Asma Hassan | Utah Reads Coordinator

asma.hassan@utah.edu

Once a tutor herself, Asma is excited to return to the Bennion Center and grow its Utah Reads Program. She takes a collaborative approach to leading and really appreciates her site team leaders! Previously, she worked at the Eccles School of Business, at Utah Campus Compact, a local chapter of AmeriCorps where she enrolled and exited members completing their AmeriCorps hours in educational, health, and environmental fields, serving vulnerable populations, and as a tutor for Utah Reads.

Asma has a M.Ed. in Special Education and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Utah. In her free time, she enjoys tutoring students using engaging teaching methods, hanging out with her sisters, and eating Thai food.

Amanda Peral-Orantes | Bennion Elementary

UtahReadsBennion@gmail.com

Amanda is a Sophomore at the University of Utah pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a minor in Design. This is her third year working for Utah Reads and her first year as a site team leader. She enjoys working with children and helping them reach their dreams through their education. Utilizing her cultural background as a first-generation Latina, she hopes to relate to all students and show them that they can make a positive contribution to our world. Amanda strongly believes in self-care and doing what you love!

Megan Smith | Rose Park Elementary

UtahReadsRosePark@gmail.com

Megan is a 2^nd year Doctorate of Physical Therapy student at the U. After graduating from Colorado State University, she worked in special education for Denver Public Schools. During her time with DPS she learned the importance of early intervention and literacy skills as well as one on one learning time. She loves working with kids and seeing how excited they get as they learn and grow and plans on being a pediatric physical therapist after graduation. This is her second year tutoring with Utah Reads and her first as Site Team Leader. She likes to spend her free time outside exploring the world around her and eating tacos. 

Maddy Montgomery | Mountain View Elementary

UtahReadsMountainView@gmail.com

Maddy Montgomery is third year student at the U of U studying biology and hoping to pursue a career as a zoologist. She started as a tutor with Utah Reads spring 2017 and was eager to move up to site team leader and help others tutor to the best of their ability.  One part of the position that she enjoys most is being able to watch the students grow from the time they begin to the time they end the program. 

Denisse Brito | Glendale Community Learning Center

UtahReadsGlendaleCLC@gmail.com

As Glendale Community Learning Center (CLC)'s Site Team Leader, Denisse loves all the challenges that comes with running a site and strives to instill a sense of trust and community between her tutors and students. Utilizing her cultural background as a first generation Latina, she hopes to relate to all the students and show them that you can succeed in life no matter your economic or social background.

Calder Duffin | Neighborhood House

UtahReadsNeighborhoodHouse@gmail.com

Calder is a third year undergraduate chemistry major, with a passion for math and science. His passion for science makes him an advocate for equal access to educational resources, so he enjoys tutoring and helping tutors at Neighborhood House. When he is not in the lab or tutoring, he enjoys reading playing video games, and immersing himself in nature.

Alexis Pinelle| Liberty Elementary

UtahReadsLiberty@gmail.com

Alexis Pinelle is the site team leader at Liberty Elementary and studies elementary education with the end goal of being a teacher. She has a passion for working with young students and impacting the lives of children. She hopes to one day be remembered by her students as the one who made a difference as she helps them prepare for life. With her position in Utah Reads, she strives to spread her enthusiasm to those working with her. Her role as site team leader at Liberty is an opportunity to make use of her skills and improve her abilities as she pursues her future in education.

Lucy Beltran | Riley Elementary

UtahReadsRiley@gmail.com

Lucy is a Sophomore at the University of Utah pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and International Studies. This is her second year working with Utah Reads and her first year as a site team leader. Other than study and working, Lucy spends her time learning Chinese, hiking, playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.

Katelynn Christiansen | Parkview Elementary

UtahReadsParkview@gmail.com

Katelynn is currently a graduate student at the University of Utah pursuing a degree to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. She has a passion tutoring because she believes in the importance of laying a good educational foundation for success later in life. She hopes to instill her love of learning to her students and coworkers. Besides work and school, Katelynn loves to do yoga, cook, and spend time with her dog.