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History 
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Literacy Volunteers of Union County is proud of its dedicated professional staff and volunteer officers and directors. They introduce themselves below. . .
Staff
Elizabeth Gloeggler (Executive Director):
Greetings all! My name is Elizabeth and I am the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers Union County. I have to say … I have a fantastic job. There is nothing better than someone learning to read a book to their child for the first time or getting a job because they can fill out the application. Call anytime … we love hearing from you.
Dawn Harrison (Field Service Coordinator):
As the Field Service Coordinator, I am here to ensure that things are going well for YOU! So if you're a tutor or a learner (or want to be one), I'm the person to call.
Claudia Freire (Outreach Coordinator):
As Outreach Coordinator, I answer questions, provide materials, and generally support our volunteer tutors. I may also be able to assist you if Spanish translation is necessary. I'm here for our volunteers to help make their tutoring efforts go as smoothly as possible!
Lillian Perez (Volunteer Coordinator):
Hola! I'm the Volunteer Coordinator and the resident Spanish speaker. I come in a few hours each week to lend a hand at reaching out to the Spanish speaking community.
Marvin Smith (Office Volunteer):
While helping out in the office a few hours every week, I see firsthand the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved in this organization. One last word: "Get your tutoring hours in on time or you may be hearing from me!"
Volunteer Officers and Directors
Donna Sandorse (President):
Formerly a teacher, Donna has spent the last 15+ years in information technology, working as a senior IT manager at Citicorp and Summit Bank. In 2002, Donna started her own IT consulting company and now works with corporate clients in the electronics, financial and pharmaceutical industries. She is a graduate of Rutgers University.
Donna came to LV-UC about 14 years ago, making good use of her prior experience as a remedial reading teacher to middle and high school students. Over the years, she has served the organization as a tutor, volunteer, workshop leader and board member - often several of those roles at once. She became president of the organization in 2001.
Donna wishes to thank all of you who are dedicating your time, efforts and energies to LV-UC's students and mission.
Bernadette Murphy (Vice President):
Bernadette joined the Board in 2001 and is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a terrific organization. She looks forward to helping the affiliate grow to serve the thousands of Union County residents who need our help.
Bernadette has 15 years of experience in financial services and is currently a full time mother. She earned a B.S. from Rutgers University and an M.B.A. from Fordham University.
Liela Bernstein (Secretary):
Liela is a retired Reading Teacher. She taught reading, language arts and study skills for over twenty years on all levels of education from second grade through adult. She joined the LV-UC in 1994 as a Basic Reading tutor. Subsequently, Liela trained for and became an ESL tutor and then, a tutor trainer in both Basic Reading and ESL.
Liela joined the Board in 2001, functioning as an advocate for the students and the tutors. She says that her aim is two-fold: to increase the number of tutors available in Union County and to develop a comprehensive training course that will provide them with a strong foundation in educational techniques and increase the likelihood of their retention.
Ronald A. Shalhoub (Treasurer):
Ron is a certified public accountant holding a license issued by the State of New Jersey. He received a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Peter's College, graduating Magna Cum Laude and as a member of the Honors Society. Ron is a member in good standing of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New Jersey State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
With his brother Robert, Ron started the firm of Shalhoub & Shalhoub, P.C. in 1980. The firm is an accounting and financial consultancy, servicing businesses and individual clients throughout the tri-state area. Prior to establishing his own firm, Ron worked for Arthur Andersen LLP.
Ron resides in Madison, NJ with his wife Samira and their two daughters, Renee and Colette. He is active at his church and has served as the Chairperson of the Parish Council and continues as a member of the Finance Committee. He was also past secretary of the Men's Club Society.
Gerald S. Anderson (Director):
Educated as an architect, Gerald Anderson has over ten years experience as a Project Manager with the Elizabeth Housing Authority. He received his B.Arch from NJIT and hasn't stopped since, using his creativity and visual skills to assist community development in both Essex and Union Counties.
Gerald is an active Basic Literacy Tutor and has been a member of the board since 2004. One of Gerald's main contributions is to develop plans and otherwise assist LV-UC in maintaining adequate space to keep pace with programmatic growth and to accommodate the varied needs of LV-UC participants.
Joseph Keenan (Director):
Joe Keenan has been the Director of the Elizabeth Public Library since
1992. A past President of the New Jersey Library Assocation, Joe previously
held positions at the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library.
Joe is very active with community organizations in the City of Elizabeth.
He was the co-founder and first president of the Greater Elizabeth Chamber
of Commerce, is a past president of the Elizabeth Host Lions Club, and is
active with the Elizabeth Rotary Club.
Joe has been instrumental in bringing a number of literacy programs to the Elizabeth Public Library, and currently serves as a member of the Union County Workforce Investment Board Literacy Subcommittee.
Christopher J. Kirkwood (Director):
Chris Kirkwood is a partner in the Westfield-based law firm of Kirkwood and Gachko, which he formed with his partner in 2000. A member of both the New Jersey and New York Bars, he was previously with two Manhattan-based law practices. He has worked as a trial attorney since 1983, specializing in personal injury and commercial litigation.
Chris resides in Middletown with his wife and three children. In addition to his service with LV-UC, he is Vice Chairman of the Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Chris joined the board in 2006.
Gail Miller (Director):
Gail Miller brings a strong background in Library Services to the board of LV-UC. She currently works as the Director of the Rahway Public Library, and previously held a similar position in Montclair, NJ. Prior to this, she worked in the Brooklyn Public Library system. Starting there in a branch position in 1981, she rose through the ranks and ultimately ran the Library Devlopment Office where she established service standards and programs for a 58 branch library system.
Gail is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned BS and MLS degrees. She resides in Highland Park, where she enjoys gardening bicycling, and kayaking with her family. She joined LV-UC in 2006.
Joel Thomas (Director):
As a student and now as a professional, Joel Thomas has demonstrated his commitment to community service. While a student at Kean University, Joel served as Director of Public Relations for the International Student Association and as Vice President of Funded Groups for the Student Organization. He now works as the University's Community Service Coordinator, engaging 1,000 Kean students in 50,000 hours of combined service and maintaining partnerships and alliances with 10 community agencies.
Joel graduated Kean with a BA in Political Science in 2005, when he also received the President's Volunteer Service Award. Joel joined the LV-UC board in 2006.
Cicely C. Thornton (Director):
Cicely resides in Union County has over 10 years experience in Human Resources, working within various industries including pharmaceutical, publishing, telecom, and health care. Cicely's undergraduate work was completed at Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ, and Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ, respectively and graduate studies were completed at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ, all in areas of Corporate and Organizational Communications.
Having served LV-UC as an active tutor for three years, Cicely joined the board in 2003. Her experience in Human Resources has been instrumental in the Board ratifying policies and procedures for the overall organization. Cicely is also the point person when recruiting for new board members.
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