We're Elementary Literacy
We are a collaborative non-profit that uses proven programming and cutting-edge approaches to close the literacy gap. We work to empower kids and advocate for progressive policy.
What We Do
Our programs impact children at a critical time in their education. For most students, learning to read is concentrated in a single year around age six or seven. Some struggle. But the right interventions can lead to exceptional outcomes for these emerging readers.
Our Mandate
Vision
Work collaboratively with parents, schools and businesses so kids get the extra support they need.
Mission
To offer and champion the development of high-quality, evidence-based early literacy programs and policies across New Brunswick to ensure more children learn to read and write well.
Values
Children have the right to education and learning experiences that give them the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
Community members and volunteers can effectively support the teaching and learning efforts of schools and families.
Close and respectful collaboration can help provide children with individualized learning experiences.
Our work is evidence-based and our progress is regularly monitored and reported.
We value the safety and integrity of all our partners and staff.
We see the diversity of New Brunswick children as a strength
Demographic realities create barriers to the literacy outcomes of many New Brunswick children.
Our Impact
We make a difference that can be felt – and measured.
99%
Percentage of schools reporting improved attitudes to reading and learning after our program700 +
Number of volunteers who mentored 860 students last year21,420
Number of hours of literacy instruction we provided last yearOur Team
Our staff brings deep experience, diverse skill sets and a shared passion to help children and build a better New Brunswick.
Julie Smith — Executive Director
julie.smith@elementaryliteracynb.comJulie brings over a decade of government experience creating social programs and policy solutions for many different aspects of society. She is a New Brunswick Champion for Children’s Rights and a BMW Foundation Global Responsible Leader.
Program Manager, Innovation and Continuous Improvement
laura.morrell@elementaryliteracynb.comLaura believes that reading should be a protected human right, that we owe it to children and families to ensure that reading instruction is informed by the enormous body of research in reading science. She studied international relations and political science at Mount Allison University and joined Elementary Literacy in 2016.
Catherine Barry — ELF Program Manager
catherine.berry@elfnb.comCatherine holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Educational Psychology and has experience teaching elementary and high school. Catherine is passionate about reading and the impact it has on lives from childhood to adulthood. Catherine is on maternity leave until 2021.
Janis Walker — Program Coordinator
janis.walker@elfnb.comJanis has been an ELF program coordinator since 2012. She is a retired elementary teacher and literacy mentor from Fredericton. She developed the program curriculum and volunteer training materials for the ELF program.
Joanie Guignard
Joanie@clefnb.comManager of the CLEF program since 2012, Joanie believes in the strength of communities. She holds a bachelor’s in information-communications from the Université de Moncton and has extensive experience in the school system.
Melissa McKinnon — Acting ELF Program Manager
melissa.mckinnon@elfnb.comMelissa has experience in elementary education and English as a second language. Helping children learn to read and become healthy, confident individuals creates strong communities, which is also very important to her.
Sara Magill — Fundraising and Partnerships Lead
sara.magill@elementaryliteracynb.comSince joining ELI in 2019, Sara has collaborated with community members and partners to make a difference in the lives of children across the province. She holds a BA with a major in psychology from UNB.
Board Members
Our directors are leaders in business, community and government who provide invaluable strategic direction.
Dr. Shelley Rinehart
Dean of Business, University of NB
Executive Member
Roxanne Fairweather
CEO, Innovatia
Executive Member
Hon. Dr. Marilyn Trenholme-Counsell
Past President, New Brunswick Literacy Coalition and literacy advocate
Member
Patrick Lacroix
President, PGTL Public Affairs
Member
Marcel Lavoie
Deputy Minister, Francophone Sector, Department of Education and Early Childhood
Member
Gerald Richard
Deputy Minister, Health
Member
George Daly
Deputy Minister, Anglophone Sector, Department of Education and Early Childhood
William Dever
Retired lawyer
Member
Get Involved
Share the gift of reading with a New Brunswick child. A little of your time can have a huge impact on their life.