a Reading Specialist Certificate. Kristin taught Kindergarten, Reading Recovery, and 12 years of first grade in Morton Grove before taking time off to raise her three children, but the excitement of teaching young learners to read called her back happily.
Kristin served as a Reading Power volunteer tutor for five years before joining the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator, then Kindergarten Site Coordinator, and also now the Associate Director of Programs. Kristin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University, with a Reading Specialist Certificate. Kristin taught Kindergarten, Reading Recovery, and 12 years of first grade in Morton Grove before taking time off to raise her three children, but the excitement of teaching young learners to read called her back happily.
Joanie Alley, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator
Joanie Alley joined Reading Power in 2004. She is a reading specialist with a Master of Science in Education – Reading degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she also received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-8 certification (which included a semester of student teaching in Exeter, England).
Joanie's classroom experience includes several years as a second grade teacher. On a mission trip to Chennai, India, she was asked to hold seminars in their schools to help teachers teach reading.
“I joined Reading Power because I feel so privileged to be a part of an organization that cares not only about the importance of early literacy, but for the well-being of each child with whom we work. It is beyond rewarding to help our students achieve a new-found confidence as they come to experience the joy of reading!”
Joanie Alley joined Reading Power in 2004. She is a reading specialist with a Master of Science in Education – Reading degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she also received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-8 certification (which included a semester of student teaching in Exeter, England).
Joanie's classroom experience includes several years as a second grade teacher. On a mission trip to Chennai, India, she was asked to hold seminars in their schools to help teachers teach reading.
“I joined Reading Power because I feel so privileged to be a part of an organization that cares not only about the importance of early literacy, but for the well-being of each child with whom we work. It is beyond rewarding to help our students achieve a new-found confidence as they come to experience the joy of reading!”
Jennifer Bruns, MST, Site Coordinator
Jennifer joined Reading Power in 2022 as a Site Coordinator. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching degree from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree from Duke University in Development Psychology. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in elementary education as a prekindergarten through third grade teacher, as well as providing professional development for educators and parents as an early childhood consultant. Jennifer's true passion is encouraging children to be lifelong learners and avid readers. She is thrilled to be a part of Reading Power's mission to help young readers develop their literacy skills and reach their full potential!
Jennifer joined Reading Power in 2022 as a Site Coordinator. She holds a Master of Science in Teaching degree from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree from Duke University in Development Psychology. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in elementary education as a prekindergarten through third grade teacher, as well as providing professional development for educators and parents as an early childhood consultant. Jennifer's true passion is encouraging children to be lifelong learners and avid readers. She is thrilled to be a part of Reading Power's mission to help young readers develop their literacy skills and reach their full potential!
Kate Bulzoni, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator
Kate Bulzoni joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator after interning for over a year. She has BA in Sport and Communications studies from the University of Iowa and is currently working towards a MAT in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language at National Louis University. She is excited to put her studies into practice!
Kate Bulzoni joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator after interning for over a year. She has BA in Sport and Communications studies from the University of Iowa and is currently working towards a MAT in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in English as a Second Language at National Louis University. She is excited to put her studies into practice!
Katie Burdiak, BA, Assistant Site Coordinator
Katie Burdiak joined Reading Power in 2011 as a volunteer tutoring first and second graders before joining the Reading Power Staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator in 2020. Katie holds a BA in Theater and Mass Communications From Denison University.
"I have absolutely loved volunteering & working for Reading Power! The Volunteers and Staff are amazing and so devoted to all the scholars. It is so fun to see the joy on the children's faces as they learn to read. I am so grateful to be a part of Reading Power."
Katie Burdiak joined Reading Power in 2011 as a volunteer tutoring first and second graders before joining the Reading Power Staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator in 2020. Katie holds a BA in Theater and Mass Communications From Denison University.
"I have absolutely loved volunteering & working for Reading Power! The Volunteers and Staff are amazing and so devoted to all the scholars. It is so fun to see the joy on the children's faces as they learn to read. I am so grateful to be a part of Reading Power."
Julie Collishaw, MA, Site Coordinator
Julie Collishaw joined Reading Power in 2013 as a Volunteer Tutor in North Chicago at North Elementary, working with kindergarten, first grade and second grade children. She has a BA from Colgate University, where she double majored in English and Spanish. She has an MA in English and American Literature from New York University, and earned her teaching certification in high school English at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where she taught for a number of years. Now that all three of her children are in college, Julie is looking forward to spending more time working with Reading Power as a Site Coordinator.
Julie Collishaw joined Reading Power in 2013 as a Volunteer Tutor in North Chicago at North Elementary, working with kindergarten, first grade and second grade children. She has a BA from Colgate University, where she double majored in English and Spanish. She has an MA in English and American Literature from New York University, and earned her teaching certification in high school English at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where she taught for a number of years. Now that all three of her children are in college, Julie is looking forward to spending more time working with Reading Power as a Site Coordinator.
