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Alberta
Our key initiatives and locations include:
Programs are accessible to children and adults looking to strengthen reading, writing, math, soft skills, and digital skills.
We collaborate with a wide network of organizations across the province, including local schools, friendship societies, newcomer agencies, public libraries, other non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities.
JoAnne Hartigan - Regional Manager, Alberta
For any questions regarding our programs in Alberta
[email protected]
1-800-555-6523 ext. 3402
JoAnne joined United for Literacy in 2019 as Reading Support / Community Coordinator in Lethbridge. Since 2024, she is the Regional Manager, Alberta, and she has 25+ years teaching children and adults.
Callista Olivares - Regional Coordinator, Alberta
For details on camp programs
✉️ [email protected]
📞 780-487-4787
Callista joined United for Literacy in 2021 and has held five roles since. She is currently Regional Coordinator. Calista has a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, with professional interests in social justice, policy, and community engagement.
Alysse Billings - Community Coordinator, Edmonton, Alberta
For information on Edmonton programs and Edmonton online and in-person volunteer opportunities
✉️ [email protected]
📞 780-289-3646
Alysse has over 4 years as Edmonton Community Coordinator. She is interested in neurodivergence, learning differences, social-emotional development, and positive/developmental psychology. She is pursuing further education in Counselling.
Alexis Marconi - Community Coordinator, Lethbridge, Alberta
For information on Lethbridge programs / volunteer opportunities
✉️ [email protected]
📞 403-894-6757
Alexis joined United for Literacy in January 2025. She holds a B.A. in English and Gender Studies and has a background teaching specialized aquatic courses and managing competitive and recreational swim teams as Head Coach.
Morgan Cole - Community Coordinator, Grande Prairie, Alberta
For information on Grande Prairie programs / volunteer opportunities ✉️ [email protected]
📞 519-410-3032
Morgan has over four years as Grande Prairie Community Coordinator. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is professionally interested in community engagement, empowering children through literacy, and continuous learning.
Nawal Hejjo - Instructor Coordinator, Edmonton, Alberta
Nawal joined United for Literacy in 2023 as an Instructor Coordinator. She has an educational background in Business Accounting and Literature and is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that connect education with real-world skills and community impact.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
United for Literacy has been active in the Prairie provinces since 1906. We provide free, flexible programs that help children, youth, adults, and families in underserved areas build skills and confidence. We work closely with local partners, staff, and volunteers in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon, Saskatoon, and surrounding First Nation communities.
Annual Highlights
Regions and Programming
Programs and Services
Access programs in Manitoba and Saskatchewan
Partnerships are at the heart of our work. United for Literacy collaborates with a wide network of organizations across the province, including:
These collaborations allow programs to be deeply embedded in communities, offering locally relevant and culturally responsive literacy support.
Read about our mobile children's literacy partnership with Brandon Area Community Foundation.
Allie Gensiorek - Regional Manager - Manitoba & Saskatchewan
For questions regarding donations or programming opportunities, or if you would like to discuss partnering with our organization ✉️ [email protected]
📞 (204)688-7358
Allie supports a team of five Community and Instructor Coordinators in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. She began with United for Literacy in 2016 as a program intern, then became a Community Coordinator supporting school programming and organizing Summer Literacy Camps in FN communities. She has been Regional Manager since 2021, collaborating with the Prairie team to develop impactful partnerships and programs that support literacy across the two provinces.
Venantie Nutmende - Community Coordinator – Manitoba
For information on our Brandon and Northern Manitoba programs, online learning opportunities, and volunteer recruitment
✉️ [email protected]
📞 (204) 979-3436
Venantie has been a Community Coordinator with United for Literacy in Manitoba since 2022. She coordinates literacy programming in Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba, leads programs in Brandon and surrounding areas, manages online learning opportunities, and oversees volunteer recruitment across the province. She is committed to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where learners of all ages can grow and succeed.
Sandra Ross - Community Coordinator – Manitoba
For information on our Winnipeg and Selkirk programming✉️ [email protected]
📞 (204) 202-3303
Sandra supports United for Literacy’s core year-round and summer programming, including staff and volunteers. She helped bring literacy programming to Selkirk and surrounding communities. With over five years at the organization and more than a decade in community development, she brings a wealth of experience and skills.
Sunny Bercier and Mona Neufeld - Teachers / Instructor Coordinators
If you want support with high school next steps, or if you want to take the CAEC (formerly GED) Exam ✉️ [email protected]
📞 (204) 202-3303
Sunny Bercier (they/them) and Mona Neufeld (she/her) are trained teachers and Instructor Coordinators with United for Literacy. Both joined in 2021 and support adults completing high school in Winnipeg. They provide Education Planning Sessions and teach individual and group Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) prep courses, the high school equivalency in Canada.
Maja Mihalj - Community Coordinator – Saskatchewan
For questions regarding Saskatchewan programs and volunteer opportunities and/or recruitment
✉️ [email protected]
📞 (306) 374-7323
Maja Mihalj (she/her) joined United for Literacy in January 2025 as a Community Coordinator. She supports Saskatchewan literacy programs and interns, Indigenous summer camps, and manages volunteer recruitment and online training. Maja brings energy and experience from her studies and work to help learners build academic skills, grow literacy, and boost confidence. She is passionate about literacy and believes everyone can succeed with the right support.
Support our Programs
Become a volunteer
United for Literacy programs support people as they build literacy skills. These skills provide more opportunities for improved health, better employment prospects, and enhanced social engagement. United for Literacy currently requires volunteers for in-person, remote, and hybrid programs.
Program volunteers participate in planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of the program. It’s a great way to learn new skills and share your knowledge with others.
No teaching experience? No problem! Our volunteers come from many different backgrounds and experiences. Fill out the form below to become a volunteer tutor today!
*Workplaces can also get involved through volunteer activities—from book drives to tutoring and mentoring learners.
Make a gift
There are many ways to make a difference. You can give a one-time or monthly donation, sponsor an event, donate securities, or even contribute Air Miles. Many employers also match employee donations, doubling the impact.
Every contribution helps provide children, youth, and adults with the skills they need for a brighter future.
