Staff Bios

Bonnie Asher

Senior Writer

Bonnie, who joined CLI in 1999, is a long-standing asset to the organization. She was Director of Development from 2003-2010 and part of the team that led CLI’s successful bid for a $22 million Investing in Innovation grant. As Senior Writer, she effectively applies her strategy, organization and execution skills to writing grant proposals, reports, summaries and reviews. Prior to joining CLI, Bonnie held various event planning and fundraising jobs. Her previous positions include Assistant Director of Special Events for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and coordinator of the American Cancer Society’s first Philadelphia “Relay for Life” event. Earlier in her career Bonnie owned her own goldsmithing/jewelry design business. Bonnie holds a BFA from the University of the Arts. In addition to her work at CLI, Bonnie does volunteer work for the American Balint Society which helps doctors develop more empathic relationships with their patients.

Cameron Voss

Deputy Director

Cameron brought her non-profit management skills and knowledge to CLI in 2000 and has since demonstrated her commitment and belief to giving children the opportunity to become more powerful readers, writers and thinkers. On a day-to-day basis, Cameron is responsible for internal organizational processes and infrastructure. Maintaining an internal cohesiveness, Cameron ensures CLI continues to grow and fulfill its mission.

Prior to joining CLI, Cameron was the Director of Development at Frankford Group Ministry and a Research Assistant at Research for Action. She also worked as an adult literacy and GED preparation teacher at The Lighthouse and Lutheran Settlement House.

Cameron holds a BA in Political Science from Swarthmore College and an MA in Urban Studies from Temple University. She received a certificate in Executive Leadership from Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. In addition to her work at CLI, Cameron supports her two children in their academic, musical, artistic and athletic pursuits. She also is a member of The Knife and Fork Band where she plays the fiddle and cello.

Caryn Henning

North Regional Manager

Caryn started with CLI in 2002 as a Professional Developer, before she assumed her role as Regional Manager (North) in 2008. In her experience as a Professional Developer, Caryn has learned what works when implementing change in the classroom, building, and district. Her respect for every stakeholder within an educational system is key to her role as Regional Manager; as she manages relationships with school districts, designs projects with clients, and supervises the Professional Developers for the Newark/Northern region. Through her work at CLI, Caryn not only applies her desire to help improve the quality of public education, but also has an understanding of the daily and long-term issues facing many school districts.

Prior to joining CLI, Caryn taught first grade in Newark Public Schools. She was also appointed member of the Summit Board of Education from 2005-2008.

Caryn holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maryland. Outside of her career, Caryn is active in her local education foundation as a Grants Committee member. She is also active in the Jefferson School PTO and volunteers for a local Girl Scout chapter.

Christopher Kretschman

Accounting Manager

In 2007 Chris joined CLI, bringing his experiences with different companies’ philosophies and management styles; subsequently allowing him to bring a blend of what works well. As Accounting Manager he is responsible for payroll, collecting payments, financial statements and budgets, as well as any other monetary or financial information requirements generated by CLI. In his work with each department, he provides support and ensures fluidity.

Prior to CLI, Chris worked in accounting departments in the profit sector for manufacturing, industrial plumbing equipment and wireless telephone equipment companies.

Chris holds a BS in Accounting from Penn State University. Chris dedicates his free time to youth football and baseball organizations in Abington Township where he has served as a coach, fundraiser, board member, and treasurer since 2003.

Cynthia F. Hanley

Manager of Communications

Cynthia joined CLI in 2004, bringing a passion for her work and outside experience in the non-profit sector. As Manager of Communications, she is responsible for leading all communication initiatives through the website, social media and all marketing materials. In this role Cynthia is a proponent for CLI’s work, which builds on the strengths of teachers to create sustainable change.

Prior to joining CLI, Cynthia held various marketing positions in the profit sector. Her previous positions include Program Manager at Glaxo SmithKline and Cardiovascular Sales Coordinator at Johnson & Johnson.

Cynthia holds a BS in Marketing from West Chester University. In addition to her work at CLI, Cynthia spends much of her time in animal rescue as a member of the Dog Behavior Team at ACCT, Philadelphia’s non-profit intake shelter for all homeless animals.

Cynthia E. Roberts

Director of Finance & Facilities

Cynthia joined the CLI team in July 2012 and brought with her over 10 years of non-profit accounting experience. In her role as Director of Finance & Facilities, Cynthia manages the overall financial operations for CLI as well as, facilities management.

