About
Beyond Literacy
ABOUT US
Our History
In spring 2021, the merger between Center for Literacy (CFL) and Community Learning Center (CLC) brought together 87 total years of literacy experience that has created lasting, positive impacts, not just for individual students, but for their families and the community at large. By uniting together, the combined agency – renamed Beyond Literacy – goes above and beyond to offer strong transformational services and classes to those seeking a way to a better life.
Center for Literacy: Born as a volunteer tutoring program in 1968 in West Philadelphia, Center for Literacy (CFL) quickly expanded to other areas of Philadelphia in need of adult tutoring. The demand soon exceeded the availability of volunteer tutors, prompting CFL to add classroom instruction and, eventually, GED® preparation classes. In 1986, JoAnn Weinberger became Executive Director and, alongside education leader Marilyn DeWitt, transformed CFL from a small community program into the largest provider of adult and family literacy services in the country. Under JoAnn’s nearly 30 years of leadership, CFL served up to 4,000 learners annually at nearly 100 sites citywide and became a national model for adult education. JoAnn was also a key voice in statewide advocacy, founding the Pennsylvania State Coalition for Adult Literacy and helping to secure critical public funding. In 2019, CFL’s headquarters and classes relocated to Peirce College with additional classes held at neighborhood locations across Philadelphia.
Community Learning Center: In 1987, founder Jean Fleschute launched an adult education program called Community Learning Center (CLC), meeting a dire local need for adults who had not finished high school. Starting with 67 students, Ms. Fleschute and devoted volunteers taught classes in the Germantown, Kensington, and West Oak Lane neighborhoods and began CLC’s hallmark of student-centered education that promotes a love of lifelong learning. In 1994, Community Learning Center became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Throughout its history CLC, established its reputation as an outcome-driven organization.
Beyond Literacy
Greater capacity. Greater impact.
Together we have the ability and opportunity to reach, serve, and impact more individuals, families, and communities. As the largest literacy organization in Philadelphia, we are positioned to provide more opportunities to our learners than ever before through innovative partnerships, accessible services, and close relationships with diverse communities citywide.
Beyond Literacy
Our Mission
To expand opportunities and improve lives by unleashing the power of literacy through free, high-quality education.
Our Vision
Adults empowered beyond literacy; children, youth, and families inspired; our communities thriving; our city transformed.
Our Values
Belonging: We create a positive environment where all learners may experience a sense of belonging and worth.
Equity: We provide equal access to education to combat systemic injustices that lead to unequal opportunities.
Lifelong learning: We believe everyone can learn and grow throughout their lives.
Inclusion: We foster an inclusive space in which all cultures, traditions, and social identities are welcomed.
Transparency: We are sincere and accountable to each other and our community.
Financial Statements from Beyond Literacy
Click here to view our financial statements for transparency.
Strategic Plan Executive Summary
Click here to view our Strategic Plan Executive Summary.
2025 Impact Report
Click here to view our 2025 Impact Report.
2024 Impact Report
Click here to view our 2024 Impact Report.
2023 Impact Report
Click here to view our 2023 Impact Report.
2022 Impact Report
Click here to view our 2022 Impact Report.
2021 Impact Report
Click here to view our 2021 Impact Report.
BOARD
Board of Directors
Enrico Crispo | President | IKEA
JLy | Vice President | IBX Foundation
Terry Goggans | Treasurer | Citizens Bank
Ivy McDaniels | Secretary | Alliance for Decision Education
Denise Cifelli | University of Pennsylvania
Jeffrey Daman | Daman and Associates
Alison DiFlorio | Exude Human Capital
Charlie Douglas | Comcast
Hon. James Giles | Blank Rome Law Offices
Beth Gonzales | Xiente
Michelle Grimley | Teachtown
Keith Henderson | PECO
David Logan | Pennsylvania Machine Works
Clair Johnson | Deloitte Consulting
Julie Jones | Drexel University Paul Rathblott | PLR Consulting
Roy Pappan | PECO
Doug Simon | Tactix Gerry Smith | Blueprint Commercial Kristyn Stewart | The Pew Charitable Trusts Rachele Styer | PECO
Golub Capital Board Fellows
Maggie Doyle
Jessica Herrera Chaidez Tasnoba Nusrat
STAFF
Leadership Team
Co-Interim CEO | Chief Program and Impact Officer
Dawn Hannah, M.A.
Dawn’s leadership is grounded in BeLit’s core values of Belonging, Equity, Lifelong Learning, Inclusion, and Transparency. As one of the first in her family to attend college—and the first to earn an advanced degree—Dawn brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, translating BeLit’s values into purposeful action that transforms lives and expands opportunity.
Before joining BeLit, Dawn held leadership roles at Congreso de Latinos Unidos, the Center for Literacy, and the Community Learning Center. She began her career teaching ESL, GED, and developmental English at the Community College of Philadelphia before contributing to research at the University of Pennsylvania’s National Center on Adult Literacy.
