As the original medical advisor to the Raising Readers program, I have long been a supporter of literacy efforts in Maine and across the country. Today we speak with Liza McFadden and Becky Dyer of the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation, which is 25 years old this year. We also speak with Cassandra Grantham, Kathryn Landon-Malone and Catherine Anderson about Raising Readers, which is in its 15th year.
Liza McFadden is president of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She is known for her work in the development of creative and sustainable public-private partnerships that respond to critical community needs. Liza’s volunteer efforts to support education include her past appointment by President George W. Bush and confirmation by the Senate to serve on the National Institute for Literacy Board. In her home state of Florida, Liza has served as volunteer chairman of the innovative Florida Schools of Excellence Board, designed to sponsor and approve charter schools at the state level. She also serves on the Friends of Florida State Parks. In her hometown, she serves on the board of the Tallahassee Challenger Center, which promotes science and space, and the John Paul II Catholic High School.
Becky Dyer has worked in adult education for over 35 years. While working in Maine Department of Education, she administered the Maine Family Literacy Initiative in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Today she works for the national nonprofit as the Director of Research and Program Development for the national nonprofit. Becky serves as trainer and speaker for educational organizations across the country. She and her husband, Don, live on Pequawket Lake in Limington, Maine.
Cassandra Grantham is the program director for child health and Raising Readers at MaineHealth. She has a master’s degree in health communication and two children.
Kathryn Landon-Malone is a pediatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in pediatric health care. She is most interested in providing health care for children that focuses on keeping kids healthy. She has been on the Raising Readers Book Selection Committee for eight years. She currently practices at True North in Falmouth.
Catherine Anderson is a parent who has benefited from Raising Readers and has been a Language Arts teacher for 15 years. She has two boys, ages six and nine. She is also on the Raising Readers Book Selection Committee.