Prior to joining CLI as the Director of Finance & Facilities, she worked at The Philadelphia Foundation as a Controller where she was responsible for the overall accounting function and internal controls. She also worked at the Free Library of Philadelphia as a staff accountant and Mitchell & Titus, LLP as an auditor.

Cynthia holds her BS in Accounting from the University of Delaware and MBA from Holy Family University. In addition to her work at CLI, Cynthia is very active in her church and sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. She is also on the Board of Directors at Christ Church Preservation Trust.

George Echenhofer

Senior Technology Manager

George started working at CLI in the summer of 2012. Through his experience he brings a long history of non-profit centered technical positions and 20 plus years of technology infrastructure building support.

In his role as Senior Technology Manager, George oversees and provides support for technology at CLI. His responsibilities include managing all aspects of the technology at CLI from the telephones to computers.

Prior to joining CLI, George worked at Metropolitan Career Center(MCC), an accredited career training school, focused on giving technical training to disadvantaged citizens in Philadelphia. Before working at MMC, George worked for NPower Pennsylvania, a non-profit that provides help to other non-profits with technology advice, planning and implementation.

Outside of his work at CLI, George volunteers by providing technical work for a few of his former clients. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and two dogs.

Ify Ajuba-Ugorji, MBA

East Project Manager

When joining CLI in 2008, Ify had 11 years of project management experience. In her role as Project Manager (East) for CLI, Ify demonstrates supervisory experience, project management skills, intuitive problem solving, trouble-shooting, and conflict resolution skills. She is responsible for all the execution and implementation of projects in the Philadelphia/East region. She works with the Project Coordinator and Event Associate to ensure that materials are shipped in a timely manner to the schools, to plan logistics for events, and to assure invoices and project documentation forms are processed accurately.

Prior to working at CLI, Ify worked in for-profit and not-for-profit industries. She also has experience working in developed and developing economies. Some of her past positions include Project Manager at Ferrostaal AG in Abuja, Nigeria and Project Director at To Our Children’s Future with Health in Philadelphia.

Ify holds a BS in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos Nigeria and a MBA from Argosy University, Washington DC. In addition to her work at CLI, Ify is actively involved in her church’s charity work.

Jeannie Lee

West Project Manager

Jeannie joined CLI in 2010, and with a background in elementary education she demonstrates her passion for urban education and teacher quality improvement. As Project Manager (West), Jeannie coordinates all aspects of CLI projects in the Chicago/Western region and provides support for project implementation and Professional Developer Consultants. In this role she supports the development of new work in the region, creates and manages project budgets, ensures that materials are shipped in a timely manner to the schools, manages logistics for events, and contracts and monitors coaching in projects; utilizing her professionalism in quality customer service. Jeannie is the data lead for the Projects Department and also serves as the liaison between the Projects and Professional Development Departments.

Prior to coming to CLI, Jeannie taught third grade for two years at a charter school in West Philadelphia and another year in Baldwin, NY. After teaching, she spent six months abroad participating in various community service activities. She also worked in the Undergraduate Admissions office at the University of Pennsylvania for two years.

Jeannie holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jen Weikert

Director of External Relations

Since joining CLI in 2009, Jen has held a variety of leadership roles related to fundraising and was part of the team that led CLI’s successful bid for a $26 million Investing in Innovation grant in 2010. She currently serves as CLI’s Director of External Relations. In this capacity, Jen works to design, direct and deepen CLI’s range of significant relationships with individual donors and strategic partners that result in more revenue, more externally-focused opportunities and more awareness of CLI as a leading national organization providing and promoting effective, evidence-based early literacy professional development.

Prior to CLI, Jen served as vice president for MCL Consulting providing strategic fundraising counsel to over 25 nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region and south-central Pennsylvania. She maintained a diverse client portfolio with special interest in organizations serving women and children. Earlier in her career, Jen also served as the Executive Director at YWCA of Philadelphia and held senior-level development positions at nonprofit organizations including Women’s Way and Laurel House.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Jen has served as adjunct professor at Temple University teaching courses on the Sociology of Gender and is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Women’s Center at the Community College of Philadelphia. She holds a BA in English, a MA in Women’s Studies from the National University of Ireland at Cork and a Certificate in Fundraising from University of Pennsylvania. Jen is an involved parent at Green Woods Charter School and resides in Philadelphia with her husband and son.

Kelly Hunter, Ed.D.

