After reviewing nearly 50 applications, the Collierville Literacy Council Board of Directors recently named Kelly Thieme as the organization’s newest executive director.
Stepping into her new role earlier this month, Thieme trades in her literacy coordinator title at the CLC as she replaces longtime director Karen Ray. Ray retired at the end of March after more than 20 years with the organization.
“The Board of Directors is very excited to have Kelly Thieme in this position,” said CLC President Angie Vandenbergh. “After interviewing several qualified applicants, we felt Kelly would be a great fit to further the mission of the Collierville Literacy Council.”
Thieme is a graduate of University of Missouri-Columbia where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. She also received her Master of Arts degree in Literacy Instruction from Michigan State University, certifying her as a reading specialist.
After owning and operating her own business called “Teaching Together” that offered instructional consulting to schools and private tutoring, Thieme found her way to the CLC in 2009.
“I was searching within the community to find a place that could use my services or that specialized in literacy instruction,” Thieme recalled. “I thought, ‘Surely, there is some place that would need a reading specialist.’”
Teaching nearly a decade in elementary classrooms, Thieme headed up the CLC’s literacy program for the last six years and designed instruction currently still in use for students and tutors.
Additional duties Thieme performed during her initial years at the CLC included training tutors, preparing instructional plans for students, writing grants for funding, assisting students from the CLC’s GED/HiSET and English Language Learners program, which also included guiding students in receiving testing accommodations.
“Her extensive knowledge in literacy education and her background in working with our tutors and students are tremendous assets to our programs,” Vandenbergh noted. “Her passion is contagious in her ideas for enhancing opportunities in our community.”
Originally from Missouri, Thieme relocated from Syracuse to Collierville in 2003 with her husband Jeff and their first son Adam. The couple welcomed their second son, Joseph, later that year.
Serving as the third director in the CLC’s history, Thieme said she is thrilled to lead the organization.
“I am so happy to have been chosen to steer the Collierville Literacy Council into its next stage,” she noted. “It is a place where students can not only find excellent instruction, but also heartfelt support and encouragement. The CLC is a true gem in Collierville’s crown.”
Thieme is also looking forward to partnering with Collierville businesses, clubs and organizations as the CLC continues to grow.
“In addition to our annual Scrabble Tournament, we are excited to be partnering with the Collierville Rotary Club this year to host the 2015 Tour de Collierville on Sept. 5,” Thieme explained. “This fun event is a great way to get the whole community involved.”
Just weeks into her new position, Thieme is already hard at work with forming the Friends of the Collierville Literacy Council.
“Starting this group is a fantastic way for us to increase awareness and support for our organization within the community,” she concluded. “There are individuals who would love to support the CLC and be part of what we do, but may not feel comfortable tutoring. When you are a ‘friend’ you will have the opportunity to serve on CLC committees or give time helping with our Scrabble and Tour de Collierville fundraisers. Friends will also be notified when we need manpower for special events or supplies for our organization.”
For more information about the CLC, visit colliervilleliteracy.org
