The Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County Board of Directors has three new members. Please join us in thanking them for their volunteer service!

Habiba Mechakra came to LVORC as an English Language Learner in 2012. She is originally from Algeria, where she taught French at the secondary school level. English is her fourth language. When she feels that she has reached full proficiency with English, Habiba would like to work in the Troy school system as a teacher’s assistant. Habiba brings to the Board of Directors the perspective of an English language learner as well as that of an educator.

Pamela Mertz has extensive working knowledge and experience in the field of Adult Education. In addition to her work with Questar III Boces as a recruiter, Pam serves on the board of ARC of Rensselaer County and gives presentations on disability awareness and bullying prevention for the National Stuttering Association. Her leadership, planning, recruiting and fundraising skills will enhance and benefit the work of LVORC.

Christina Ryzner works as Hotel Controller for the Hilton Garden Inn, Troy. She began her volunteer service with LVORC as an adult reading mentor for the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program. In 2014, she participated in the Literacy 5K. Christina’s experience as a controller and her volunteer service for area nonprofits such as Unity House, Habitat for Humanity, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be a positive addition to our organization.