Kody Colvin, Parkview Elementary |
|
Staff
Elsa Gustavson |
Elsa Gustavson began working at the Bennion Center as the America Reads Coordinator shortly after finishing her undergraduate studies in 2008. At that time she graduated from the University of Utah with Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and Gender Studies. Elsa served with America Reads as a student for four years. Her first year as a tutor, she worked at Mountain View Elementary. After a promotion to Site Team Leader, she began working at Parkview Elementary and stayed in that position for three years. Elsa briefly left the America Reads program to become the Office of Sustainability’s first student intern in its pilot year. Currently Elsa is working towards a certificate in Leadership and Management at the University of Utah’s Nonprofit Academy for Excellence. At the end of the day, Elsa finds her greatest solace in the outdoors and takes every opportunity she can to get out into the mountains and deserts. Elsa has a great passion for social and environmental justice, and therefore has chosen a career in nonprofit organizations. She joined and stays with America Reads because she believes that literacy is a fundamental human right. It is the foundation on which any individual can access many opportunities and participate in a civic life. |
Terrilyn Black |
Terrilyn was born in Fairfax Virginia in January 1990. When she was 1 year old her parents moved to Ogden Utah and then 6 years later the little town of Glenwood became her hometown. When she’s not studying or working Terrilyn loves taking pictures, eating, and sleeping. She graduated from Richfield High in 2008 ready to pursue her education at the University of Utah. Terrilyn is currently a sophomore at the University of Utah with a major in Psychology. As an active member of the Presidency of the RHO chapter of Lambda Delta Sigma, Terrilyn loves working with people. With her job with America Reads and her position in her sorority, Terrilyn plans on becoming a child psychologist and helping kids for the rest of her life. Terrilyn got started with America Reads in August 2008 as a tutor at Lincoln Elementary. During her first year, Terrilyn fell in love with the work and decided she wanted to be a Site Team Leader. Terrilyn loves the difference the America Reads program makes and is honored to be a part of it. |
Xuan Phan |
Xuan was born on March 23, 1988 in Vietnam before her family immigrated to the United States two years later in search of more opportunities. Living in the U.S. has made such a wonderful, and lasting impact on her life. Here, she feels she can accomplish anything if she puts her mind to it. As a child, Xuan quickly found a liking to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Xuan started with America Reads in her Sophomore year of college working as a tutor. After being a tutor for a year, she was promoted to Site Team Leader at Mountain View Elementary School. As a site team leader she hopes to become a positive role model to both her students and her peers. She also hopes to make an impact in a child’s life. While working with America Reads in the Lowell Bennion Community Service Center, Xuan discovered her passion for service and helping in any capacity she can. Xuan enjoys service because she wants to be the change and do something not just for herself. This year, Xuan will also be the Alternative Spring Break Site Leader for Los Angeles and is starting as a new Service-Learning Scholar. She is also serving as the America Reads Representative on Service Council. Today Xuan lives in Salt Lake City with her family and fun-loving dog named Dunkin. She is a senior at the University of Utah studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Consumer and Community Studies. Xuan enjoys spending time her family and friends, and providing exceptional community service to others. |
Kandi Velarde |
My name is Kandi Velarde and this year I will be the Site Team Leader for Neighborhood House and a sophomore here at the University of Utah. I am planning to major in Consumer Health with a minor in Nutrition because I am very interested in the human body, how the mind works, and keeping my body healthy. I like to be outside swimming, riding a bike, going camping, or doing something enjoyable. I am always looking for some sort of excitement, which is why I like working with the kids at Neighborhood House. Every child is a new and exciting learning experience. Many of the kids we work with at Neighborhood House are very young, ranging from 3-5 years old, have a lot self confidence and amazing free spirits. As a child, I also attended day care at Neighborhood House. I was three years old when I first began attending. I have had many special memories from Neighborhood House, and I am glad I am now able to serve as a mentor to other kids who were just like me. |
Nichole Valerio |
The AmericaReads program empowers tutors to develop meaningful relationships as student mentors. As this year’s Site Team Leader, at Parkview Elementary, Nichole Valerio’s goal is to nurture self-confidence, promote integrity and honesty and provide support for student, tutor and teacher success. Having received her associates before graduating High School Nichole Valerio entered the University of Utah as a junior. As a recipient of the New Century Scholarship and an AmeriCorps member she plans to major in Elementary Education with a minor in English Lit’. |
