Team Funetix
Strategic Planning
Kali Woodward
Team Member
As a former Spanish and Arabic linguist for the 101st Airborne Division, and former ESL instructor (at the age of 19) in Bogotá, Colombia, I had a moment of insight when my 8 year old son was struggling to learn how to read going into 2nd grade. That insight, specifically, that the ancient system of diacritic vowels used by the Greeks, Arabs, Hebrews and Persians, could be applied to English, in order to aid new readers in the decoding of English words, led me on a now 17 year journey to deliver a patented, 12 hour literacy app to millions of underprivileged and underserved children in America and the world. I have seen the fragile, flickering light of learning go on, and I have seen the light go out, in hundreds, if not thousands of children's minds. And I have asked the question: "How has the 'Greatest Country in the World' somehow lost the abilty to teach its own children how to read?" And I have made it my life purpose to end that injustice.
Chris Brown
Team Member
It is my privilege to be serving as a Strategic Advisor for FUNetix. After a career as a successful Aircraft Engineer for the Royal Air Force, and Manager for Boeing, I walked away from corporate life to follow my passion for Photo and Video. During my two-year stay in Afghanistan, I discovered there was more to life than money and being bound to the 9 to 5.
Anup Prasher
Team Member
I am a Strategic Advisor to Funetix working across several areas of the organization to provide strategic direction and advisory support. I have over a decade of experience helping Financial services firms to grow, scale, and market share.
Emily Jones
Team Member
I am a UX/UI designer Team Lead, and Strategic Advisor working with FUNetix families. I also have an educational background in public relations and psychology. User experience combines my passion for learning about people while utilizing my design skills.
Mike DeNinno
Team Member
I have filled many Program/Project/Team Manager roles over the past many years, from IT Help Desk, to IT Infrastructure and beyond. I have also volunteered directly with K-3 kids as a reading tutor. In Jun of 2024, I officially retired from a Media Productions Program Manager role, and, looking for a volunteer opportunity, Funetix caught my eye. I'm excited to add my effort here to help Funetix reach exponentially more kids and give them a better chance.
Cynthia Fishbeck
Team Member
I am a UX Designer and Strategic Advisor who is passionate about helping people and products to create meaningful connections. I have a background as an educator in elementary education. Currently, I am a UX Designer at an EdTech company. I truly believe that creating an impactful educational experience takes a village and I am happy to be a part of it in digital form where we create a positive change in children, families, and educators. I love looking at the problem space and collaborating with my team on how we learn, support, and deliver to ensure our users have the best user experience.
The American Youth Literacy Foundation, 501(c)(3), dba FUNetix, is a nationwide, charitable non-profit dedicated to bringing literacy to every child before they reach the end of 3rd grade. Contact: info@funetix.org. EIN 26-3211521. 21 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA 19426, (484)744-9742