Meet the NFRC Board of Directors
NFRC 2022-2023
Slate of Officers & Board Members
NFRC Officers
President
Ashlee Campbell
Ashlee Campbell, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Literacy and the Associate Director of the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI) in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo. She has been teaching methods and practicum-based literacy courses at UB for 11 years. She is a former NK-6 classroom teacher and literacy specialist.
Past President
Heidi Clarke
Heidi has over 20 years of experience as a reading specialist, literacy coach, elementary classroom teacher, and educational consultant. She has presented professional development workshops on literacy throughout Western New York, and is also a certified trainer in the 6+1 Trait Writing model. Heidi is involved in the NFRC’s service project as the steward of the Little Free Library in the Town of Pendleton, and is a past President of the NFRC.
Director of Membership
Carol Bush
Carol has been dedicated to the field of education for more than thirteen years. During this time she has served as a Spanish Teacher for grades 6-12, Literacy Specialist for grades K-12, Coordinator of Students Services and Curriculum, and Professional Development Specialist. These experiences have provided her with invaluable insight into the world of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as special education. They have also helped cultivate her passion for literacy. Carol recently accepted a new position as the Elementary Principal for the Elba Central School District
Secretary
Jack Agugliaro
Jack was a remedial Reading Teacher in the North Tonawanda City School District, working at the High School level for 38 years. He retired in June 2016. He achieved his BA in Elementary Education from Canisius College and his MS in Ed. from Buffalo State College, becoming one of the first Reading Teachers to hold a Reading Certificate. He extends his love for reading by performing and directing in professional and community theater productions, having done so for 15 years.
Treasurer
John Strong
John Z. Strong, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Literacy Education in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, where he teaches graduate courses in middle childhood/adolescent literacy methods and reading strategies instruction. Dr. Strong previously taught high school English language arts in Delaware. His research focuses on designing integrated reading and writing interventions for students in grades 4–12. He has published in leading journals and is coauthor of the books Differentiated Literacy Instruction in Grades 4 and 5, Second Edition and Literacy Instruction with Disciplinary Texts: Strategies for Grades 6-12. Dr. Strong is a recipient of the Steven A. Stahl Research Grant from the International Literacy Association and the Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholars Fellowship.
President
Ashlee Campbell
Ashlee Campbell, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Literacy and the Associate Director of the Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI) in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo. She has been teaching methods and practicum-based literacy courses at UB for 11 years. She is a former NK-6 classroom teacher and literacy specialist.
Past President
Heidi Clarke
Heidi has over 20 years of experience as a reading specialist, literacy coach, elementary classroom teacher, and educational consultant. She has presented professional development workshops on literacy throughout Western New York, and is also a certified trainer in the 6+1 Trait Writing model. Heidi is involved in the NFRC’s service project as the steward of the Little Free Library in the Town of Pendleton, and is a past President of the NFRC.
Director of Membership
Carol Bush
Carol has been dedicated to the field of education for more than thirteen years. During this time she has served as a Spanish Teacher for grades 6-12, Literacy Specialist for grades K-12, Coordinator of Students Services and Curriculum, and Professional Development Specialist. These experiences have provided her with invaluable insight into the world of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as special education. They have also helped cultivate her passion for literacy. Carol recently accepted a new position as the Elementary Principal for the Elba Central School District
Secretary
Jack Agugliaro
Jack was a remedial Reading Teacher in the North Tonawanda City School District, working at the High School level for 38 years. He retired in June 2016. He achieved his BA in Elementary Education from Canisius College and his MS in Ed. from Buffalo State College, becoming one of the first Reading Teachers to hold a Reading Certificate. He extends his love for reading by performing and directing in professional and community theater productions, having done so for 15 years.
Treasurer
John Strong
John Z. Strong, PhD, is Assistant Professor of Literacy Education in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, where he teaches graduate courses in middle childhood/adolescent literacy methods and reading strategies instruction. Dr. Strong previously taught high school English language arts in Delaware. His research focuses on designing integrated reading and writing interventions for students in grades 4–12. He has published in leading journals and is coauthor of the books Differentiated Literacy Instruction in Grades 4 and 5, Second Edition and Literacy Instruction with Disciplinary Texts: Strategies for Grades 6-12. Dr. Strong is a recipient of the Steven A. Stahl Research Grant from the International Literacy Association and the Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholars Fellowship.
