West Jersey Reading Council Officers

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I currently serve as the Co-President of the West Jersey Reading Council. I am also a member of NJLA, ILA, and NJAMLE. 

I am an Assistant Principal at Penns Grove High School in the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District. I was formerly the Reading Specialist at Helen A. Fort Middle School in Pemberton Township, a Special Education Teacher in Robbinsville Public Schools, and a 4th Grade Teacher in East Brunswick. I am also a Senior Adjunct Professor at Rowan College at Burlington County, where I teach Literacy Pedagogy courses in the 3+1 Education Program. I absolutely adore working with pre-service teachers. Their passion is contagious!

I was fortunate to be awarded Education Services Professional of the Year during the 2021-2022 school year at Helen A. Fort Middle School. I was also the 2021-2022 recipient of the Mary Cudemo-Schurig Award. 

I am very lucky to work with high quality educators that consistently push me to be the best that I can be. I hope to see you at a WJRC event, as a scholarship applicant, or literacy initiative applicant! 

Please contact me at kristin.edwards21@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter @kedwards51 if you wish to connect!

I am a 17-year veteran teacher with a passion for bringing learning to life. This is my second year serving as co-president of WJRC. I previously served as recording secretary. 

I strive to create an authentic learning environment for my students every day. I serve on numerous district-level committees and have written curriculum for reading, writing, social science, health and gifted and talented instruction. 

Prior to becoming an educator, I worked as an Emmy-nominated news producer and a public relations account executive. I bring my previous job experience into the classroom to exemplify the value of school learning and its connection to the real world. 

My students have researched, written, and produced authentic TED Talks, communicated and collaborated with others across the globe on numerous projects, and were featured on multiple Japanese news show (NHK and FUJI-TV) for their work on The Peace Crane Project. A group of my 8th graders presented live to an international audience of more than 125 countries as part of the United Nations Day of Solutions with a focus on SDG 4. 

I proudly hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership as well as a Supervisor Certification. 

Words are an important part of my life, and WJRC is such a wonderful avenue for sharing words with so many people. From early on I was a book lover, hiding books all over my home so no matter where I was (or what I was supposed to be doing) there was always a book nearby. 

I am retired from the Pemberton Twp. Schools, where I was a special education teacher and reading specialist for 34 years, and I also retired from the College of New Jersey, where I was an adjunct professor with the Special Education, Language, and Literacy department.

An extraordinary experience I had was as a Reading Coach for the State of NJ, where I was able to work with teachers to help improve their literacy instruction. I have been vice-president, president-elect, and then president of West Jersey twice, an honor I cherish. I am a Little Free Library Steward, sponsoring a library in front of my house, and providing books for two food pantries, so families can get books for their children when they come to get food.

Two other word-related activities I am able to pursue are running a Book Club for Zonta (an international organization providing support and advocacy for women and children), and writing the Prayer of the Faithful for my church each week. 

Best part of retirement is having more time to read and talk about books, which I get to do each spring for West Jersey with my annual "Spring into New Books" workshop. I hope to meet you at some future WJRC event!

This is my first year as corresponding secretary with the WJRC board.  

Currently, I teach fourth grade in Mount Laurel Township, however, in another lifetime, I was a secondary social studies teacher.  So, when I was fortunate enough to be offered a position at the elementary level after my own three children went through the district, I wanted to gather as much information about current literacy education as I could.  Thanks to a Parkway School colleague, my husband and I signed up for a Fall Conference and the rest was history!  

I have found the members of WJRC to be a wonderful pool of mentors who help me grow my literacy mindset. As a professional development webinar-addict, I have learned so much from the incredible program offerings.  But, most of all, I feel honored to be part of this board because they are just a wonderful group of people! What better place to be, than a place surrounded by book lovers!  Thank you for all of your contributions to our newsletter.  Keep sending those in!

I’m the recording secretary of the WJRC. I’m also a lecturer at Rowan University, where I am the coordinator of the Reading Clinic, which has been serving South Jersey for more than 80 years. 

Before that, I was an elementary and middle school teacher in the Camden City schools, as well as a literacy leader and literacy coach. 

Although I teach a variety of literacy courses at Rowan University, I am always all about the books. I love reading the many multicultural kids’ books that have been released in recent years, and I love even more seeing these books used in classrooms. I enjoy watching football and basketball, but I always have a book close by!

I was born Siri Hammarstrom in 1958, the middle of 3 girls 2 years apart in a family of 5. My only home (until marriage) was in Gladstone, NJ. I aspired to be like my older sister and got into the National Honor Society and volunteered in the high school library and Guidance Office during my free time. Weekends, I loved visiting the residents of the Matheny School for Cerebral Palsied Children. I started as a Brownie Girl Scout and eventually went so often we were like honorary staff.

Those experiences led me to major in Special Education at Trenton State College(Class of ’80), even though I always thought I would write a book; so, I double majored as a Teacher of English. I started teaching Special Ed. at the Midway School in Lumberton (where the students wanted me to counsel them) and then was employed by the Riverside Board of Education teaching 7th-12th grade special education (various courses: English, Math, Social Studies) while working on my Masters in Student Personnel Services at The College of New Jersey. 

After my Masters, I worked as a School Counselor in the Pemberton Twp. School District for 30 years in both the elementary & middle schools, retiring in 2018.

I am happily married to Neil Vokes, my husband of 42 years and a proud mother to my daughter Erin(29) who followed in my footsteps as a Direct Service Provider working with handicapped women for Allies.

My hobbies include reading and playing word games on my tablet (favorites include: 7 Words, Red Herring & Monkey Wrench). I try to keep busy by volunteering at the Moorestown Visiting Nurse Association in their bereavement department and at their annual Camp Firefly for children ages 7-14.  I am also excited to be a new member of WJRC as Treasurer. 

