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By-Laws (
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About UsStaff ProfilesAdministrationClaire Rettie, MA – Executive director Diane Carson – Program assistant Tracey Childerhose, MBA – Financial manager StaffJan Beckett, BA, B. Ed. – Teacher, Fairfield site Yvonne Benoit, B.Ed. – Teacher, Paul Brady, BA (Education) – Teacher, Aboriginal Community Learning Tanya Demmings, BA – Communications associate Janie Harrison, B.Ed. – Children and youth programs coordinator and teacher, Quadra site Amanda Johnson, B. Sc., B. Ed., Dip. Spec. Ed – Teacher, Quadra site Katrina MacKimmie, B.Ed., Sidney site Tammy Moore , B.S.
Elem. Ed. – Teacher, West Shore site Erica Andersen, BA, B.Ed. – Teacher, Sidney site Dianne Roe, B.Ed., B.Sc. – Teacher, Education Outreach Lois Theaker, B.Ed. – Teacher, Quadra site Helen Thomas, B.Ed. – Workplace educator |
Claire’s work at READ is guided by her belief that literacy needs are best served by individuals and organizations collaborating to create solutions. Previous careers as a small business owner, government communications director, program designer and adult educator helps her understand and balance the needs of learners, partners and the organization. Focused on serving wide-ranging literacy needs, Claire brings her commitment to innovation, fairness and inclusion to her role as executive director.
Since 1999, Diane Carson has assisted READ’s staff in countless ways, making her the bridge between volunteers, parents, students and staff. She delights in connecting with people. Diane’s diligence in ensuring programs run smoothly comes from her deep belief that literacy is a human right and necessity. She believes literacy brings the gift of ability and knowledge.
At READ, Tracey puts into daily practice her lifelong commitment to community involvement. She values the opportunity to bring her professional financial skills to aid in the society’s success, having witnessed family and friends who struggled with learning disabilities. She believes learning is a life-long process and continues her professional development in accounting. Tracey joined READ in 2006, and has worked in finance and administration at university departments and non-profits since 1987.
Jan likes to create a cheerful, positive atmosphere for learners so they will feel safe, supported and respected. Since 1991, she has taught the KEY, adult basic skills and English as a second language programs at READ, and previously taught middle school English. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and drama. Jan is inspired by a desire to help people who struggle with literacy so they can reach their full potential.
From teaching high school students in China to joining READ in 2009, Yvonne has held the belief that literacy is fundamental to today’s society. She sees learning as a personal, life-long experience that should be available to everyone so all can enjoy personal development and economic opportunity. Yvonne strives to ensure her students feel safe and respected so their confidence and literacy skills can grow.
Paul believes learning is a lifelong process and is currently working toward his Masters in Adult Education. He began teaching at READ in 2009, and once worked in Asahikawa, Japan as an English instructor. Paul enjoys the opportunity to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives, and says improvements in a person’s literacy can help enhance their quality of life.
As a writer and voracious reader, Tanya is keen to spread the word about the READ Society so everyone can experience the joy and success of literacy. Tanya joined READ’s Workplace Learning Project in 2008. Previously, she was a community newspaper reporter in Victoria. Her articles can be read in Today’s Parent, Canadian Family and Douglas.
As a teacher, Janie believes that all her students have strengths and that is it is her job to find, use and build on those strengths. She began at READ in 1977 as teacher’s aide, and came back as a teacher in 1986. She has also worked as a teacher on call and taught in READ’s adult literacy program. It’s her desire to help students reach their potential while sharing her own love of learning.
Amanda began her teaching career at an inner city school where she was challenged to teach students with diverse needs. Through this experience, she observed how students learn in different ways. Today she is driven by her belief that all individuals have an innate ability to learn and that each person will achieve this in their own time and manner. With READ since 2003, she continues to pursue learning and training in her field.
Tammy believes everyone has a lesson to teach and a lesson to learn. She began her career as a teaching assistant and then spent six years as an elementary school teacher in Tennessee. She has worked for READ’s children and youth programs since 2007. She wants people to have the opportunity to improve their literacy skills so they can have more choice over the direction of their lives. 
As a child, Erica recalls how learning to read opened the door to new worlds. Today, as a remedial teacher, she sees herself as a partner and vehicle helping people move forward in their learning. At READ she appreciates the opportunity to offer individualized lessons and support for each of her students. A life-long learner, she enjoys sharing her love of learning with others. Erica joined READ in 2008. 
Dianne strives to make learning fun while also showing students how the curriculum is relevant to their lives. In her lessons, she offers students the chance to make choices and self-assess their progress. She believes education should encourage curiosity and provide the skills to become life-long learners. She joined READ in 2009 after more than 20 years of elementary school teaching.
After 25 years of teaching in a variety of classrooms in Edmonton, Lois started work with the READ Society in 2005. Lois brings her love of reading and writing to her students, as well as a belief that learning to read and write effectively is deeply tied to each person’s sense of worth. She hopes her students will continue to teach her new things every day.
Helen’s joy as an instructor comes from witnessing “the light bulb moment” – when learners understand new information. She has taught adult literacy at READ since 1987 in various learning environments, including the workplace. Helen’s specialized training and experience in the diagnosis and remediation of learning difficulties have developed her belief that everyone can enjoy success, given the right approach, time and encouragement.