Executive Director

Kelly started her career as a teacher and has committed her work to children’s literacy ever since. Joining CLI’s work to inspire children’s lifelong love of reading; Kelly spent four years as Director of Professional Development. In this role she provided the vision and leadership to continually enhance and expand literacy professional development services for pre-kindergarten through third grade teachers. In March 2011 she stepped in as Interim Executive Director and assumed her role as Executive Director that December.

Prior to CLI, Kelly worked as a Literacy Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was responsible for the professional development of elementary literacy coaches, teachers, and principals in low-income school districts throughout the country. Kelly also worked as an adjunct professor at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and a Project Manager at the University’s National Center on Adult Literacy.

Kelly holds a M.Ed. and Ed.D. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. In conjunction with her education, she received a Reading Specialist Certification and Fundraising and Grant Writing Certification, both from the University of Pennsylvania.

Kelly Phillips

East Project Coordinator

Joining CLI in 2010, Kelly has experience in the non-profit sector and working on diverse tasks. As the Project Coordinator for the East region, she works with Philadelphia public schools and other Pennsylvania districts to implement projects within the region. Logistically, she ensures that books and materials are delivered to customers, arranges visits to Model Classrooms for teachers and funders, manages the process to gather evaluative data from teachers, and she is also a primary point of contact for Model Classroom teachers and CLI Professional Developers in her region.

Prior to CLI, Kelly interned in the non-profit sector for Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP), for the duration of the city-wide Cherry Blossom Festival. She also participated as a Census enumerator in the 2010 census.

Kelly holds a BA in Fine Arts and a certificate in Project Management from Temple University.

Kristin Haegele Hill

Research and Evaluation Manager

Kristin joined CLI in 2007, assuming a role that combines her strong organization and communication skills as well as an analytical perspective and evaluation-focused approach to CLI’s work. As Research and Evaluation Manager, Kristin guides CLI’s research on topics supporting the organization’s mission and vision; subsequently promoting the appropriate evaluation, measurement, and assessment of CLI’s programs and the strategic use of data. On a day-to-day basis she guides internal assessment planning; manages external evaluation projects; and supervises data collection, analysis and reporting.

Prior to CLI, Kristin was the Assistant Director for the West Chester University President’s Initiative Grant Project: A University/Community Partnership Addressing Math Needs of Middle School Learning Support Students with the Downingtown Area School District. She also worked as a freelance production editor, editorial assistant, and pre-school teacher.

Kristin holds a BA in Journalism from Ithaca College and a M.S. in Educational Research from West Chester University.

Lori Jones

Leadership and Assessment Manager

Lori has been with CLI since 2007, bringing her experiences as a teacher and Professional Developer. In these roles she has acquired a level of expertise in literacy practices and knowledge on the best ways to share these practices with fellow teachers. As a Regional Manager she oversees and provides support for the onsite work in the Camden/South region. This includes managing relationships with school districts, designing projects with clients, and supervising the Professional Developers within the region.

Prior to joining CLI in 2007, Lori was a Professional Developer for a national literacy organization, training teachers across the country. She also worked as an elementary education teacher for 11 years.

Lori holds a BS in Elementary Education, with a Special Ed. Certification, from the University of Texas and a M.Ed. in Reading/Writing/Literacy from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her work at CLI, she spends her time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.

Maisha Howard

Research and Evaluations Supervisor

Maisha joined CLI in 2010 and brought a passion for organization and process to her role as Research and Evaluation Coordinator. In this position, Maisha supervises data collection processes and implementation. Specifically, she develops and maintains assessment technology for the TELP, ELLP and other data, and she does the majority of the data analysis for internal uses and funder reports. In coordinating a successful data collection process, Maisha’s work helps to substantiate the impact of CLI’s work by providing tangible evidence.

Prior to CLI, Maisha worked as an Admission Counselor/Learner Support Specialist at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, NJ. She also worked at a summer reading enrichment program connected with the Children's Defense Fund at the Bethany Freedom School in Newark, NJ.

Maisha holds a BA in Educational Psychology from Swarthmore College.

Mary List

West Regional Manager

Mary started her work with CLI as a Professional Developer in 2008 and joined the staff in 2012. Through her experience she brings strong content knowledge and expertise in the implementation of effective practices in literacy and content focused coaching.

In her role as West Regional Manager, Mary oversees and provides support for onsite work in the West/Chicago region. Her responsibilities include managing relationships with school districts, developing and implementing projects with clients and supervising the professional developers in the region.

Prior to working at CLI, Mary was a reading specialist and taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade.

