The Fox Valley Literacy Team
Executive Director
Brian Leone Tracy
he/him/his
(920) 991-9840
Since 2019, Brian has served as the Executive Director of Fox Valley Literacy. He also served
on the Fox Valley Literacy Board of Directors andgrasps a thorough understanding of the
organization, its mission and the challenges of
providing quality educational services without
government funding. Brian brings that
operations and communications perspective to
his work while seeking new ways to
authentically serve our students' needs and
make all types of literacy support accessible
throughout the Fox Valley. Prior to moving to the Fox Cities, Brian worked at international and
national nonprofits in Washington, D.C.,
Chicago, and Los Angeles. He has a Master's inCommunication Management from University of Southern California and a Bachelor's in Media Studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Program and Operations Director
Heather Chantelois-Kashal
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
With a Master's in Conflict Resolution, Heather came to Fox Valley Literacy eight years ago after working as a public health researcher and advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. She has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles about violence prevention and maternal health and taught at K-12 and university levels. Living overseas and being part of a mixed-origin family has given Heather a passion for creating communities that are accessible and empowering for people with diverse backgrounds and skills, and this passion led her to Fox Valley Literacy.
As Program and Operations Director, Heather builds programs that meet the multifaceted needs and strengths of our students and creates an organizational culture of trust, growth, and belonging. She finds joy in teaching and in helping to expand safety, connectedness, and possibility horizons for our community members.
Adult Literacy Program Manager
Verónica Zamudio
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
Verónica’s own experiences as an immigrant and as an English Language Learner inspired her to get involved with Fox Valley Literacy. She has always wanted to help people, and due to her firsthand experience, she understands the struggles and needs of the Fox Valley Literacy students. She offers them support and an open ear. During her free time, Verónica loves to read thriller novels and spend time with her two adult children. She hopes to eventually go back to school and continue to advance her education. Verónica speaks Spanish and helps with student and tutor support.
Family Program Manager
Rita Moua
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
Rita Moua has a Bachelor of Science degree in Retailing and Consumer Behavior from the University of Wisconsin Madison. With several years of experience in sales, customer service, training, and management, Rita has worked in different industry sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and non-profit. As the Family Program Manager, Rita manages the Family Literacy program, the HMong Family Literacy program, where Hmong families learn how to read, write, and speak basic HMong language and learn about the history and culture of the HMong people, and assists with other programs. The HMong Family Literacy program incorporates themes of positive family wellbeing, mental health practices and building a strong sense of HMong identity. Rita speaks HMong and helps with student and tutor support.
Office Manager
Vered Meltzer
he/him/his
(920) 991-9840
Vered Meltzer grew up in China and has first-hand insight into the challenges that accompany learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and building community connections. His lifelong love of linguistics, and experience tutoring English learners since an early age, inspired him to get involved with Fox Valley Literacy as a tutor and as the office manager. Vered has a B.A. in Philosophy from Lawrence University, class of 2004. He speaks Mandarin Chinese, as well as basic Spanish.
Public Health AmeriCorps Community Corps
Crystal Thao
she/her/hers
(920) 991-9840
Crystal graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a degree in East Asian Studies and Japanese, along with a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Prior to joining Fox Valley Literacy, she lived in Japan where she taught English to high school and college students. During her free time, she likes to read and do arts and crafts. She enjoys helping with the HMong Family Program and the Fox Valley community.
Communications and Public Engagement Director
Jamie Sheridan
she/her/hers
(920) 991-9840
Jamie started her corporate communications career in Minneapolis while earning her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She moved to the Greater Seattle area where she lived and worked for 15 years as a freelance communications consultant and as an editor. In 2016, Jamie returned to her home state of Wisconsin, where she expanded her freelance career.
At Fox Valley Literacy, Jamie spends equal time recruiting volunteers and community partners as well as thoughtfully strategizing impactful internal and external communications initiatives.
Adult Literacy Program Specialist
Liliana Portillo
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
My name is Liliana Portillo. I am originally from Mexico, married, and a mother of two children. I am a psychologist with a strong commitment to adult education, as I believe it is a key tool for personal growth and community empowerment.
I deeply enjoy outdoor walks, spending time in nature and with animals, as well as reading—activities that reflect my interest in overall well-being and lifelong learning. I am very proud to be part of Fox Valley Literacy and to contribute to the educational and personal development of the adults we serve.
Lawrence University Reading & Language Tutor
Jade Tran
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
My name is Jade Tran, and I am currently a student at Lawrence University. I am originally from Vietnam, but I emigrated to the United States at a young age. I joined Fox Valley Literacy because I wanted to help people overcome the language barrier, which I believe can be a lot more than just a means toward everyday activities, such as exchanging greetings, getting groceries, and ordering food. Although those functions are essential, I think the most significant outcome of learning a new language is that it allows you to be understood and seen. It creates bridges toward connections, empathy, love, and all the qualities that make one feel human and dignified.
During my free time, I love reading, writing, and learning about new things. I am interested in neuroscience and philosophy. My favorite genres to read are non-fiction and science fiction.
Lawrence University Reading & Language Tutor
Alyssa Buabeng-Frimpong
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
My name is Alyssa Buabeng-Frimpong, and I’m from Ghana. I’m currently a student at Lawrence University, where I’m studying Economics and Data Science.
Coming from a multilingual background and studying in the U.S. has made me aware of the challenges non-English speakers face in everyday life in the U.S. Being part of Fox Valley Literacy has given me the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds while supporting their goals and building their confidence in English.
During my free time, I like to take walks when it's warm.
Fox Valley Literacy Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a team of diversely talented and dedicated community leaders providing their time, guidance, and leadership to the organization. Interested in serving on the Fox Valley Literacy Board?
Contact our Executive Director, Brian Leone Tracy at: (920) 991-9840 or brian@foxvalleylit.org
Terri Wirth, Chair
Annette Homan, Vice Chair
Jay Shefchik, Treasurer
Owen Anderson, Secretary
Noemi Delgado
Katrina Hochholzer
Hazael Becerra
Jose Felix Rivas Godoy
Liz Mileski
Jon W. Fleming
Mike Garrigan
Tim Vanden Boom
