Our People

Action Read 2022-2023 Board of Directors

2022-2023 Action Read Board

(l-r) Kimm Khagram, Paul Mesman, Jeff Guitard (Secretary), Junnivi Dedoroy, Marsha Wallace, Denise Hollingsworth, James Gray (Chair). Missing: Colleen Harper, Paul Carter (Treasurer).

About Our Board

Action Read is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. It acts as ‘one voice’, working on behalf of the greater good of the whole organization by;

  • Setting the mission and policy framework for the organization
  • Setting strategic priorities
  • Guiding the organization’s operations
  • Serving as a public figure for the organization
  • Ensuring that the board remains functional at all times and maintaining proper documentation

In order to ensure that the board is composed of individuals with different relationships to and perspectives on the work of our organization, Action Read’s board is composed equally of learners, volunteers and community members.

Action Read Staff

Don Peters, Computer Technician

Don has maintained and repaired Action Read’s computers for many years. He keeps our systems clean and trouble-free and is always happy to walk staff through computer related problems. Don worked for many years in industry before switching into computers. He lends his expertise to many community agencies and businesses.

Thom Campbell, Adult Learning Facilitator

Thom’s role is to plan and facilitate a diverse number of weekly learning groups, to conduct learning assessments and to support individual learners through information and referrals. Thom is an experienced teacher who has taught in higher education.

Jan Sherman, Literacy Facilitator

Having been part of Action Read since 1999, Jan brings a great deal of experience to her role of learning facilitator. Currently Jan runs the “Coming from the Heart” Indigenous Adult Creative Writing Group. Jan also facilitates adult and children’s Aboriginal and culturally diverse storytelling and creative arts programs in the community.

Brenda McDonald, Family Literacy Coordinator

Brenda plans, facilitates and promotes our family literacy program in locations throughout the city of Guelph. Each session includes a story time, songs, educational crafts, puzzles, and games. She also shares tips with parents on how to support their children’s early learning in a friendly and informal format.

Joanne Morant, Learner-Tutor Coordinator

Joanne’s position at Action Read involves learner intake and assessment, volunteer training, supporting tutor-learner pairs and community outreach. Joanne came to Action Read after a career in manufacturing in the area of employee training and computer systems support. Joanne’s experience volunteering in the community is very useful in her work at Action Read.

Lynda Lehman, Financial Manager

Lynda has had many different roles in over 20 years with Action Read. Currently she manages our finances, coordinates the Finance Committee and prepares budgets and reports. Lynda also shares her considerable experience as an educator by co-facilitating tutor trainings. When not at Action Read, she is a coordinator with the Scientists-in-School program.

Lynn Veronneau, Administrative Assistant

Lynn is the Action Read social media “guru”, managing our Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as signage and communications generally! She also keeps the office running smoothly. She coordinates and trains our front desk volunteers, orders office supplies, does follow-up support to learners and helps to manage our government statistical database.

Mira Clarke, Executive Director

Mira has been involved with Action Read for over 20 years, first as a volunteer and board member and in 2004 as director. At Action Read she coordinates with the board, manages the website and blog, seeks out grants and oversees programs, staffing and evaluation. Mira also taught in the college stream for several years.