Family Literacy Coordinator
Karen Tillis is a fierce advocate for education, community and equity, and is excited to bring these values to her role as RLC’s Family Literacy Program Coordinator. Karen’s passion for reading began as a preschooler obsessed with LeVar Burton’s Reading Rainbow, but it was further fueled by the desire to help others achieve their full potential. She received her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies followed by a post-baccalaureate degree in education. She taught 4K, 5th grade, and was a school secretary. Karen also served on a board of directors for a nonprofit organization whose mission was to tutor and coach student athletes. She enjoys teaching Zumba and finding an excuse to wear a costume. Contact Karen at ktillis@racineliteracy.com

Director of Communications & Development
Annette’s communication career started in Public Affairs working for the U.S. Army both in the United States and abroad. She went on to co-found a language-education YouTube Channel with 1 million+ subscribers. The author of five books, Annette is a passionate advocate for literacy and access to opportunities for people with disabilities. Annette graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University and is an alumna of the Defense Information School, Wisconsin’s Partners in Policymaking program and Up With People. She’s the mother of three amazing kids, and together they’ve traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe and Central America. Contact Annette at afournier@racineliteracy.com

Director of Student Admissions & Success
Tihané (Tia) Adams came to the Racine Literacy Council in February 2023 as an intern and was quickly hired as the organization’s first Community Engagement Specialist. Tia recently graduated from UW Parkside with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her time in college, Tia helped various classmates with their schooling and academic planning. Through that she learned she enjoys helping students reach their academic goals and plan the best academic and career pathways for themselves. Outside of work Tia enjoys spending quality time with family, friends and other people's pets. Contact Tia at tadams@racineliteracy.com

Bilingual Family Literacy Program Assistant and Administrative Assistant
Melissa originally volunteered as a tutor in RLC’s Family Literacy program, but is now evolving in her new role. She graduated from UW-Parkside with a B.A. in Spanish and is passionate about helping the Spanish-speaking community. Melissa enjoys helping and giving back to the Spanish-speaking community. Melissa grew up in a Spanish-speaking family and knows the struggles of not understanding English. She hopes to reach that community through her work and help them reach their goals and access opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and doggy. Contact Melissa at mdamas@racineliteracy.com

Bilingual Administrative Assistant
Maria Maldonado was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and came to the United States with her parents when she was six years old. Her family settled in Texas where Maria spent most of her childhood before moving to Racine as an adult. Maria is a Bilingual Executive Assistant at Racine Literacy Council, a job she enjoys because she can make a difference to those who have recently immigrated to the United States. She is passionate about helping people learning English and helping families.

Bilingual Family Literacy Program Assistant and Science Instructor
Julia works with both children and adults at RLC, teaching science in our Adult Basic Education and GED prep programs, and with children and caregivers with our Family Literacy program. Julia is a natural teacher who loves to see the excitement of students grasping concepts and making real progress. Outside of RLC, Julia loves volunteering with her church and spending time with her husband and daughter. Contact Julia at jarntson@racineliteracy.com.

Bilingual Digital Instructor
Layla teaches Computer Essentials and does One-on-One Computer Tutoring. She is currently a student at Gateway Technical College studying Business Management. She found Racine Literacy Council through her internship with the City of Racine's DCN Grant Program. This internship not only introduced her to the center, but to the on-going need for Digital Literacy within the community. As the grant came to an end, Layla was hired as Racine Literacy's Digital Instructor July 2026. Through her work here, she aspires to help the community by sharing her knowledge and making sure everyone has the tools they need to become digitally literate. Contact Layla at lcoronado@racineliteracy.com.

Driver’s Education Teacher
During Richard’s 38 years in education, he worked as a principal and superintendent. He has been teaching future drivers for more than 25 years at RLC. Richard is a resident of western Racine County and has been an active community volunteer, doing income taxes for AARP, serving on the boards of the Lakeshores Library System, Walworth County Literacy Council and the Town of Dover Planning and Zoning. He has been a 4-H leader for nearly 60 years and is involved in the Hispanic Round Table and Hispanic Business & Professional Assoc.