Programs Team

Emily Boyle

Program Coordinator

Emily received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Vanderbilt University. After teaching English in Singapore during her husband’s overseas posting, Emily returned to Houston and worked as a reading skills tutor. Her most recent role was in administrative support in a local school. Emily joined the Literacy Now team in 2019.

Cynthia Bosie-Colbert

Area Program Manager

Cynthia attended Prairie View A&M University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics as well as her Masters in Counseling and Administration.

Cynthia has 31 years of educational experience. She has served in several Independent School Districts throughout the state of Texas in various leadership roles. She is a recent retiree from Aldine ISD and very excited and ecstatic about joining the Literacy Now Team.

Michel Hinton

Area Program Manager

Michel received her bachelor’s degree in History and a teacher’s certificate from the University of Houston. She taught History and Social Studies for 7 years at Hogg Middle School. Upon the birth of her daughter, Michel transitioned to consulting on various educational projects, including a curriculum guide for The John H. Reagan WWII Memorial Association and volunteering for the Bush Elementary PTO Nature Center, where her daughter attended school. Michel has been with Literacy Now since December 2013, served as a Reading Interventionist and Site Director from 2021 to 2024, and currently serves as Area Program Director as of 2025.

Audrey Hollis

Instructional Coach

Audrey received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University in Human Development. She has over 12 years experience in the nonprofit field providing leadership and supervision for staff and volunteers, as well as creating, implementing and evaluating programming for youth and families. Audrey is passionate about giving youth the opportunity to succeed and grow through the ability to read and through fun, innovative programming. She has been with Making It Better/Literacy Now since January 2013.

Rebecca Minnock

Programs Director

Rebecca received her bachelor’s degree in French with Qualified Teacher Status from Coventry University in England in 2005. She spent 7 years teaching middle and high school French in England and Ireland – both in school and offering private tuition – before relocating to Houston in 2014 with her husband’s job. Rebecca has spent the last 2 years working as a long-term substitute teacher in a west Houston area preschool. Rebecca is passionate about reading and worked part-time on weekends in an independent bookstore in Houston before joining Literacy Now in 2021.

Yola Allen

Reading Interventionist Substitute

Yola received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University. She taught for 27 years in Fort Bend Independent School District. While at Fort Bend ISD, she became certified as a literacy teacher for the Reading Recovery Intervention Program, which specializes in improving the reading development of struggling readers in the primary grades. Yola retired after 27 years of teaching at the same school and joined the Literacy Now team in 2019.

Kendal Bailey

Reading Interventionist

Kendal received her Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with specializations in Reading and Health Education from the Honors College at the University of Houston, where she also received her master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision. She served Houston ISD for 29 years in various roles, including language arts teacher and school librarian, before retiring as a school principal in 2024. Kendal has a passion for helping struggling readers and is excited to continue having a positive impact on students’ lives.

Pamela Baker

Reading Interventionist

Pamela Baker is a veteran educator with 34 years in Alief ISD, serving in roles such as teacher, Reading Interventionist, Campus Reading Specialist, and District Literacy Strategist. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a Specialization in Special Education from Texas State University, where she also led her Delta Sigma Theta chapter as president. Pamela enjoys reading, baking, singing, and traveling. She is excited to join Literacy Now and help build a strong community of readers.

Cheryl Ballard

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Cheryl received her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in reading from Lamar University. She attended Prairie View A&M University where she received her early childhood certification. Cheryl has served in education for 40 years with Hardin-Jefferson ISD, Aldine ISD, and in Los Angeles, CA. Cheryl enjoys teaching children, encouraging them and building their confidence to become successful learners in all academic areas, socially and emotionally.

Monica Benton

Reading Interventionist

Monica received her BS in Marketing from St. Edward’s University. After 10 years as a Patient Care coordinator at Baylor College of Medicine, Monica left to become a full time Mom to her two daughters. Always a voracious reader and an empty-nester, Monica turned her time and attention towards helping the next generation of readers excel. A participant in Cohort 1, LN’s pilot program for non-education professionals, Monica is excited about the opportunity to educate and support learning for struggling readers.

Kintra Blackmon

Reading Interventionist

Kintra received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas Southern University. While raising her children, she volunteered in HISD schools for almost twenty years. She also teaches children in her church and in Community Bible Study. Kintra has been with Literacy Now since 2009.

Kelley Boles

Reading Interventionist Substitute

Kelley received her Bachelors of Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. A native Houstonian with a passion for helping students see their potential. All students can learn, and grow is a philosophy Kelley strongly believes in as she too, struggled as a reader with dyslexia and reading comprehension. Now an avid reader, she uses skills learned as a vision therapist and 15 plus years of teaching to encourage, engage and grow the generation of readers!