NFRC Board Members 2022-2024
Judy Bradbury
Judy Bradbury (www.judybradbury.com) is an award-winning author and literacy educator who has taught students from preschool through college. Judy’s children’s books include The Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series for ages 7-10. Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek (September 2021) received the Ben Franklin Silver Award for Young Reader Fiction, 8-12. Judy’s Christopher Counts! picture books series for ages 4-7 features embedded math in each story. Judy is also the author of resources for educators. Inspired by the monthly column she wrote for LibrarySparks, Judy’s popular Children’s Book Corner blog features interviews with authors and illustrators and suggestions for using their books to enhance curriculum while boosting social-emotional learning. An advocate for promoting reading through community initiatives, Judy has received awards from the New York State Reading Association and the Niagara Frontier Reading Council, for whom she serves as Professional Development Chair. Connect with Judy on Instagram (judy_bradbury); Twitter (@JudyBWrites); and LinkedIn.
Christina King
Maria Nader
Patricia Oliphant
Patty is a NYS certified elementary teacher birth - 6 with a concentration in Special Education as well as a NYS Certified Literacy Specialist for students from birth - 12th grade. She is also a certified 6+1 Traits of Writing Teacher Trainer. Patty began her career teaching second grade but has spent the last 29 years teaching kindergarten at both St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore and at Fricano Primary in the Starpoint School District where she loves giving her emergent readers and writers lots of varied and authentic experiences within both her classroom and the community. She has served as a Mentor Teacher, chairs the visiting author committee, and established a partnership with Barnes and Noble that brings nearly 150 kindergarten through second grade students from her school into the store during a two night event to share their literacy accomplishments with an authentic audience. In the past she has served as both President and Vice President for Programming of the NFRC. She is currently the chair of the Mini Grant Committee and the Fall Mini Conference for the NFRC and serves on the Charlotte Children's Book Award Committee for NYSRA.
Judy Bradbury (www.judybradbury.com) is an award-winning author and literacy educator who has taught students from preschool through college. Judy’s children’s books include The Cayuga Island Kids chapter book series for ages 7-10. Book 2, The Adventure of the Big Fish by the Small Creek (September 2021) received the Ben Franklin Silver Award for Young Reader Fiction, 8-12. Judy’s Christopher Counts! picture books series for ages 4-7 features embedded math in each story. Judy is also the author of resources for educators. Inspired by the monthly column she wrote for LibrarySparks, Judy’s popular Children’s Book Corner blog features interviews with authors and illustrators and suggestions for using their books to enhance curriculum while boosting social-emotional learning. An advocate for promoting reading through community initiatives, Judy has received awards from the New York State Reading Association and the Niagara Frontier Reading Council, for whom she serves as Professional Development Chair. Connect with Judy on Instagram (judy_bradbury); Twitter (@JudyBWrites); and LinkedIn.
Christina King
Maria Nader
Patricia Oliphant
Patty is a NYS certified elementary teacher birth - 6 with a concentration in Special Education as well as a NYS Certified Literacy Specialist for students from birth - 12th grade. She is also a certified 6+1 Traits of Writing Teacher Trainer. Patty began her career teaching second grade but has spent the last 29 years teaching kindergarten at both St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore and at Fricano Primary in the Starpoint School District where she loves giving her emergent readers and writers lots of varied and authentic experiences within both her classroom and the community. She has served as a Mentor Teacher, chairs the visiting author committee, and established a partnership with Barnes and Noble that brings nearly 150 kindergarten through second grade students from her school into the store during a two night event to share their literacy accomplishments with an authentic audience. In the past she has served as both President and Vice President for Programming of the NFRC. She is currently the chair of the Mini Grant Committee and the Fall Mini Conference for the NFRC and serves on the Charlotte Children's Book Award Committee for NYSRA.