I am a proud graduate of Camden County College and Rutgers University-Camden. I also recently earned my masters degree in curriculum and instruction from the American College of Education. I revel in teaching 8th-grade English Language Arts at Lindenwold Middle School. 

As a former ELA interventionist, I believe in the profound power of reading to elevate one’s future, and I am passionate about developing lifelong readers who think critically about their communities. 

Besides serving on the board of the West Jersey Reading Council, I serve as Vice President for the New Jersey Council of Teachers of English (NJCTE.org). I am a self-proclaimed tech geek, and I am always up for a challenge and committed to elevating those around me. I have presented at area conferences including WJRC, NJCTE, Summer D.I.V.E., and NJAMLE, and I encourage you to do the same! 

I am committed to sharing a love of reading with my students, so I maintain an extensive classroom library and regularly attend conferences where I bring home suitcases of books for my students. Be sure to ask me if you need help building your own classroom library! 

I enjoy singing with an a cappella women’s trio, gazing at flowers, binging on movies, and firmly believe that books and chocolate are a natural pairing that should be savored together.

I am currently in the 3 + 1 Inclusive Education program at RCBC and will graduate next year. I am excited, yet anxious, to start senior year in the Fall. 

I have been placed at Springfield Elementary in a 6th grade classroom for my clinical experience. I am interested in working with students of disability whether it be at a special services school, inclusive setting, pull-out, or resource room. I am also certified as a soccer referee and physical therapist assistant.

I want to thank Kristin Edwards for giving me the opportunity to be a part of WJRC; I think this will be a great volunteer experience and I look forward to progressing and learning with all of you. I have taken leadership with scholarships and Sunshine! 

My hobbies include hiking, crocheting, reading (I do not read as much as I would like to though), playing sports, and running. 

This picture is a recent trip I took to Yosemite National Park and it was the Mist trail that I hiked (1,000 feet elevation and 630 steps leading to top of waterfall). I highly recommend everyone to visit Yosemite Park if you haven’t yet. I would like to make a crochet sweater this summer. I am currently reading “Alcatraz From Inside” by Jim Quillen which is about one man’s journey escaping Alcatraz. 

I am playing softball and soccer this summer. If anyone wants to join, let me know. My softball team is always looking for women to play and my soccer games are just indoor pick up games at XL sports in Mt. Laurel.

I’m a recent member of WJRC Board of Trustees but a long time member of the organization. I have an MA in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Reading Education and a Reading Specialist certification from Rowan University.

Over my thirty plus years in education I’ve taught preschool, fifth grade, and sixth grade.Currently I am a Reading Specialist in the Audubon School District and also act as an RTI Coordinator for the district. In these roles I work with students in grades 3 through 6 supporting their growth in literacy, organize literacy events in the district, and work with teachers to enhance and support literacy instruction.

Additionally, I serve on our district’s Intervention and Referral Services team.I am also a founding and current member of our PBIS (Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports) Committee; we’ve just been recognized nationally by Character.org for our “Promising Practice.” 

As part of the Audubon Education Foundation I work with community partners to raise funds for the district and approve grants for teachers.

I was honored to be selected as Educator of the Year at Mansion Ave. Elementary School in 2019. I continue to look for opportunities to grow as an educator and am inspired by the amazing staff and students I am so fortunate to work with each day.

I enjoy spending time with my husband, three sons, their significant others, and my Border Collie, Charlie. Of course I am an avid reader and participate in book clubs in my free time. I look forward to seeing where my role in WJRC leads me next!

I am a new board member and look forward to engaging in literacy related dialogue. I have a bachelor’s degree in special/elementary education, a master’s degree in special education/reading, and a doctoral degree in reading and literacy.

I have been an adjunct professor for 15 years with over 10 years of online experience. I serve as the high school reading specialist at Gateway Regional High School. 

I have a passion about learning and teaching researched best practices in literacy instruction. I believe in using diagnostic assessment to guide my differentiated instruction in the classroom. I use ongoing progress monitoring to adjust my instruction and enhance student achievement. I believe in learning communities and teacher facilitated peer led discussions. 

This past year, I hosted a literacy event at my school district which included a magician, Barnes and Noble, crafts, and food. The best part was each child walked away with a book. I also presented at the Atlantic City Convention Center. I look forward to presenting again this fall. 

Currently, I am involved in a research group through Saint Joseph’s University that is working to develop a higher level thinking electronic multiple choice assessment to determine reading levels. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. I have been married for 10 years with three children. I have two daughters, Riley is 8 years old and Aurora is 3. My son, Brody, is 6 years old. I also enjoy reading and running.

I have been with WJRC since my mentor, Susan Yoder, WJRC President at the time, asked me to join the board…several years ago and honestly, I can’t remember what year I started!  

I was the Vice President for several years before recently stepping down this past May. My biggest accomplishment with WJRC has been my involvement with the Fall Conference, where I have been the lead on the committee for several years.

I taught in Cherry Hill for the past 30 years, from which I recently retired from.  I have a degree in Early Childhood from Wheelock College, and a M.S. in elementary education from Fordham University.  I taught Kindergarten, First and Second grades for 24 years before moving to a reading intervention position 6 years ago.  

Now that I’ve retired from teaching, it is my dream to work in a bookstore, and I hope that may be with Barnes and Nobles. I also want to continue working with students by reading 1:1 in a volunteer capacity.

I have been married for 32 years and I have one son. My favorite things to do are reading mystery novels, kayaking, hiking and camping, going home to New England to visit family and eat lots of seafood!  And of course, to watch the Philadelphia Eagles play football!