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Staff
Jason Thornton
Executive Director
Jason began his adult education career as an ESL teacher, then program manager, with the Peninsula Regional Education Program. He joined LFL as ESL Program Manager in 2016 and became Executive Director in 2021. Previously, Jason had served as a pastor for ten years. Fun fact: Jason taught English in Sulawesi for two years and learned to speak Indonesian. He appreciates the many challenges faced by adult students learning a new language.
(757) 221-3326
Fiona Van Gheem
Assistant Director
Fiona joined LFL in 2012. She manages all aspects of LFL programs as well as developing new programming and curricula. Her experience in education ranges from pre-k through adult education. Fun fact: Originally from the UK, Fiona came to America as an Air Force spouse, living in 7 states before settling in Williamsburg. She became a US citizen in 2011.
757-221-1261
Brandyn Baty
Director of Community Outreach and Events
Brandyn oversees stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and events to increase community awareness and fundraising. Her diverse experience includes finance, operations, fundraising, development and human resources. She enjoys wearing multiple hats and getting creative! Fun Fact: Brandyn learned to scuba dive in a pool in San Francisco and was certified in the murky Monterey Bay waters.
757-221-2422
Mary Lynch
Human Services Coordinator
Mary enrolls students, trains tutors, matches pairs, and provides ongoing support. Previously, she taught community college English and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Papua New Guinea. Mary sings with the Williamsburg Choral Guild and enjoys a “side gig” as an assistant swim coach with 757swim and the Queens Lake Eagles. Fun fact: As a William & Mary undergrad, Mary volunteered at the Rita Welsh Adult Skills Program (now LFL), which was located in the basement of a dorm, Bryan Hall.
(757) 221-1203
Frances Falcón
Peninsula Center Site Manager
Frances manages the Peninsula Center location in Hampton and, as a Career Coach, oversees the EmployEd Program for Williamsburg and Hampton. With a passion for lifelong learning and professional growth, she is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where adults feel encouraged to learn and achieve their full potential. Fun Fact: Frances copiloted a plane around the island of Puerto Rico.
(757) 221-2422
Mary O'Brien
ESL Program Manager
Mary manages the ESL program, teaches group classes, and provides support to ESL tutors. Her previous experience included eight years teaching high school Spanish while also teaching adult ESL classes in the evenings. Mary is grateful that, thanks to her Peruvian mother, she grew up speaking both English and Spanish. Mary was inspired to become an ESL teacher by her love for other cultures, her desire to help others, and her mother’s influence. Fun fact: Mary has traveled to 19 different countries.
(757) 221-1369
Casey Guditus
Human Services Coordinator
Peninsula Center
Casey entered the literacy world volunteering for Literacy for Life while a student at William & Mary. After completing a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics at Old Dominion University, Casey worked as the Program Specialist at Peninsula READS. Living in Hampton with fiancée Colin and extremely large dog Stratus, you can usually find them exploring local beaches and parks. Fun fact - Casey loves reading about local history, particularly the Chesapeake Bay and the fishing industry.
Melissa Twinam
Administrative Coordinator
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Melissa moved to Williamsburg from Seattle in 2019 and joined Literacy for Life in 2024. She has helped as an administrator for a wide variety of industries from medical credentialing to HUD consulting. She is thrilled to be joining her first nonprofit organization and to bring her talents to support the learners, tutors and staff at Literacy for Life. Fun Fact: Melissa is a hobbyist woodworker and most of her living furniture is homemade.
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Ellen Plaskon
ESL Instructor
Before joining the LFL as an instructor in 2021, Ellen taught ESL in Poland and Korea, as well as at the University of Virginia and the Adult Learning Center in Virginia Beach. Her love for teaching and languages began at William and Mary, where she worked in the Writing Center and assisted in ESL classes as an undergraduate. She has volunteered as an LFL tutor and as an assistant in her daughter’s public-school classroom. Fun Fact: Ellen’s first child was born in South Korea, which was a wonderful experience and an unforgettable lesson in the importance of cross-cultural communication.
Jaren Maynard
Adult Basic Education Instructor
Jaren joined Literacy for Life in the summer of 2024. She teaches Adult Basic Education and phonics classes at the Peninsula Center. Jaren received her Bachelor's Degree from William & Mary, and continued her education at the University of Virginia receiving her Master's in Reading Education. She currently serves as a Reading Specialist in Newport News Public Schools. Jaren is excited about continuing her passion for literacy with adult learners. Fun Fact: Jaren's twin brother did the opposite of her, attending UVA for undergrad and W&M for grad.
Jasen Kidd
ESL Instructor
Jasen teaches ESL classes at the Peninsula Center. He previously taught at a university in Oman for six years and at universities in Burundi as an English Language Fellow for the State Department. He holds an MA in Curriculum and Instruction - ESL and Bilingual Education from William & Mary. He enjoys meeting new students and helping them to improve and feel more confident in their English. Fun Fact: Jasen has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Pam Farnham
Data Specialist
Pam volunteered as a math tutor before joining LFL’s staff. She holds a degree in Applied Mathematics from William & Mary. She loves detail work and being in the background, helping the agency run smoothly. She maintains LFL’s database, pulls reports, and helps the agency make informed decisions based on data. Fun Fact: Pam telecommutes from Richmond, where she can be near her aging parents. She shares an office with her seventeen-year-old cat, Muffin.