Leadership & Staff
Kathryn Nattier McFarland, PhD, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Dr. McFarland’s career spanned 30 years at Abbott, and she advanced to Divisional Vice President of Research and Development. She was involved in the development of many drugs, including ones to treat cancer, HIV, thyroid disease and lipid disorders. During her tenure at Abbott, Kathy also developed a passion for mentoring and creating programs to remove barriers and allow people to achieve their full potential. Upon her retirement, she continued this passion and became a tutor for Reading Power.
Kathy joined the Reading Power Board of Directors in 2013 and became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2014. Her vision is to serve all of the North Chicago prekindergarten, kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students who need Reading Power's support, and to expand beyond North Chicago and Zion to other districts that need our services. Dr. McFarland received her PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Missouri.
Dr. McFarland’s career spanned 30 years at Abbott, and she advanced to Divisional Vice President of Research and Development. She was involved in the development of many drugs, including ones to treat cancer, HIV, thyroid disease and lipid disorders. During her tenure at Abbott, Kathy also developed a passion for mentoring and creating programs to remove barriers and allow people to achieve their full potential. Upon her retirement, she continued this passion and became a tutor for Reading Power.
Kathy joined the Reading Power Board of Directors in 2013 and became CEO and Chairman of the Board in 2014. Her vision is to serve all of the North Chicago prekindergarten, kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students who need Reading Power's support, and to expand beyond North Chicago and Zion to other districts that need our services. Dr. McFarland received her PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Missouri.
Lisa Bulzoni, MEd, Executive Director of Programs and Operations
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.
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!”
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.
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.
Daniela Cruz, Program Assistant
Daniela Cruz serves Reading Power as 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 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, Site Coordinator
Kristin served as a Reading Power volunteer tutor for five years before joining the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator and is now a kindergarten site coordinator. 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 first grade in Morton Grove for 12 years before taking some time off to raise her three children. She also has experience teaching kindergarten and in a Reading Recovery program.
Kristin served as a Reading Power volunteer tutor for five years before joining the Reading Power staff as an Assistant Site Coordinator and is now a kindergarten site coordinator. 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 first grade in Morton Grove for 12 years before taking some time off to raise her three children. She also has experience teaching kindergarten and in a Reading Recovery program.
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.
Marion Schmidt, BS, Site Coordinator
Marion Schmidt joined Reading Power in 2005. She has a BS in Marketing from Elmhurst College. She earned her teaching certification in Houston, TX. She is certified K-8th and ESL in Illinois and Texas. Marion studied Literacy at the Neuhaus Education Center, Houston TX, which focuses on language learning differences.
Marion had 10 years of business experience before earning her teaching degree. She joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor, then as a professional tutor.
“I joined Reading Power because I had struggled with reading as a girl, as did my daughter. I then wanted to actively help students learn to enjoy books and gain confidence in their reading skills.”
Marion Schmidt joined Reading Power in 2005. She has a BS in Marketing from Elmhurst College. She earned her teaching certification in Houston, TX. She is certified K-8th and ESL in Illinois and Texas. Marion studied Literacy at the Neuhaus Education Center, Houston TX, which focuses on language learning differences.
Marion had 10 years of business experience before earning her teaching degree. She joined Reading Power as a Volunteer Tutor, then as a professional tutor.
“I joined Reading Power because I had struggled with reading as a girl, as did my daughter. I then wanted to actively help students learn to enjoy books and gain confidence in their reading skills.”
Karen Uihlein, MA, Assistant Site Coordinator
Karen has been an active educator for more than 20 years, teaching fourth grade and then preschool. After retiring from teaching full time to raise her family, Karen became a tutor for Reading Power, and now helps lead the Reading Power program at the Green Bay Early Childhood Center.
"Reading Power combines two of my loves, reading and children! Being at Green Bay with those kids is the highlight of my week."
Karen has been an active educator for more than 20 years, teaching fourth grade and then preschool. After retiring from teaching full time to raise her family, Karen became a tutor for Reading Power, and now helps lead the Reading Power program at the Green Bay Early Childhood Center.
"Reading Power combines two of my loves, reading and children! Being at Green Bay with those kids is the highlight of my week."