Tonya Brisker

Reading Interventionist

Tonya has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. In addition, she has a master’s degree in counseling and Mid Management Certification. Tonya has over 30 years of experience in the field of education between Houston ISD and Aldine ISD as a kindergarten teacher, an elementary school counselor, and a school principal at a primary campus.

Kelli Burleigh

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Kelli received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Prairie View A&M University. She began her teaching career in the San Antonio Independent School District in 2007, and she has taught kindergarten through second grade. Her passion to give all students the tools they need to be successful continues to grow. Kelli joined the Literacy Now team in 2019.

Chantele Cabrera

Reading Interventionist

Chantele studied English at East Carolina University and then received her Master’s in Education from Towson University. She has been instructing in a classroom setting for over 10 years and has tutored all grades for over 15 years. She especially enjoys helping those who have had bad experiences with education discover a love of learning. She enjoys reading, exercising, and visiting the mountains in the summer with her husband, daughter and dog.

Angelique Coleman

Reading Interventionist

Angelique received her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Howard University. She has worked in both the corporate and nonprofit fields. She has 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit field with at-risk adolescents, and later moving on to work with senior citizens. She appreciates the fulfillment gained in the nonprofit sector and has loved enriching the core foundation of students through the spirit and team at Literacy Now since 2016.

Monica Coverson

Reading Interventionist

Monica earned her bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin. She worked in the healthcare industry for 30 years before discovering her calling – teaching. Monica completed the Literacy Lab Program (Cohort 1) in Spring 2023 and is thrilled to be onboard as a reading interventionist. Participating in the development of the minds of our little ones is a sacred trust, and Monica is passionately committed to helping each child become a confident reader and student. She tutors students through her church and has also volunteered as a tutor in HISD. Monica has been a volunteer with Literacy Now since 2022 with the Reading Express Mobile Classroom and in other capacities. Her favorite books are biographies and mysteries, and she’s an avid tennis fan and thrifter.

Daisy Cukingnan

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Daisy earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of the Philippines and her MBA from Ateneo de Manila University. She is recently retired from HISD where she spent many years teaching Resource Reading, PALS, and acted as a dyslexia interventionist. Daisy speaks four languages, loves to cook (sometimes in collaboration with her husband), read, and cross stitch. Daisy has a true passion for helping young scholars become great readers and future leaders of this country. She joined the Literacy Now team in 2021.

Kadijah Dancy

Reading Interventionist

Kadijah Dancy graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. She is deeply passionate about teaching and committed to meeting students at their level to help them thrive. Kadijah focuses on creating an engaging, supportive environment where students feel encouraged to participate, grow, and reach their full potential.

Stephanie Dunn

Reading Interventionist

Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Indiana University. After graduating, she moved to Houston and taught 1^st and 3^rd grades in Spring Branch ISD. She spent 12 years at home, raising her three children and volunteering and returned to part-time work as a part of the Literacy Now team in 2019.

Suzanne Edison

Reading Interventionist

Suzanne earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Denison University in Ohio. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northwestern University in Illinois. For ten years, Suzanne worked as a television news reporter, as well as in corporate communications. She has taught college students, ESL adults, and volunteered with elementary school children struggling with reading. Her favorite group to work with is young children. Watching them learn to read and open the door to a whole new world is remarkable and exciting! Suzanne joined the Literacy Now team in 2023.

Peg Fitzgerald

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Peg Fitzgerald received her bachelor’s degree in French from Elms College in Massachusetts and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston. She has 37 years’ experience teaching, 32 of them at Houston ISD’s Wheatley High School. Peg joined Literacy Now in 2014.

Pam Gevaldo

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Pam received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. She taught for 18 years in Spring ISD and Cyfair ISD. While at Cyfair, she developed a passion for helping struggling readers grow and reach their full potential. She joined the Literacy Now team in 2022.

Ann Green

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Ann received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Colorado State University. After working in the pharmaceutical business for many years, she followed her passion to work with children as an Elder in the children’s ministry at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. She was a substitute teacher for the Little Yellow School/MDPC, and Spring Branch ISD. She also volunteered at multiple schools, was in the National Charity League, served as a youth leader at her church, and continues to stay active in her community. Ann has a true passion for developing the “whole” child, helping to build confidence in literacy skills, social/emotional skills, and leadership abilities. Ann has been part of the Literacy Now team since 2015, serving as both a Reading Interventionist and a Lunch Bunch mentor.