Brooke Davis, MEd, Assistant Site Coordinator
Brooke joined the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator in 2021 after four years of tutoring with the program. Brooke holds a BA in English from Duke University and an MEd in Reading Education from The University of Georgia. Prior to her work at Reading Power, Brooke taught early elementary education, early childhood education, and was a reading specialist.
Brooke joined the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator in 2021 after four years of tutoring with the program. Brooke holds a BA in English from Duke University and an MEd in Reading Education from The University of Georgia. Prior to her work at Reading Power, Brooke taught early elementary education, early childhood education, and was a reading specialist.
Andrea Glickman, MAEd, Site Coordinator
Andrea Glickman joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor in 2013, became a Professional Tutor in 2016, and became Site Coordinator in 2017. She received her BS degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English Language Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This included an opportunity to complete her student teaching in Peterborough, England.
Andrea received her Master of Arts degree in Reading from Northeastern Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for six years in Chicago and worked for a kindergarten enrichment program for three years.
“I joined Reading Power to share my love of reading with others. I enjoy providing the students with opportunities to have success in literacy and enhance their experiences in becoming lifelong learners.”
Andrea Glickman joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor in 2013, became a Professional Tutor in 2016, and became Site Coordinator in 2017. She received her BS degree in Elementary Education with a minor in English Language Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This included an opportunity to complete her student teaching in Peterborough, England.
Andrea received her Master of Arts degree in Reading from Northeastern Illinois University. She taught 1st grade for six years in Chicago and worked for a kindergarten enrichment program for three years.
“I joined Reading Power to share my love of reading with others. I enjoy providing the students with opportunities to have success in literacy and enhance their experiences in becoming lifelong learners.”
Marla Guziec, BS, Site Coordinator
Marla Guziec joined Reading Power in 2003. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education Certifications in EMH-TMH, Learning Disabilities, and Social Emotional Disorders from Illinois State University.
Marla's classroom experience includes teaching positions in primary TMH and second grade. Marla has been with Reading Power from the start and began as an A.J. Katzenmaier Elementary School volunteer.
“I joined Reading Power when a friend told me about an exciting opportunity to tutor children in reading, and that was it. I was hooked! Teaching children has always been my passion, and opening a child's mind to the world of reading is truly a wondrous thing to be a part of each day.”
Marla Guziec joined Reading Power in 2003. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education Certifications in EMH-TMH, Learning Disabilities, and Social Emotional Disorders from Illinois State University.
Marla's classroom experience includes teaching positions in primary TMH and second grade. Marla has been with Reading Power from the start and began as an A.J. Katzenmaier Elementary School volunteer.
“I joined Reading Power when a friend told me about an exciting opportunity to tutor children in reading, and that was it. I was hooked! Teaching children has always been my passion, and opening a child's mind to the world of reading is truly a wondrous thing to be a part of each day.”
Mary Jane Hender, EdD, Site Coordinator, Joseph Shanklin Elementary School, Beaufort, S.C.
Mary Jane Hender developed and co-founded Reading Power in 2003 after 20 years of teaching students from prekindergarten to masters’ levels. Her concern over the disparity in students’ literacy opportunities between North Chicago and neighboring school districts motivated her to form Reading Power. Mary Jane served as Reading Power’s first Executive Director, has been on the Board of Directors since 2003, and is a past board vice-chairman. She is now the Site Coordinator for the Reading Power program at Joseph Shanklin Elementary School in Beaufort, S.C.
Mary Jane Hender developed and co-founded Reading Power in 2003 after 20 years of teaching students from prekindergarten to masters’ levels. Her concern over the disparity in students’ literacy opportunities between North Chicago and neighboring school districts motivated her to form Reading Power. Mary Jane served as Reading Power’s first Executive Director, has been on the Board of Directors since 2003, and is a past board vice-chairman. She is now the Site Coordinator for the Reading Power program at Joseph Shanklin Elementary School in Beaufort, S.C.
Joy McGreevy, BA, Site Coordinator
Joy McGreevy joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor in 2009 and has tutored both first grade and kindergarten. She joined the prekindergarten pilot program as a volunteer in 2015 and began working as the Site Coordinator at Green Bay Early Childhood Center in the Fall of 2016.
Joy received her BA in German Studies at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia and her AMI Montessori Certification for the Primary Level (ages 3-6) at the International Montessori Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. Most recently, she has worked in the Montessori classroom at Lake Forest Montessori and in the Lake Forest Children’s Library.
“Reading with our youngest students is a privilege that I look forward to every day. There is never a dull moment even when reading the same book over and over again. Each child puts his/her own unique stamp on the page that is being read. It gives me great pleasure watching them grow and learn throughout the year.”
Joy McGreevy joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor in 2009 and has tutored both first grade and kindergarten. She joined the prekindergarten pilot program as a volunteer in 2015 and began working as the Site Coordinator at Green Bay Early Childhood Center in the Fall of 2016.
Joy received her BA in German Studies at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia and her AMI Montessori Certification for the Primary Level (ages 3-6) at the International Montessori Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. Most recently, she has worked in the Montessori classroom at Lake Forest Montessori and in the Lake Forest Children’s Library.