NFRC 2023-2025 Board Members
Renee Andrzejewski
Renee started as a School Librarian in 1997 for the Buffalo Public Schools. She currently is assigned to School 65, a Pre-School to Grade 4 building and Buffalo Public School 82, a Pre-School to Grade 4 building. Prior, Renee worked at two Catholic schools (Southtowns Catholic School and St. Josaphat School) as a Librarian for two years. She received her Masters of Library Science in 1989 from SUNY at Buffalo. Renee started working as a Public Librarian for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system from 1989 to 1994, in the city branches and the Cheektowaga Public Libraries. Renee loves working with children and inspiring excitement for books, libraries and reading in them.
Lisa Boyd
Kristen Burke-Smith
Mariah King
Renee started as a School Librarian in 1997 for the Buffalo Public Schools. She currently is assigned to School 65, a Pre-School to Grade 4 building and Buffalo Public School 82, a Pre-School to Grade 4 building. Prior, Renee worked at two Catholic schools (Southtowns Catholic School and St. Josaphat School) as a Librarian for two years. She received her Masters of Library Science in 1989 from SUNY at Buffalo. Renee started working as a Public Librarian for the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system from 1989 to 1994, in the city branches and the Cheektowaga Public Libraries. Renee loves working with children and inspiring excitement for books, libraries and reading in them.
Lisa Boyd
Kristen Burke-Smith
Mariah King
NFRC Standing Committee Chairs
Blythe E. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education in the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, where she teaches graduate courses in early childhood and childhood literacy methods. Dr. Anderson earned her PhD in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education from Michigan State University, specializing in Language and Literacy Education. A former first-grade teacher and district literacy coordinator, her research primarily focuses on instructional practices that support vocabulary development across the curriculum. Dr. Anderson is a recipient of the Steven A. Stahl Research Grant from the International Literacy Association and the Reading Hall of Fame Emerging Scholars Fellowship.
Council Awards Chair
Renee Andrzejewski (see bio above)
Professional Development Chair
Judy Bradbury (see bio above)
Liaison Chair
Jack Agugliaro (see bio above)
Nominating Chair
Heidi Clarke (see bio above)
CTLE & Mini Grants Chair
Patricia Oliphant (see bio above)
Outreach Co-Chairs
Judy Bradbury - Little Free Library Project
(see bios above)
Spotlight Editor
Jack Agugliaro (see bio above)
Web Design
Mary Beth Scumaci
Mary Beth is the Director of Distance Learning at Trocaire. Her first career love was teaching elementary education. Mary Beth currently is a project manager for online needs as well as designs and develops online courses for the Trocaire community. She also trains students, faculty, and staff with their online course skills. Mary Beth has been an active member of the NFRC for over 16 years. She has served as President and Vice President of Programming; currently, she is a Board Member serving as website designer and editor. She also assists with community and conference programming for the organization. Mary Beth has received awards from the New York State Reading Association and the Niagara Frontier Reading Council for her work in advancing literacy education initiatives in the community.
Social Media Chair
Blythe Anderson
Audit Chair -TBD
Finance / Budget Chair -TBD
History Chair - TBD
NYSRA Delegates -TBD
Western Regional Representative
Amy DeBlase
Council Awards Chair
Renee Andrzejewski (see bio above)
Professional Development Chair
Judy Bradbury (see bio above)
Liaison Chair
Jack Agugliaro (see bio above)
Nominating Chair
Heidi Clarke (see bio above)
CTLE & Mini Grants Chair
Patricia Oliphant (see bio above)
Outreach Co-Chairs
Judy Bradbury - Little Free Library Project
(see bios above)
Spotlight Editor
Jack Agugliaro (see bio above)
Web Design
Mary Beth Scumaci
Mary Beth is the Director of Distance Learning at Trocaire. Her first career love was teaching elementary education. Mary Beth currently is a project manager for online needs as well as designs and develops online courses for the Trocaire community. She also trains students, faculty, and staff with their online course skills. Mary Beth has been an active member of the NFRC for over 16 years. She has served as President and Vice President of Programming; currently, she is a Board Member serving as website designer and editor. She also assists with community and conference programming for the organization. Mary Beth has received awards from the New York State Reading Association and the Niagara Frontier Reading Council for her work in advancing literacy education initiatives in the community.
Social Media Chair
Blythe Anderson
Audit Chair -TBD
Finance / Budget Chair -TBD
History Chair - TBD
NYSRA Delegates -TBD
Western Regional Representative
Amy DeBlase