New and Improved

Issue: April 2023

Meet our newest staff! The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to announce several organizational changes as of 2023, made possible by a capacity building grant from the WNC Bridge Foundation.

This three-year grant provides TL&LC with funding for a new position to support their fundraising efforts to continue the growth and expansion  of the organization. Previously the Marketing Manager, Jenni Edwards has moved into the Development Officer position. I’ve transitioned from Senior Programs Manager to the Marketing Manager position.

And finally, the TL&LC is pleased to welcome its newest member of their full-time staff, Caroline Cox. Caroline is the newly appointed Program Manager and has taken over the responsibility of the free programs The Literacy & Learning Center offers, including their after-school programs, which have been temporarily relocated to the Highlands United Methodist Church.

Caroline says, “I’m passionate about providing everyone with access to quality education, and I believe that TL&LC is meeting that need in Macon County.” With years of experience in the classroom, both in public and private schools, she is excited to create fun and immersive educational experiences, and to see children grow in all aspects of who they are. Caroline’s favorite part of teaching is creating engaging hands-on lessons, which she has already incorporated into TL&LC’s after-school programs.

When Caroline is not working, she enjoys taking barre classes, taking her Bernedoodle on hikes with her husband, and exploring new cities. She and her husband attend Discover Church in Franklin. Caroline is also a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care.

TL&LC has also welcomed a prior and current after-school tutor as our new ESL teacher. Kara Long has 22 years of teaching experience in both Ohio and Georgia in elementary education. She has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Ohio State University, and a certification in ESL education from the State of Georgia.

Kara says, “One thing I’m most excited about being at TL&LC is being a part of a team to support the families in this community. I’m thrilled to work with children again in a tutoring capacity, and happy to have the opportunity to teach ESL to adults while making connections and learning more about the needs of those in our community.”

Kara adds that being able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, provides opportunities for growth and success for non-native speakers and she is excited to help others in this way. Teaching is her passion, along with gardening, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have three adult children and two dogs, “all of whom are cherished and adored.”

Bonnie Potts, Executive Director of The Literacy & Learning Center says, “We are so grateful to the WNC Bridge Foundation for providing the means to hire new employees. Our strategic plan is to continue to expand and grow our programs, and I am so proud of our staff and volunteers, and all of the wonderful work they do.”