Ines Guzman

Reading Interventionist

Ines has worked as a substitute teacher for Katy ISD and trained and mentored journalists in more than six countries since 2013. Her teaching draws on a 16-year career as a reporter in Latin-America and United States. She holds a BA in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Political Science. She is determined to provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential.

Cynthia Johnson

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Cynthia graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing. After working in sales for a while, she realized her true calling was to teach children. She participated in the Alternative Certification Program with Houston Independent School District and has never looked back. With 19 years of experience teaching children, she is excited to join the team of Literacy Now and begin helping children be successful, confidant readers.

Georgia King

Reading Interventionist

Georgia received her bachelor’s degree from Harding University. She retired from Houston Independent School District in 2012 where she taught for most of her 30-year teaching career. She has always had a passion for working with at-risk students and has been a part of the Literacy Now team since 2017.

Andrea Macías Lucero

Reading Interventionist

Andrea attended the University of Houston Downtown where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies degree in 2019. She has been in the field of education since then, including as an interventionist in HISD for 3 years. During that time Andrea supported struggling students with reading and math skills. She most recently was a teacher in a play based school for PK3 and enjoyed bringing reading to life.

Andrea loves working for non-profit organizations that support low-income families and enjoys teaching all age groups. She also loves animals, with four cats and two 2 dogs at home. In her free time Andrea enjoys nature, reading, and fostering animals.

Mercedes Martinez

Reading Interventionist

Mercedes received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has over ten years’ experience working in the private sector, banking, and marketing, always in challenging and customer-focused demanding roles. In 2010, she moved to The U.S. and later got married and had a daughter. She was a stay-home mom for five years and later found her passion working with ELL students at LaSalle Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She specialized in working with ESL kids doing bilingual intervention, parent liaison, and interpreting/translating in Spanish. In 2019, she moved to the Houston region following her husband’s career and joined the LiteracyNow team in 2020.

Yvonne Mitchell

Reading Interventionist

Yvonnie received her B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education from Stephen F. Austin University. She has worked in Special Education for 20 years in public schools and has virtually tutored/taught students in Reading/ ELL from other cities, states, and countries. When working with children her motto is you have to teach the whole child. Yvonnie has been tutoring others since high school and is passionate about helping others that are in need. She is also a proud member of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority.

Denyse Moody-Dickerson

Reading Interventionist

With over 30 years in education, including 20 in leadership, Denyse Moody-Dickerson is a dedicated Reading Interventionist committed to student success. She holds an M.Ed. in Leadership and Administration from Prairie View A&M University, a B.S. in Organizational Management and Human Resources from Wiley College, and an A.S. in Business Management from Southern A&M University. Denyse is certified in Leadership, Reading and Language Arts, ESL, and Special Education. Her passion lies in fostering inclusive learning environments, supporting student growth, and empowering educators with the tools to thrive.

Rose Moreno

Early Childhood Outreach Specialist

Rose is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Communications who has several years of hands-on experience working with young children as both a gymnastics instructor and a Pre-K teacher. As a mom to a lively two-year-old, she understands the power of early learning and is committed to supporting and empowering parents and caregivers in their role as their child’s first teacher. Her warm, engaging approach helps foster meaningful relationships, making each session a fun, safe, and enriching experience for families on board the Reading Express mobile classroom.

Emma Murillo

Reading Interventionist

Emma received her bachelor’s in French and Spanish Secondary Teacher Education from the University of Houston. She began her career in education as a high school teacher of French and Spanish in Houston and Alief ISDs. Throughout her life, Emma has served as educator, administrator, and corporate contributions professional. Her passion has always been in serving our community through volunteering in ESL and citizenship education. Emma wants to guide each child to his or her full potential. She joined the Literacy Now team in August 2022.

Sandra Porto-Ali

Reading Interventionist

Sandra received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Jarvis Christian College and her master’s degree from Prairie View A & M University of Texas. Sandra has completed 34 years of service in Needville, Aldine, and Houston ISD. She loves working with students and helping them gain the skills needed for a positive future. Sandra joined the Literacy Now team in 2020.

Maria Quijas

Reading Interventionist

Maria received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Language Arts and Reading from the University of Houston. Her background is in teaching scholars primarily in the lower elementary grades. To further her skills, she obtained certification in Occupational Therapy Assisting across the lifespan. She is glad to be part of the village that will strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of early at-risk readers and their families. Maria joined the Literacy Now team in 2022.

Linda Reed

Reading Interventionit

Linda attended Grambling State University where she received a bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She also attended Prairie View A&M where she received her master’s in education, specifically Education Administration. Linda started her teaching career in Shreveport, La at Atkins Elementary as a Kindergarten Teacher for 3 years. She moved to Houston and worked in Aldine ISD as a Kindergarten Teacher, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, ECSE Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal. Linda retired in June 2023 with 31 years. Linda is also a proud Veteran and spent 20 years in the Texas and Mississippi Air National Guard.

