The Fox Valley Literacy Team
Executive Director
Brian Leone Tracy
he/him/his
(920) 991-9840
Brian Leone-Tracy has served as the Executive Director of Fox Valley Literacy since 2019. He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois and a Master’s from the University of Southern California. He also served on Fox Valley Literacy Board of Directors, assuring a thorough understanding of the organization, its mission and its challenges to provide quality educational services without government funding.
Program and Operations Director
Heather Chantelois-Kashal
she/her/hers
(920) 234-8041
Heather Chantelois-Kashal has a BA in International Studies and an MA in Conflict Resolution. She has experience in public health, education, and violence prevention. 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. Heather focuses on improving Fox Valley Literacy class offerings, building new programs that meet the multifaceted needs and strengths of our students, and creating an organizational culture of joy, growth, and belonging. Heather speaks French and Kiswahili and helps with programming questions as well as student and tutor support.
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.
During her free time, Jamie enjoys traveling and hiking with her husband and their three children.
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.
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
Anindita N. Anaam
Noemi Delgado
Katrina Hochholzer
Hazael Becerra
Jose Felix Rivas Godoy
Liz Mileski
Jon W. Fleming
Mike Garrigan
Tim Vanden Boom