Get in touch with Dawn at [email protected]
C0-Interim CEO | Chief Operating Officer
Sara Manning
Sara joined Beyond Literacy as Chief Operating Officer in August 2023. She has held senior leadership positions at Mental Health Partnerships, The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, White-Williams Scholars (now Heights Philadelphia) and the American Heart Association. Sara has 18 years of nonprofit management experience in development, communications, operations, board relations, and events. In her prior roles, she built her expertise in implementing new systems for greater efficiencies, leading efforts to increase and diversify organizational revenues, and raising brand awareness.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, Sara held several account management positions in major broadcast, cable, print and radio with Fox Philadelphia, KYW-TV, Metro Philadelphia and Radio One. During her tenure, she spearheaded creative partnerships with several nonprofit organizations resulting in increased community engagement and exposure for all parties.
Sara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Temple University and is a first-generation college graduate. An active member in her South Jersey community, Sara is a founding board member of The Victory Group, a nonprofit based in Westville, NJ, which addresses basic needs within surrounding underserved communities around food insecurity, clothing essentials, education, and job training. Early in her career, Sara served as a volunteer for the Center for Literacy. She is excited that her career journey has brought her full circle to Beyond Literacy.
Get in touch with Sara at smanning@beyondliteracy.org
Chief Advancement Officer
Kieran Farrell
Throughout her 25-year career in social services, Kieran Farrell has dedicated her work to supporting a wide range of vulnerable populations. Her experience includes working alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, those navigating mental health challenges or substance use disorders, and adults pursuing education as a pathway to transforming their lives. Across every role and setting, a consistent thread has guided her work: a deep respect for the extraordinary lives at the heart of the work, and for the educators, service providers, advocates, and partners committed to supporting and uplifting those lives.
Director of Education & Fiscal Compliance
Gianna Brisbone, M.S.
Gianna is dedicated to helping others utilize education to become the best versions of themselves. She grew up in North Philadelphia and experienced many of the systemic inequities that still plague urban areas today. Thankfully, she was able to receive excellent educational experiences. It was those experiences that allowed her to gain access to a variety of opportunities. She believes that having options makes all the difference in life. Therefore, she strives to ensure that others receive high-quality academic instruction, so that they will have choices about what they want to do with their lives and who they want to become.
Gianna currently serves as the Director of Education for Beyond Literacy. Her previous roles include Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies teacher, In-House Professional Development Specialist, Academic Coordinator, and Neuroscience researcher. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science in Neuroscience degrees from Delaware State University. She also earned her Master of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Get in touch with Gianna at [email protected]
Director of student services
Kelly Griebert
Kelly is invested in building and strengthening community to foster the development of a more equitable world. She is passionate about how Beyond Literacy’s focus on providing adults and families with access to high quality education plays a small, but impactful, role in this work.
Kelly graduated from The College of New Jersey with a degree in Biology and minors in Spanish and Gender Studies. Initially unsure of the type of job she wanted to pursue, Kelly began working as an SAT & ACT tutor for high school students. She quickly found a home in the education field, but was eager to utilize her skills and experience in an administrative capacity. After tutoring for two years, Kelly began working as an Intake Coordinator and Office Associate at Community Learning Center (CLC). She has since held a few different positions at CLC and BeLit that have enabled her to help develop an intake and enrollment process that makes it easier for prospective learners to begin their education journeys. Kelly currently serves as the Director of Enrollment & Placement.
Get in touch with Kelly at [email protected]
STAFF
Staff
Cassie Alexander | Development Coordinator
Niema Alfred | Intake Coordinator
Michael Antosch, M.Ed. | Education Manager & ESOL Instructor
Debbie Arnold Brown | Communications Coordinator
Karen Bennett | Instructor
Scott Bostwich | Intake Coordinator
Imani Burrus | Instructor
Tiffani Clemons | Administrative Assistant/Receptionist
Suzy Czarkowski, M.Ed., M.A. | Instructor
Ashley Davis | Instructor
Jemal Davis | Facilities and IT Coordinator
Christine Decque | Instructor
Susan DeSeyn | Business Operations Specialist
Steven Doncaster | Student Enrollment Specialist
Patricia Haggerty | Instructor
Song Han | Instructor
Emma Harris | Student Support Coordinator
Steve Hawkins, M.Ed. | Instructor
Aliocha Haynes | Instructor and Intake Coordinator
Clarece Hicks | Intake Coordinator
Kristen Hodge | Data and Intake Coordinator
Andrew Hoffman | ESOL Data Quality Specialist
Mercy Howard | Student Support Manager
Mara Imms | Instructor
Lorna Laster-Jackson | Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Gabrielle Lanciano | School Partnerships Manager
Joanne Laub | Education Manager & Instructor
Joe McGee | Student Support Coordinator
Carolanne Mitchell | Instructor
Tim Morris, Ph.D | Instructor
Vinny Ong | ABASE Data Quality Specialist
Megan Reamer | Instructor
Tori Reese | Student Support Coordinator
Iris Rivera | Intake Coordinator
Heather Robinson | Instructor
Chelsea Romulus | Instructor
Alex Sampugnaro | Instructor
Vivian Sevcik | Intake & ESOL SSP Coordinator
Alexis Smith, M.A. | Instructor
Mike Stevens | Instructor
Vicki Szondy | Instructional Technology Specialist
Nicole Tomassi | Instructor
Calli Umipig | Tutor & Volunteer Manager/Instructor
Melissa Valle | Instructor
Dan Waters | Instructional Technology Manager
Marquita Williams | Instructor
Jelani Wilson | Student Support Coordinator
Samira Woods, M.A | Instructor