Stephanie Rhodes

Reading Interventionist

Stephanie received her bachelor’s degree from Huston-Tillotson University in Marketing and Accounting and her master’s degree from Texas Southern University. After realizing her passion for public school education, Stephanie became certified as an elementary educator as well as a Texas Principal. She was the principal of two magnet elementary school campuses, as well as a Dual Language campus. Stephanie has completed 30 years of service in the Aldine and Houston Independent School District. She enjoys serving her church and is a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Stephanie joined the Literacy Now team in 2019.

Jessica Scott

Reading Interventionist

Jessica received her bachelor of science degree in Psychology from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and her master of arts degree in Counseling and her principal certification from Prairie View A&M University. She spent 29 years working in Aldine ISD and served as a Special Education teacher, a counselor, assistant principal, and an Elementary and Middle School principal. Jessica truly believes that all students can learn with the right tools, resources, and people committed to their individual growth and goals. I’m excited to continue to help provide a positive and supportive learning environment in which students can be successful.

Sebrina Shields Taylor

Reading Interventionist

Sebrina graduated from Texas Southern University with a bachelor of science degree in Biology and a master of arts degree in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. She then taught Science and Biology at both middle and high school level in Aldine, Alief, Houston, and Waco ISDs. Sebrina also served as the lead counselor in Aldine ISD at both Grantham Academy and Mead Middle school. She retired from Aldine ISD in 2023 after having spent 30 years in education. I believe that early literacy is very important and being able to impact lives and inspire children to reach their greatest potential is my number one goal.

Shelia Smith

Reading Interventionist

Shelia earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Sam Houston State University and her master’s degree in Educational Administration from Prairie View A &M University. She has completed 27 years of teaching in the Houston and Aldine Independent School District. She obtained an ESL certification in 2004. Shelia is a dedicated and resourceful educator with a solid commitment to the academic growth and development of every student. She retired in 2024. Shelia enjoys church, spending time with her family and movie night.

Valorie Swain

Reading Interventionist

Valorie is U.S. Army veteran of 22 years as well as a retired teacher of 23 years. She earned her A.S with Early Childhood Education, B.S. in Vocational Educational Studies and a M.S. in Business and Human Resource Development. Valorie has worked in Aldine for 23 years as a PreK teacher, Special Education teacher and Kindergarten teacher. She loves watching students grow and become successful. Valorie prides herself as a “Lifelong Learner.” She loves quilting!

Sally Tavassoli

Substitute Reading Interventionist

Sally Tavassoli holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has professional experience in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Special Populations, focusing on supporting diverse learners and fostering inclusive educational environments. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Sally enjoys spending quality time with her two sons.

Florence Taylor

Reading Interventionist & Site Coordinator

Florence received her bachelor’s degree in Education/Special Education from Prairie View A&M University. She later studied at the Scottish Rite Learning Center and received a Certification in Language Therapy. She spent 10 years teaching in Lubbock ISD and another 22 years teaching Fortbend ISD before retiring. After spending time caring for her grandson, Florence’s passion for teaching young learners was renewed and led her to Literacy Now in 2018.

Sharon Thomas

Reading Interventionist Substitute

Sharon received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from North Texas State University. She retired from HISD in 2015, after 40 years of teaching elementary aged students. During her teaching career, she mentored many teachers and received the Excellence In Education Award as well as Teacher of the Year award. Sharon enjoys seeing the students’ progress through stimulating, creative and nurturing teaching techniques. She is excited to be a part of the Literacy Now team so that she can continue to enhance the lives of young children.

Vicki Townsend

Reading Interventionist Substitute

Vicki received her bachelor’s degree in French and Geology from the University of Kansas, as well as a master’s degree in Geological Studies from the University of Washington. She worked as an exploration and production geologist for Exxon Co. USA (now Exxon/Mobil). She has served as a volunteer in the public schools, her church, and the community for over 25 years. Vickijoined Literacy Now in August 2009 and serves as a Reading Interventionist and Site Coordinator in the Reading Intervention program. She loves working with children and helping them gain positive skills for a positive future.

Denise Zamberk

Reading Interventionist

Denise received her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Linguistics from Georgetown University. After graduating, she began teaching Spanish in Washington, DC while simultaneously earning a Master’s degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in Vermont. Denise has a strong background in second language acquisition. She initially joined us in 2023 and, after a brief pause, has returned to Literacy Now and is excited to help children become confident readers.

Programs Lead Team