Lisa Jacobs, Executive Director
A former Congressional employee and long-time volunteer in the public schools with extensive experience leading organizations, recruiting and managing volunteers, raising money, and forming partnerships within the Alexandria community, Lisa has been at the helm of ATC since 2018.
Alison Jones, Program Director
Holding a Master of Teaching with a certification in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia’s School of Education, and experience as a former community college adjunct instructor, elementary school instructional coach, and classroom teacher whose students participated in Book Buddies, Alison has shared her expertise on best practices in literary instruction as ATC’s program leader since 2018.
Alexa Allmann, Operations Manager
Joining ATC in 2024, Alexa has spent her career in nonprofit administration, most recently serving as General Manager of the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Women, Gender, & Sexuality from the University of Virginia and a Master’s in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary. She brings experience in data management, communications, finance, and human resources.
Book Buddies Coordinators
Catie Brownback
Having experience teaching middle schoolers science and writing as well as tutoring kindergartners in reading, Catie holds a Master of Arts in Science Education. She joined ATC in 2025.
Meredith Forbes
A native Alexandrian, graduate of Alexandria City High School, former 1st, 2nd and 4th grade ACPS teacher with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Meredith has been with ATC since 2023.
Debbie Glenn
With ATC since 2018, Debbie is a former classroom teacher in grades 2-8 in the Denver Public Schools with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Stephanie Harris
A former elementary school special education teacher in Fairfax County and Knoxville, Tennessee with a Masters of Science in Education, Stephanie joined ATC’s staff in 2019.
Ressa Jones
A former Book Buddies tutor, Ressa became a staff member in 2025. She holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education with experience as a Special Education teacher as well as preschool teacher and director.
Courtney Lombardi
With a Master in Elementary Education and former preschool and elementary classroom teacher with 25 years of experience teaching, Courtney loves working with both students and adults and has been with ATC since 2019.
Caitlin McGrath
A former preschool, kindergarten, and first grade teacher in Washington, DC and Florida, Caitlin has a Master of Science in Educational Studies/Early Childhood and joined ATC in 2025.
Molly O’Brien
With ATC since 2022, Molly has ten years of teaching and leadership experience in the field of Special Education and a master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics and Special Education, plus certification in School Administration.
Amber Reynolds
With experience teaching 2nd and 4th graders in Fairfax and Henrico counties and a Master in Reading Education, Amber joined ATC in 2023.
Bonnie Porter
After a long career teaching preschool, kindergarten, and third grade at Blessed Sacrament school and four years as an ATC tutor, Bonnie joined ATC in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
Mary Renee Reuter
A lifelong Alexandrian and recent Multi-Language Learner teacher with ACPS, Mary holds a B.A. in Journalism with an EducateVA Teacher Licensure for K-12 English Language Learners. She has been with ATC since 2025.
Leah Wilson
Starting in 2009 as a tutor and becoming a coordinator in 2012, Leah is a former Title 1 Reading Teacher with a Master of Education in Reading, Writing and Literacy. She has Reading Specialist, Elementary Education, and Deaf & Hard of Hearing certifications.
Jen Zarnowiecki
With experience teaching preschool, Grades 2, 4 & 5 and Special Education, and a Master in Curriculum Development, Jen has been with ATC since 2022.