Sarah Gilday
Executive Director
Sarah joined ALC as the Executive Director in May, 2020. She has over 20+ years of experience building relationships and working with a variety of stakeholders including top executives, community and not-for-profit leaders, and funders. She was previously the VP of Resource Generation at Sojourner Family Peace Center and Development Director at Junior Achievement of Wisconsin. Sarah oversees the strategic direction of the ALC including fundraising, community awareness, communications, and programming.
Amy Schmelzer
Program Director
Amy returned to the ALC as Program Director in January 2022, having previously worked as the Education Coordinator. 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 the recruitment and intake of tutors and students and selects and maintains the ALC's curriculum and resources.
The Board of Directors
These individuals volunteer...board meetings are held monthly and committees are active throughout the year
Officers
Linda Borkenhagen
Chair
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.
Shawn Rice
Secretary
Rice Business Law
Shawn has volunteered for and represented local non-profit organizations for over 25 years. He is a transaction corporate attorney, and he provides counsel and strategic direction to business clients and individuals, guiding them through a variety of transactional matters. He has extensive experience providing counsel on general business matters and also maintains an active practice assisting clients with mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including leveraged buy-outs and business succession planning. Shawn also represents local non-profit organizations and financial institutions.
Josh Branham
Treasurer
Bank Five Nine
Josh has been a banker for over 10 years and a branch manager 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. In addition, he volunteers for a number of different non-profits. Josh graduated from Carroll University. Josh joined the ALC board in the summer of 2019.
Board Members
Bob Blazich
Retired Private Practice Clinical Social Worker
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.
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.
Aida Canfield
ALC Student
Aida came to the United States from Mexico in December, 2019 and started at the ALC as a student three months later with a goal to improve her English. She has made remarkable progress with her tutor and enjoys speaking on behalf of the ALC in the community to let people know about our programs. She says that serving on the board is an incredible honor and "her gift" to the ALC for all that the center has done for her. Aida lives with her husband Jim in Grafton. Aida joined the ALC board in November, 2021.
Cecile Duhnke
RE/MAX Real Estate
Cecile holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. She has been involved in Ozaukee County’s nonprofit community since 2014. She lives with her husband Seth, and daughter Grace, in Grafton. Cecile joined the ALC board in March, 2021.
Karley Haas
Philipp Lithographing, Co.
Karley Haas joined ALC board with a passion for helping people. She came in with previous board experience and has an Associate's Degree in Business Administration. She resides in Saukville with her husband and two kids. In their free time, you can catch them working on projects around the house or camping! Karley joined the ALC board in February, 2019.
Nancy Koehler
Slinger School District
Nancy works 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.