| All rights reserved |
| OUR MISSION 501(c)(3) community-based organization that seeks to reduce social and economic inequities among groups in the Western New York area through empowering literacy programs for school-age children, adult learners, and community organizations. |
GOALS
- Open a quality reading clinic for the diagnosis of reading difficulties
- Improve the literacy abilities of school-age children and adults
- Improve and enrich the lives of children and adults in school and
- Promote literacy as a tool for self-determination and empowerment
- Serve as a literacy resource for the community
About Us
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| We believe that literacy should encourage people to challenge and change their world, not merely, uncritically, adapt themselves to it |
Dr. Richardson's vision helped inspire the formation of L.E.A.P. She was the
driving force behind the creation and development of the Literacy Center at
Canisius College where she served as its Director for three years. She
received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Reading Education from the State
University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds a Masters in Library
Science with a concentration in school library media, as well as a Masters
of Education specializing in reading education. Certified in both areas, she
worked in several public school districts before pursuing her doctoral work.
Her research interests include critical literacy, urban education, school
reform, class and educational achievement, and using technology to
improve teacher preparation.
driving force behind the creation and development of the Literacy Center at
Canisius College where she served as its Director for three years. She
received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Reading Education from the State
University of New York at Buffalo. She also holds a Masters in Library
Science with a concentration in school library media, as well as a Masters
of Education specializing in reading education. Certified in both areas, she
worked in several public school districts before pursuing her doctoral work.
Her research interests include critical literacy, urban education, school
reform, class and educational achievement, and using technology to
improve teacher preparation.
Cheryl has worked closely with Dr. Richardson for almost a decade; she
holds a BA in Criminal Justice and is currently working towards
completing her graduate degree. Cheryl has worked in Education,
specifically the non-profit sector for many years. She has worked with
the African Cultural Center, Buffalo's "Read to Succeed" Coalition, the
Literacy Center at Canisius, Cheektowaga-Sloan Union Free School
District, the Sheridan- Parkside Community Center and many more.
Cheryl's interests include cutting edge technology, empowering literacy,
social justice and the criminal mind. She is also a member of the New
York State Minorities in Criminal Justice.
holds a BA in Criminal Justice and is currently working towards
completing her graduate degree. Cheryl has worked in Education,
specifically the non-profit sector for many years. She has worked with
the African Cultural Center, Buffalo's "Read to Succeed" Coalition, the
Literacy Center at Canisius, Cheektowaga-Sloan Union Free School
District, the Sheridan- Parkside Community Center and many more.
Cheryl's interests include cutting edge technology, empowering literacy,
social justice and the criminal mind. She is also a member of the New
York State Minorities in Criminal Justice.
Carol graduated Magna Cum Laude from with a BA in Psychology and
worked in the medical field for many years before pursuing her dream of
becoming a teacher. She received her Master of Science in Education and
Reading Certification from Canisius Faculty in the Graduate School of
Education. She holds dual certifications in Elementary Education and
Reading and is currently a Reading Specialist for the Buffalo Public
Schools.
worked in the medical field for many years before pursuing her dream of
becoming a teacher. She received her Master of Science in Education and
Reading Certification from Canisius Faculty in the Graduate School of
Education. She holds dual certifications in Elementary Education and
Reading and is currently a Reading Specialist for the Buffalo Public
Schools.
| Founder | President of the Board of Directors | Executive Director |
Founder | V. President of the Board of Directors | Treasurer | Program Director
Founder | V. President of the Board of Directors | Secretary | Development Director
| EXECUTIVE BOARD |
Dr. Gillian Richardson
Board President
Executive Director, LEAP of WNY
Cheryl Jessel-Yates
Board Vice-President/Treasurer
GEICO Insurance/Program Director for LEAP of WNY
Carol Peszko
Board Vice-President/Secretary
Reading Specialist, Buffalo Public School District/Development Director for LEAP of WNY
Nancy H. Nielsen, M.D., Ph.D.
President-Elect of the American Medical Association, Interim Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, University at
Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Susan Paige
Faculty, Exceptional Education Department, Buffalo State College
Richard Scalzo
School Counselor, retired
Carolyn Nero
Assistant Principal, Buffalo School #66, North Park Middle Academy
Mary Margaret Aprile
Manager of Human Resources, Time Warner Cable Corporation
Honorable Frank Caruso
Justice, New York State Supreme Court
Petra Mencia
Buffalo City Schools, Bilingual Special Education, School Administration and Supervision
Holly Quicksey
Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Buffalo State College
Patricia Merino
Marketing Consultant
Marie Romano
M&T Bank
Sheila Csicseri
Town of Tonawanda Youth, Parks & Recreation Department
Sheridan Youth Center
Ken Pomichter
Advertising Account Executive
Tonawanda News
Ashley Yates
High School Student
Jr Executive Board Member
Board President
Executive Director, LEAP of WNY
Cheryl Jessel-Yates
Board Vice-President/Treasurer
GEICO Insurance/Program Director for LEAP of WNY
Carol Peszko
Board Vice-President/Secretary
Reading Specialist, Buffalo Public School District/Development Director for LEAP of WNY
Nancy H. Nielsen, M.D., Ph.D.
President-Elect of the American Medical Association, Interim Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, University at
Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Dr. Susan Paige
Faculty, Exceptional Education Department, Buffalo State College
Richard Scalzo
School Counselor, retired
Carolyn Nero
Assistant Principal, Buffalo School #66, North Park Middle Academy
Mary Margaret Aprile
Manager of Human Resources, Time Warner Cable Corporation
Honorable Frank Caruso
Justice, New York State Supreme Court
Petra Mencia
Buffalo City Schools, Bilingual Special Education, School Administration and Supervision
Holly Quicksey
Assistant to the Dean, School of Education, Buffalo State College
Patricia Merino
Marketing Consultant
Marie Romano
M&T Bank
Sheila Csicseri
Town of Tonawanda Youth, Parks & Recreation Department
Sheridan Youth Center
Ken Pomichter
Advertising Account Executive
Tonawanda News
Ashley Yates
High School Student
Jr Executive Board Member