Virginia State Literacy Association

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Julie Dauksys!

“My name is Julie Dauksys and I am an assistant professor at Randolph-Macon College where I coordinate all fieldwork/clinical placements and teach literacy coursework for undergraduate students. I have been at RMC full time for a year and a half, but worked there as an adjunct for the past 15 years. Before I was full time at RMC I retired with 33 years as a specialized literacy professional, serving in both specialist and coaching roles for Hanover County Public Schools, grades K-8. Helping students learn how to break the code of reading, find enjoyment in books, and help schools develop a culture of literacy were my main goals. I live outside Ashland, Virginia with my husband Chris and 16 year old dog Sam. Our son, Evan, just graduated from Coastal Carolina University where he majored in Marine Science and is looking for an environmental consulting position near Conway, SC. Besides reading, one of my hobbies is planning for my Potter Proclivity course I teach at RMC in the Honors Program, which focuses on the human condition in the first four books of the Harry Potter canon.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

🎉📚 And just like that… it’s back-to-school time! 🍎✨

The halls are buzzing, classrooms are getting ready, books are finding their way onto shelves, and educators across Virginia are preparing for another year of learning, growing, and making a difference.

Whether you’re welcoming a brand-new class, reuniting with familiar faces, planning those first lessons, or simply trying to remember where you put your coffee… ☕️😂 — we hope your first days are filled with excitement, connection, and a little bit of magic.

Here’s to a school year filled with great books, curious minds, meaningful conversations, confident writers, and countless “aha!” moments. 📖💡

From all of us at the Virginia State Literacy Association, we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

Welcome back, educators. Thanks for all you do. ❤️📚

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Helen Bowman!

“I am Helen Bowman and I am a retired teacher from Charles City County Public Schools. I worked there for 15 years and taught Pre-K for one year, Kindergarten for 9 years, and was a Reading Teacher for 5 years. I was also employed at Williamsburg/James City County Head Start Program for 10 years.

I believe that all children should be given every possible opportunity to learn how to maneuver all areas of literacy. That their classrooms should be rich in literary materials in all areas of their studies. I continue to work with children weekly by teaching Sunday School at my church and I volunteer once a week at a local elementary school to assist students that need extra help in reading. I believe children should be read to in the womb and afforded reading materials at home starting as early as possible. I have a personal library of books on many different topics and can share with my grandchildren and other children. I also read a lot and have been in a book club for about 20 years. Reading can provide a lifetime of enjoyment!”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

Kinda chic with VSLA! Tag a friend or a speaker that you would like to see at this year’s conference!
https://vslatoday.org/Annual-Conference

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Danielle Kreassig!

“My name is Danielle Kreassig, and I bring over 20 years of experience in literacy education spanning PreK through graduate school, currently serving as an Educational Specialist for Literacy at TTAC at Old Dominion University, an Assistant Professor and Program Director for the M.Ed. Reading Specialist and TESOL programs at Regent University, and an adjunct faculty member in education at Tidewater Community College. My career has taken me through classroom teaching, instructional coaching, reading specialist work, and program leadership, always with a focus on building the capacity of educators to meet the needs of every learner. I hold an Ed.D. from The George Washington University, an M.Ed. in Reading Specialist from Regent University, and undergraduate and master's degrees in education from Old Dominion University.

For me, literacy is both a professional commitment and a deeply personal conviction. I have witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need, and I have seen equally the cost when students are left without that foundation. At a pivotal moment in Virginia's literacy landscape, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to help bridge research and classroom practice, ensuring that the field's shift toward evidence-based instruction reaches every teacher, every school, and every learner who depends on it. I am honored to join the VSLA Board as an At Large Member and look forward to contributing to the association's mission of advancing literacy for all Virginia learners.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our At-Large Member, Renee Russell!

“Throughout my 34 years in elementary education, literacy has been at the heart of everything I do. As a reading specialist, I have the privilege of working with students, teachers, and families to help children grow into confident readers and writers. Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have been watching a struggling reader gain confidence or seeing a child discover a book they cannot put down. I believe literacy is life-changing because it gives children a voice, builds their confidence, and opens opportunities for their future.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our Director of Membership Development, Chynita Turner-Pryor!

“I am a reading specialist for the York County School Division, now in my 30th year of teaching, focusing on student advocacy, educator empowerment, and equity. I hold a B.A. in IDS and a M.S. in Education from Old Dominion University, an M.A. in Reading, Language, and Literacy and a K-12 Administration endorsement from William and Mary. Trained in Leadership Coaching, LETRS, and Structured Literacy, I use these skills and strategies to enrich my students' literacy lives and support our staff. I served as an adjunct professor at Thomas Nelson Community College for seven years and led the Magruder Elementary Reading Team for over a decade, earning 2020 Teacher of the Year honors.

I am currently the Chair of Membership Development for the VSLA and served as president from 2016-2017. I am a member of the Peninsula and Williamsburg VSLA chapters and the Greater Williamsburg Women’s Association (GWWA) where we provide literacy resources for local Head Start students. I also co-chair our Cultural Arts Experience program in partnership with the Muscarelle Museum of Art. Additionally, I serve on the Let Freedom Ring Foundation Advisory Board and am an active member of First Baptist Church in Williamsburg. When I am not volunteering, I enjoy crafting/beading, discussing books with my book club, or spending time with my family in the Southwestern part of the state.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our Director of Marketing and Communications, Angie Kraje!

“Hi I’m Angie Kraje and I am honored to continue serving on the Board of Directors for the Virginia State Literacy Association as the Director of Marketing and Communications, including Webmaster and Social Media. This marks my sixth year serving on the board, and I have previously held the roles of Member-at-Large, Vice President, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. I am passionate about supporting VSLA’s mission ‘to lead in the advancement of literacy across the commonwealth’ and helping connect educators through meaningful communication and collaboration.

I live in Bedford County and work for Bedford County Public Schools as a Lead Teacher, currently serving two schools. Prior to this role, I spent nearly two decades in various roles, including classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach. I hold a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist and an EdS in Administration and Supervision. Outside of education, I enjoy being active in our thriving local theater community, where I perform in musicals and plays and direct youth theater productions.”

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

This week’s Board Member Monday introduction is our Conference Co-Chair, Rachel Simmers!

"Hi, I’m Rachel Simmers! I live in Pulaski County and have spent the last 22 years in the classroom. After receiving my Master's in Literacy Education from Radford University in 2018, I transitioned into my current role as a Reading Specialist for Pulaski County Public Schools.

To me, literacy is the ultimate key—it unlocks worlds and endless possibilities for our students. My favorite part of the job is 'breaking the code' for struggling readers and seeing that spark of confidence take over.

I’ve always been someone who leaves a good conference feeling energized and ready to hit the ground running; now, I’m thrilled to be on the board helping to plan a conference that does that very same thing for you."

Be sure to check back each Monday for a new introduction. We also sent out a Special Edition Newsletter in May! For a complete list, check your email or visit the following link! https://vslatoday.org/Board-of-Directors

Read. Write. Rise: The Power of Literacy Starts Here 📕📖📘

Save the date and join us in Williamsburg March 15-17, 2027!