Amy became the Executive Director of the ALC in August 2022. She had previously worked as the Education Coordinator and the Program Director at the ALC. Her background is in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Miami University (Ohio) and her Master’s in History from Cardinal Stritch University. Amy taught history at John Long Middle School in Grafton and online for the University of Phoenix. She also worked as a Training Specialist for Ranch Community Services in Menomonee Falls. Amy oversees is the administration, educational programs, and strategic plan of the Adult Literacy Center.
Sheri Urban has 30 years experience in non-profit administration and communications, including roles at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and Wild Space Dance Company. In addition to supporting the ALC with fund development and communications, she also works part-time for Living Word Lutheran Church in Jackson. Sheri holds an MA from the University of Southern California School of Journalism and a BA from UW-Milwaukee in Mass Communication, graduating with honors from both institutions.
The Board of Directors
These individuals volunteer...board meetings are held monthly and committees are active throughout the year
Officers
Josh Branham
President
Bank Five Nine
A graduate of Carroll University, Josh has been a banker for over 10 years and a branch manager at Bank Five Nine for over 5 years. In addition to serving on the Adult Literacy Center board, he also serves as a leader at Cedar Creek Community Church in Grafton and volunteers for a number of different non-profit agencies. Josh joined the ALC board in the summer of 2019.
Linda Borkenhagen
Past President
Educational Technology Leadership, LLC
Linda is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Grafton, which started the ALC as a mission over 30 years ago. Linda has a Master's of Education degree. Since her retirement as a school district administrator, Linda continues to be active in education by providing professional development for teachers across the country. Linda joined the ALC Board of Directors in 2012.
Nancy Koehler
Secretary
Retired Educator
Nancy worked for the Slinger School District as an educational assistant. She and her husband Mark are members of Grace Lutheran Church where in the past Nancy has served as youth group leader, confirmation guide and church council member. She is also a tutor for the ALC. She has lived in Grafton for over 30 years where she enjoys attending local community events. Nancy joined the ALC board in March, 2021.
Julia Bronat
Treasurer
K Komfort
A refugee from Ukraine who came to the US in September 2022, Julia worked as a tax lawyer in Ukraine and has experience in teaching students law at university. She now works as a Customer Service Operation Manager at K Komfort, Inc. Julia helps newcomer adults to adapt to living in a new country. She is also a Lion at Grafton Lions Club. Julia joined the ALC board in the winter of 2024.
Board Members
Bob has been involved with the Adult Literacy Center for over 10 years. Bob was the chair of the committee that organized the present ALC board from 2011 - 2013 and served as president of the ALC board from 2013 to 2016. Bob is a retired clinical social worker who lives with his wife, Jan, in Thiensville. He is a member of Rotary, serves as president of the Mequon-Thiensville Historical Society and was the Mequon-Thiensville Citizen of the Year in 2006.
Bob Blazich
Retired Private Practice Clinical Social Worker
Mark Burkholder
Cedar Creek Community Church
Mark along with his wife and two children moved to the area four years ago to become the pastor of Cedar Creek Community Church. He has served as a youth pastor and a worship pastor over his 10 years of ministry experience. He has a passion to serve the community and loves being a part of the ALC team to accomplish that purpose. Mark joined the ALC board in March, 2021.
Tim Chopp
Insurance Innovations
Tim is the president and founder of Insurance Innovations, a full-service agency based in Grafton. Tim joined the board in spring 2023.
Kathy Bystricky
ALC Tutor Board Representative
Kathy and her husband Don moved from Ohio to Port Washington in 1976, and have lived in Belgium since 1977. They have three children, Kendra and twins Bryan and Jennifer, and six grandchildren. Kathy worked at Port Washington State Bank before becoming a stay-at-home mom for 14 years. In 1992, she rejoined the work force doing various jobs, including her favorite as an inside sales rep for Charter Steel in Saukville. Retired since 2008, Kathy and Don enjoy driving around Wisconsin cheering on their grandkids at their many sporting events.As a volunteer, Kathy is an ambassador for the Belgium Chamber of Commerce where she serves as treasurer. She also helps out with her church when needed. She joined ALC as tutor in 2021 and joined the board as an advisor in 2023.