Mary holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and minor in Early Childhood from St. Norbert College and a M.S. in Reading from National-Louis University. She resides in Oak Forest, IL with her husband, Kevin, her three sons, Christopher, Carter and Parker and her dog Sergio. She is also active in the Forest Ridge PTA.

Pat Federman

Co-Founder & South Regional Manager

With a background in teaching and a passion for the field of literacy, Pat co-founded CLI in 1988. Pat provides constant insight on CLI’s development and promotes the mission and strategic planning in her day to day activities. While serving as co-founder for the past 24 years, Pat’s other role at CLI is the West Regional Manager. In this position she, manages relationships with school districts, designs projects with clients, and supervises the Professional Developers for that region. Pat has specifically worked to develop Chicago as a key region, and she is currently leading implementation of i3 in Chicago Public Schools, in addition to her continued work on CLI's model classrooms in the district.

Prior to co-founding CLI, Pat taught Pre-K and Kindergarten and served as Principal of Greene Towne School in Philadelphia. In addition to her time spent at CLI, Pat is a Reading Specialist and continues to tutor elementary school students in reading.

Pat holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Drexel University and a MA in Elementary Education and Reading from St Joseph’s University.

Rachel Aucott

Senior Development Manager

Since joining CLI In 2008, Rachel has brought a strong interest in education policy and a longstanding love of books and reading to her work with the organization. As Senior Development Manager, Rachel writes and edits grant proposals and reports, provides writing support for external communications, manages donor-related information and stewards CLI’s relationships with philanthropic donors.

Prior to joining CLI, Rachel worked as a library associate, social science research assistant and volunteer literacy tutor for children and adults. Rachel holds a BA from Swarthmore College.

Rahshene Davis

Chief Academic Officer

Rahshene is a veteran to the field but new to CLI as of 2011. As the Director of Professional Development she heads the department which maintains adherence to CLI’s exemplary best practices and high quality professional development. Rahshene specific work includes assisting with the vision, strategic planning, and leadership to enhance and expand CLI’s Professional Development program. With her previous experience as a principal, teacher, staff developer, literacy coach, and national presenter on literacy topics, Rahshene brings her leadership skills and national literacy prospective to CLI.

Prior to joining CLI, Rahshene trained in 2007 with New Leaders for New Schools, NYC to become a leader of dramatic change in urban schools. Rahshene served as Principal at University Heights Charter School where she received the “Administrator of the Year Award” in April 2011, as well as, national recognition for her school, as winner of the 2011 EPIC (Effective Practices Incentive Community) silver gain award. She also spent several years working with England’s director of primary literacy, studying causes for the dramatic yearly gains of diverse student populations in London’s poorest schools.

Rahshene holds a BS in education from Bloomsburg University, a MS.Ed from the University of Pennsylvania with a specialization in TESOL, and an additional MS.Ed. in Administration from Baruch CUNY.

Teresa Caponiti

North Project Manager

Teresa brought her experience in administrative non-profit work and her knowledge of adult learning to CLI in 2007. While her title is Project Manager (North), her role at CLI includes two functions. She oversees project details in the Newark/North Region; a role which includes ensuring that materials are shipped in a timely manner to the schools, planning logistics for events, and assuring that invoices and project documentation forms are processed accurately. Additionally, Teresa serves as the main CLI contact for the Professional Developers in all of their administrative and contracting needs.

Prior to joining CLI in 2007, she taught English as a second language to adult learners in Czech Republic and most recently worked as a Administrative Assistant at a non-profit.

Teresa holds a BA in History from St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

Virginia Maroun

Director of Project Management

New to CLI in 2011 but familiar with the non profit sector, Virginia represents a diverse background, uniquely allowing her to provide support to CLI in multiple ways. As the Director of Project Management, Virginia heads the department which provides top quality implementation of CLI’s services. In additional roles for the organization, she leads major CLI conferences and events as well as helps advance CLI’s technology platform.

Prior to joining CLI, Virginia served as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Arts & Business Council of Philadelphia. She also worked two years as a consultant with non profit organizations on their governance and program planning. Additionally, she spent 10 years serving as the Executive Director of Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

Virginia holds a BSN from D’Youville College in Buffalo New York and a MSN from the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of her work at CLI, Virginia serves on the Lansdowne Art Board, with the goal of developing Lansdowne as an arts destination.

Children’s Literacy Initiative®
2314 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
P: 215-561-4676 • F: 215-561-4677
Info@ChildrensLiteracyInitiative.org