“Reading with our youngest students is a privilege that I look forward to every day. There is never a dull moment even when reading the same book over and over again. Each child puts his/her own unique stamp on the page that is being read. It gives me great pleasure watching them grow and learn throughout the year.”
Cathy Plate, BS, MSEd, Assistant Site Coordinator
Cathy Plate joined Reading Power as a volunteer tutor in North Chicago in 2013 and worked with kindergarten, first and second grade children. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois and her Master of Science degree in education from Northern Illinois University. She is also a National Board Certified teacher. Cathy taught fourth and fifth grades for many years in District 102 in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. In addition to tutoring children, she has tutored adults through the Literacy Volunteers of Lake County.
Cathy Plate joined Reading Power as a volunteer tutor in North Chicago in 2013 and worked with kindergarten, first and second grade children. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of Illinois and her Master of Science degree in education from Northern Illinois University. She is also a National Board Certified teacher. Cathy taught fourth and fifth grades for many years in District 102 in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. In addition to tutoring children, she has tutored adults through the Literacy Volunteers of Lake County.
Melayna Pokorny, BA, Office Assistant
Melayna Pokorny joined Reading Power in 2021 as Office Assistant. Melayna is a lifelong resident of Lake County, Illinois, and is proud to support the education of the community’s youth and help instill in them an appreciation for reading which she believes is the foundation for all learning.
Melayna previously worked as a proofreader-editor for a large healthcare company prior to taking a break to start a family. Melayna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University.
Melayna Pokorny joined Reading Power in 2021 as Office Assistant. Melayna is a lifelong resident of Lake County, Illinois, and is proud to support the education of the community’s youth and help instill in them an appreciation for reading which she believes is the foundation for all learning.
Melayna previously worked as a proofreader-editor for a large healthcare company prior to taking a break to start a family. Melayna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northern Illinois University.
Elizabeth Soling, AA, Assistant Site Coordinator
Elizabeth Soling joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator. For the last 14 years, Elizabeth has spent her time at home raising her 3 daughters and turning them into bookworms. Elizabeth’s love of reading has found an outlet for 4 years at Cook Memorial Library and organizing author visits for her daughters' elementary school. Elizabeth is looking forward to taking that same passion for reading to enable students to succeed. Elizabeth holds an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Lake County.
Elizabeth Soling joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator. For the last 14 years, Elizabeth has spent her time at home raising her 3 daughters and turning them into bookworms. Elizabeth’s love of reading has found an outlet for 4 years at Cook Memorial Library and organizing author visits for her daughters' elementary school. Elizabeth is looking forward to taking that same passion for reading to enable students to succeed. Elizabeth holds an Associate of Arts degree from the College of Lake County.
Heather Sommers, MA, Site Coordinator
Heather Sommers, a certified Learning Specialist with a master’s in special education joined Reading Power in January 2022 as a Site Coordinator. Recognized for collaborating with students, parents, and faculty to foster student literacy growth, Heather has taught students in both public and private schools in addition to having a private practice tutoring students in grades K-5. A graduate of Denison University with a B.A. in English Literature and Masters in Learning and Instruction from the University of San Francisco, Heather taught for ten years at an independent school in Chicago where she built the student support program. A passionate yogi and recent graduate of Yoga Teacher Training, Heather uses multi-sensory and evidence based practices to meet students where they are and empower them to reach their potential.
Heather Sommers, a certified Learning Specialist with a master’s in special education joined Reading Power in January 2022 as a Site Coordinator. Recognized for collaborating with students, parents, and faculty to foster student literacy growth, Heather has taught students in both public and private schools in addition to having a private practice tutoring students in grades K-5. A graduate of Denison University with a B.A. in English Literature and Masters in Learning and Instruction from the University of San Francisco, Heather taught for ten years at an independent school in Chicago where she built the student support program. A passionate yogi and recent graduate of Yoga Teacher Training, Heather uses multi-sensory and evidence based practices to meet students where they are and empower them to reach their potential.
Summer Zilisch, Assistant Site Coordinator
Summer Zilisch joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator. She will be graduating from Tremper High School in June 2022, while attending Carthage College for early college credit. Summer works part-time as a Site Coordinator at an organization that teaches toddler sports. She also holds many leadership positions, such as class president, KUSD School Board Student Representative, Parliamentarian for National Honor Society, and Thespian Society Board member. With a background of starting her own non-profit charity and countless volunteer hours, she is thrilled to be part of Reading Power to help young minds grow.
Summer Zilisch joined Reading Power in 2021 as an Assistant Site Coordinator. She will be graduating from Tremper High School in June 2022, while attending Carthage College for early college credit. Summer works part-time as a Site Coordinator at an organization that teaches toddler sports. She also holds many leadership positions, such as class president, KUSD School Board Student Representative, Parliamentarian for National Honor Society, and Thespian Society Board member. With a background of starting her own non-profit charity and countless volunteer hours, she is thrilled to be part of Reading Power to help young minds grow.
