Marilyn Collins – Education Director

Marilyn Collins has been working in adult education for over 25 years. She began her career at Literacy Partners in New York where she directed adult literacy programs in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Marilyn joined the LVSG staff in 2003. Currently, she oversees all aspects of program and curriculum development and tutor training. Marilyn says, "I thoroughly enjoy the rewarding and challenging work of supporting tutors and creating educational environments that help students reach their goals." She holds a Master’s Degree in reading from the University of Vermont."




Lucia Cook – Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator

In September 2007, Lucia accepted the part-time position of Volunteer/Outreach Coordinator. After ten years of volunteering with LVSG and finding the work extremely rewarding, Lucia is the perfect person to inspire potential volunteers. Her volunteer experiences include ESOL tutoring, teaching Family Literacy and co-chairing our annual SCRABBLE^® Challenge fundraiser. "Literacy Volunteers is an organization that is near and dear to my heart, she says. To have the opportunity to work with such a dynamic organization is exciting."says Lucia.
 



Pati Guza – Student/Data Manager

Pati began her career at Literacy Volunteers in 2005 as Office Manager.  In July 2007, she was promoted to Student/Data Manager. Pati's responsibilities include maintaining student records and quality control of program data. Pati says, "I'm originally from Ecuador. As an immigrant I know how hard it is when you don't speak the language. Learning English was my priority and that's the same reason the students enroll in our program. It is gratifying to see our students moving forward, finding jobs, going to college and becoming US citizens."
 



James Lacerenza – Development Intern
 
James was offered the position of development intern at LVSG following his exemplary work on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, (MDA) for which he has raised significant funds since 2005. His compassion for others was a key component in signing on with LVSG’s staff. "Though I have been here a short time, I am already seeing remarkable progress in the lives LVSG touches every day. I am eager to spread their worthwhile mission through various initiatives," says James. James attends the University of Connecticut, Stamford and expects to graduate with a B.A. in English in 2010.  


Edgar Ovalle - Office Manager

Edgar joined the staff of Literacy Volunteers in August 2007.  He started with the agency as a student in 2003. In 2004 Edgar received the Student of the Year Award. He was inducted into the Literacy Volunteers Student Hall of Fame in 2006 for his dedication to serving the immigrant community. "I took the position of Office Manager because I can relate to the needs and desires of students to learn the English language," says Edgar. He is also a tutor and enjoys working with entry-level students. Edgar holds a degree in Microbiology from The Janeriana University, Columbia.


 
Diane Rosenthal – Executive Director

Diane joined Literacy Volunteers in 2001. Under Diane's guidance LVSG is now ranked among the nation's top five percent of volunteer-based literacy organizations. She began her career in adult education at The New York Public Library where she served as the Literacy Director for thirteen years.

Prior to joining LVSG she was the Executive Director of What Works Literacy Partnership, a nationwide initiative designed to help adult education programs develop their accountability systems. Diane currently serves on the CAACE (Connecticut Association of Adult and Continuing Education) Board. She received her M.S. in Education from Fordham University. "Greenwich and Stamford are filled with remarkable people dedicated to making access to education a community priority. I am grateful for their support and proud of the accomplishments of our students," says Diane.

   
Connie Sheppard – Data Entry Assistant

After thirty years as a Customer Service Representative at Rayonier, Inc., Connie knew exactly how she would like to spend her retirement. "I wanted to become a tutor and share the joy of reading with others." In 1996, Connie enrolled in the tutor training workshop and has been volunteering ever since. Connie was offered a part-time position as Data Entry Assistant ten years ago. Connie says, "I have enjoyed my two careers and especially my work at LVSG."

Literacy Volunteers - Stamford/Greenwich, Inc. 141 Franklin Street, Stamford, CT  06901 Phone: 203-324-5214; Fax: 203-348-8917